Manchester United have been paired with Spanish outfit Real Sociedad while Tottenham Hotspur were drawn against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar for the Europa League round of 16.
The two Premier League giants are among the favourites to win Europe’s second-tier club competition, but finished behind both Lazio (first) and Athletic Club (second) in the tournament’s inaugural league phase table. The side from Italy’s capital take on Viktoria Plzen while Athletic – whose stadium will host this season’s final – have been dealt a tricky draw against Roma.
Scottish side Rangers face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in one of the more intriguing last-16 matchups.
(First legs listed below)
(First legs listed below)
(First legs listed below)
The likes of Manchester United and Tottenham have not competed in the Europa League since the end of January after finishing in the top eight of league phase to progress automatically through to the round of 16.
The first round of proper knockout ties gets underway on Thursday 6 March before the return fixture one week later on 13 March. United have the daunting prospect of a Premier League clash against Arsenal sandwiched between those European fixtures while Tottenham take on in-form Bournemouth.