Europa League: Are Underdogs Finally Having Their Day?

The Europa League has long been seen as a consolation prize for teams who have failed to qualify for the more prestigious Champions League. But in recent years, the competition has become increasingly competitive, with teams from outside the traditional powerhouses of European football making deep runs into the tournament.
This season, several underdogs have surprised the oddsmakers by performing well in the Europa League. Sheriff Tiraspol, a team from the tiny country of Moldova, shocked the world by defeating Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the group stage. Union Berlin, a newly promoted team from Germany, has also impressed, reaching the knockout rounds.
These results suggest that the gap between the top teams and the rest of Europe is narrowing. This is due in part to the financial fair play regulations that have been implemented by UEFA. These regulations have prevented the wealthiest clubs from stockpiling the best players, which has given other teams a chance to compete.
The rise of underdogs in the Europa League is a welcome development for the competition. It makes the tournament more unpredictable and exciting, and it gives fans a chance to cheer for teams that they wouldn't normally see on the big stage.
Here are a few of the most surprising results from this season's Europa League:
* Sheriff Tiraspol 2-1 Real Madrid
* Union Berlin 3-0 Braga
* Feyenoord 3-1 Dynamo Kiev
* Rangers 3-1 Borussia Dortmund
These results show that the Europa League is no longer a competition for also-rans. It is now a tournament that anyone can win.