MANCHESTER United and Arsenal have been presented with tough tests in the UEFA Europa League round of 16, with the English clubs drawn to face Real Betis and Sporting Lisbon respectively.
The draw was held in Nyon, Switzerland today, with the winners of the ties advancing to the quarter-finals of the competition.
United will be up against Spanish opposition for the third straight round after being in the same pool with Real Sociedad in the group stages and battling Barcelona in the play-offs.
Erik ten Hag’s side lost at home and won away against Sociedad to finish second in their group, before beating La Liga leaders Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate to earn a round of 16 ticket.
Premier League leaders Arsenal won their group and avoided the play-offs before being drawn against the Portuguese side who dropped down from the UEFA Champions League.
Six-time winners of the competition Sevilla will meet unbeaten Fenerbahçe in the round of 16, while Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma go head-to-head with Real Sociedad.
The first legs of the ties will be played on March 9, with the return fixtures one week later.
EUROPA LEAGUE ROUND OF 16 PAIRINGS
Union Berlin vs Union Saint-Gilloise
Sevilla vs Fenerbahçe
Juventus vs Freiburg
Leverkusen vs Ferencváros
Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal
Manchester United vs Real Betis
Roma vs Real Sociedad
Shakhtar vs Feyenoord
