On Friday, the draw for the Europa League – UEFA second-tier club competition – was held. With only 16 teams remaining in the competition, the draw gave us eight clashes – some more exciting than others.
Manchester United, who stand a great chance of winning the title, were paired against Russian side Rostov. The Red Devils, who will play in the League Cup final this weekend, face a congested two weeks due to this fixture.
Jose Mourinho’s boys will take on Bournemouth on March 4, travel to Rostov on the 9th, then head to London to face Chelsea. After the Stamford Bridge affair, Manchester United will play two games in the span of four days – one being the return leg vs. their Europa League opponent.
5: FC Rostov will become the 5th Russian team to play @ManUtd (after Torpedo Moscow, Rotor Volgograd, Zenit and CSKA Moscow).
— Utd Facts (@UtdIndex) February 24, 2017
But that isn’t the only intriguing Europa League round of 16 clash. Lyon, fourth in Ligue 1, were paired against Serie A’s second-placed team Roma.
There will be an exciting all-Bundesliga affair when Schalke host Borussia Monchengladbach in what will definitely be a heated affair. Krasnodar, who knocked out Fenerbahce, will face Spain’s Celta Vigo.