The UEFA Europa League last 16 draw has delivered some thrilling matchups, setting the stage for an intense battle as teams vie for a spot in the quarter-finals. Manchester United will take on Spanish side Real Sociedad, while Tottenham Hotspur face Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar. Meanwhile, Rangers will lock horns with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in what promises to be a tough contest.
Manchester United vs Real Sociedad
Manchester United, who have had a mixed season so far, will go up against Real Sociedad, a side known for their tactical discipline and attacking prowess. amorim’s men will need to be at their best to overcome the Spanish club. Should they advance, United will meet either Romanian league leaders FCSB or French side Lyon in the quarter-finals.
Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar
Tottenham Hotspur have been enjoying a strong run in Europe and will face a tricky tie against AZ Alkmaar. The Dutch club has consistently performed well in European competitions and will look to cause an upset. If Spurs manage to get past AZ, they will face the winner of Eintracht Frankfurt vs Ajax in the quarter-finals.
Rangers vs Fenerbahce
Rangers, one of Scotland’s top clubs, have been drawn against Turkish giants Fenerbahce, managed by the experienced Jose Mourinho. This clash will test Rangers’ ability to handle high-pressure games. If they progress, they will meet either Roma or Athletic Bilbao in the next round.
Potential All-Premier League Final?
With Manchester United and Tottenham on opposite halves of the draw, there is a possibility of an all-Premier League final in Bilbao on May 21. Such a scenario would be crucial for English football, as the winner of the Europa League earns a direct spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Full Europa League Last-16 Draw (Kenyan Time)
- Bodo/Glimt vs Olympiakos – First leg: 6 March (11:00 PM), Second leg: 13 March (8:45 PM)
- Fenerbahce vs Rangers – First leg: 6 March (8:45 PM), Second leg: 13 March (11:00 PM)
- Ajax vs Eintracht Frankfurt – First leg: 6 March (11:00 PM), Second leg: 13 March (8:45 PM)
- FCSB vs Lyon – First leg: 6 March (8:45 PM), Second leg: 13 March (11:00 PM)
- AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham – First leg: 6 March (8:45 PM), Second leg: 13 March (11:00 PM)
- Real Sociedad vs Manchester United – First leg: 6 March (8:45 PM), Second leg: 13 March (11:00 PM)
- Viktoria Plzen vs Lazio – First leg: 6 March (11:00 PM), Second leg: 13 March (8:45 PM)
- Roma vs Athletic Bilbao – First leg: 6 March (11:00 PM), Second leg: 13 March (8:45 PM)
With so many exciting fixtures lined up, the race for European glory is heating up. Fans worldwide will be eager to see which teams will advance to the quarter-finals and take one step closer to lifting the coveted Europa League trophy.
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