The draw for the last 16 in the UEFA Europa League has thrown up some interesting clashes, with Manchester United paired with Real Sociedad and Tottenham coming up against Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar.
Rangers face a tough two-legged tie against Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce next month, with all three British clubs hosting the second leg.
United, who will be desperate to go deep into the competition, face a tough test against Real Sociedad. Their tie winner will face either FCSB or Lyon in the quarters.
Tottenham’s route could result in a repeat of the memorable 2019 Champions League semi-final across two legs against the Dutch side Ajax, if they get past AZ Alkmaar and the Dutch heavyweights get the better of Eintracht Frankfurt.
Roma play Athletic Club in another headline match with Viktoria Plzen taking on Lazio. The big surprise from Norway, Bodo/Glimt, will face Olympiakos.
Ruben Amorim, the Sporting CP manager, hasn’t put a foot wrong in this season’s Europa League, winning each of his side’s four group-stage games to date. His side will seek to carry that form into the knockout stages.
The first legs will be played on March 7 while the return games will be played on March 14.
Europa League Last 16 Draw:
- Bodo/Glimt vs. Olympiakos
- Fenerbahce vs. Rangers
- Ajax vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
- FCSB vs. Lyon
- AZ Alkmaar vs. Tottenham
- Real Sociedad vs Manchester United
- Viktoria Plzen vs. Lazio
- Roma vs. Athletic Club
