Manchester United will square off against Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 16, while Tottenham Hotspur have been drawn against AZ Alkmaar, and Rangers will go head-to-head with Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
The first-leg fixtures are set for March 6, with the return matches scheduled for March 13.
United and Tottenham are on opposite sides of the draw, meaning they can only cross paths in the final.
However, the Red Devils could face Rangers in the semi-finals or even be reunited with their former manager, Mourinho, if their paths align.
Manchester United’s Journey in the Competition
United completed the league phase unbeaten, securing third place, while their upcoming opponents, Real Sociedad, advanced after a dominant 7-3 aggregate victory over Midtjylland.
Tottenham’s Path to the Last 16
Spurs have already locked horns with AZ Alkmaar in the competition, edging out a 1-0 win on their way to finishing fourth in the league phase. AZ Alkmaar, on the other hand, booked their spot in the last 16 after a commanding 6-3 aggregate triumph over Galatasaray.
Rangers’ Challenge Against Fenerbahce
Rangers narrowly secured automatic qualification and now prepare to take on Fenerbahce.
The Turkish side finished 24th in the league phase and had to fight their way through the knockout play-offs, eliminating Anderlecht 5-2 on aggregate.
Complete Last-16 Draw:
Bodo/Glimt vs Olympiacos
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 Bilbao
Possible Routes to the Final
Manchester United:
Last 16: Real Sociedad
Quarter-final: Lyon or FCSB
Semi-final: Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma, or Athletic Bilbao
Final: Viktoria Plzen, Lazio, Olympiakos, Bodo/Glimt, Frankfurt, Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, or Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur:
Last 16: AZ Alkmaar
Quarter-final: Ajax or Frankfurt
Semi-final: Viktoria Plzen, Lazio, Olympiakos, or Bodo/Glimt
Final: Real Sociedad, Man Utd, FCSB, Lyon, Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma, or Athletic Bilbao
Rangers:
Last 16: Fenerbahce
Quarter-final: Athletic Bilbao or Roma
Semi-final: Real Sociedad, Man Utd, FCSB, or Lyon
Final: Viktoria Plzen, Lazio, Olympiakos, Bodo/Glimt, Frankfurt, Ajax, AZ Alkmaar, or Tottenham
Europa League Knockout Schedule
Round of 16: First legs on March 6, second legs on March 13
Quarter-finals: First legs on April 10, second legs on April 17
Semi-finals: First legs on May 1, second legs on May 8
Final: May 21 at the Estadio de San Mames in Bilbao, Spain
With an intriguing last-16 lineup, fans can look forward to some thrilling encounters as the competition progresses.
