After three matchdays in the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League league phase, a tight group of sides occupy positions 9–24, the knockout phase play-off range, with points clustered between 3 and 7. Sunderland, AZ Alkmaar, Omonia, Lyon, Rennes, Real Sociedad, Crystal Palace, Sparta Praha, Levski Sofia, Dinamo Zagreb, Sturm Graz, NEC Nijmegen, Salzburg, Anderlecht, Hoffenheim and AC Milan sit in this zone following mixed results against varied opposition. Goal difference and head-to-head records serve as primary tiebreakers, while upcoming Matchday 4 fixtures on 4–5 November—including AZ Alkmaar versus Juventus, Crystal Palace versus Hoffenheim and Milan versus Ferencváros—will shape momentum. Squad rotation, travel demands and domestic form across the remaining five matchdays continue to influence outcomes in this 36-team single-table format.