After a controversial Champions League draw, it was the turn of UEFA Europa League to reveal its own arsenal of eagerly anticipated high-profile matches.
Knockout round play-off draw ✅
? Which game are you looking forward to most? #UELdraw | #UEL pic.twitter.com/J7q7sJDiCs
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 13, 2021
The Europa League has three teams from Italy, who have been handed mouthwatering clashes against some of Europe’s most exciting teams.
Napoli squeezed past Leicester City with a 3-2 victory to make it through Group C behind Spartak Moscow, albeit with 10 points each.
?? Barcelona vs Napoli ??#UELdraw | #UEL pic.twitter.com/vDfLUJtcKa
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 13, 2021
However, Atalanta had to deal with contrasting fortunes in the Champions League, as they succumbed to a 3-2 loss at the hands of Villareal at the Gewiss Stadium and came third in their Group F.
?? Atalanta vs Olympiacos ??#UELdraw | #UEL pic.twitter.com/IMccAoLq47
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 13, 2021
Lazio had already qualified for the Round of 16 and came second in their Group E standings, behind unbeaten Galatasaray.
?? Porto vs Lazio ??#UELdraw | #UEL pic.twitter.com/1NIqb84FtQ
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 13, 2021
Napoli have been handed a rendezvous with Barcelona, whereas Atalanta face Greek champions Olympiacos and Lazio meet Portuguese giants Porto.
Match 1 – Sevilla vs Dinamo Zagreb
Match 2 – Atalanta vs Olympiacos
Match 3 – RB Leipzig vs Real Sociedad
Match 4 – Barcelona vs Napoli
Match 5 – Zenit St. Petersburg vs Real Betis
Match 6 – Borussia Dortmund vs Rangers FC
Match 7 – Sheriff Tiraspol vs SC Braga
Match 8 – FC Porto vs Lazio