UEFA Europa League draw: Man Utd, Spurs confirm opponents for round of 16
The UEFA Europa League round of 16 draw has set up compelling matchups as clubs battle for a place in the quarter-finals.
Manchester United will once again face a Spanish side, this time in the shape of Real Sociedad in a rematch of past European encounters.
Roma will take on Athletic Club in a heavyweight tie.
Elsewhere, Tottenham travel to the Netherlands to face AZ Alkmaar, and Ajax square off against Frankfurt in a clash of former European champions.
Scottish giants Rangers will meet Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahçe, in what is sure to be a firecracker.
Lazio take on Viktoria Plzeň in a tricky away fixture while Olympiacos and Bodø/Glimt will fight for a place in the last eight, and Lyon face a stern test against FCSB.
Europa League Round of 16 Draw: Full Fixtures
- Viktoria Plzeň vs. Lazio – The Italian side faces a tough away challenge.
- Bodø/Glimt vs. Olympiacos – A battle between two sides eager to make a deep run.
- Ajax vs. Frankfurt – A meeting of former European champions.
- AZ Alkmaar vs. Tottenham – Spurs eye a strong performance against Dutch opposition.
- Real Sociedad vs. Manchester United – A familiar European clash with big stakes.
- FCSB vs. Lyon – The French side faces a tricky trip to Romania.
- Fenerbahçe vs. Rangers – A fiery encounter between two passionate fanbases.
- Roma vs. Athletic Club – Italian side meets the Basque outfit in a heavyweight tie.
These fixtures promise high-stakes drama, tactical battles, and unforgettable moments as teams fight for a spot in the quarter-finals.
How the Round of 16 Draw Works
Teams are paired based on league rankings (1&2, 3&4, 5&6, 7&8). Each pair is drawn into a position to face a knockout phase play-off winner.
Four bowls contain the seeded teams, with draws determining their bracket side. The process starts with teams ranked 7/8 and finishes with 1/2.
The first drawn team is placed on the silver side, and its paired team goes to the blue side. Seeded teams generally play the return leg at home.