Bro., listen; the Europa League is no more small sister event. It has evolved from that consolation prise for missing the Champions League to a true carnage. We had AC Milan, Liverpool, even Roma grinding it last season. It's now a must-watch; but, now it's more about strategies and who can last ninety minutes plus extra time. Remember that an absolute underdog won the whole thing once. That was a proof the Europa League has raised, not luck, guy. UEFA has been clever about it, allowing the lesser teams the opportunity to battle toe-to-toe with the big guys and overcome their weight. It keeps things interesting and is good for the game. Who does not enjoy a good upset, really?
The European League increases in competition, we can enjoy the competition in this European League plus the presence of big teams who have to be here because they cannot compete in the Champions League or previously they failed to get tickets to go to the Champions League. When they were in the Champions League they became the favorite team because they were considered a better team than the teams that were used to being here, even though in the end they failed too.
But on the other hand, I don't see the motivation of the favorite team, one of which is maybe they are used to being in the Champions League and they are more concerned with the Champions League. I don't know if this is just my feeling or they really don't have the motivation for it. What is clear is that I see them as lacking enthusiasm and that is what makes them lose and be eliminated by a team that is no more favored than them.