It's certainly proving its critics wrong isn't it? Just as people were queuing up to take pot shots at the Champions League's little brother, it has served up some great moments and arguably silenced the doubters (for now).

The way some people talked about the Europa League, it seemed like it was the footballing equivalent of Paul Terry, whilst the Champions League was being lauded like his brother John. One a premier competition for the cream of the footballing crop, the other akin to a kickaround in the park with all the less talented kids from the area.

I for one would argue that the Europa League has been more exciting this season, especially for fans here in England. It seems obvious to say this, given there are three English teams still left in the competition, but how many of us still watch the Champions League even when the English teams are not in it? The Europa League has been the more competitive this year, with sides engaging in goal-encrusted battles of grit and flair. Spurs tussle with Basle was certainly more thrilling than Real Madrid's trouncing of Galatasaray, and Chelsea's insistence on making things harder for themselves makes for much more compelling viewing than a comprehensive Bayern win over Juventus.

And don't ever say that this competition doesn't mean anything to the players, coaches and fans: André Villas-Boas loves the competition and refuses to send a weakened team out in it, whilst if you talk to any supporter of Fulham or Middlesbrough, chances are they will get all dewy-eyed thinking about their outstanding and unprobable runs to the final of the competition.

The worry is that with a prize so close to so many teams, matches will start to become cagey and we, the fans, will suffer for it. For the good of the Europa League this season and in the future, this can't happen. The Champions League semi-finals and final will undoubtedly be great exhibitions of football; the prospect of Madrid and Barça meeting each other in the competition again is mouth-watering, whilst Bayern and Dortmund play a game of intense and breathtaking thrusting and counter-attacking. If the Europa League is to continue its renaissance this season, it is imperative we have some more of the same.

UEFA have their part to play in keeping the competition relevant as well. For all the teams involved in it have done this season, an incentive to win the cup would certainly spice things up a bit. A Champions League spot for the runner-up would have teams clambering over each other to secure the trophy. Another criticism is the bloated number of entrants that contest the competition each year; 64 just seems too much, and surely a more thorough qualifying process would be better instead.

So for now, maybe just hold your criticism on the Europa League. Admit it. This year, it has been better than you thought.

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