World of Sport Reporter: @worldofsport
The draw for the Europa Cup has taken place and a couple of interesting ties have been drawn. The Champions League 3rd place teams have joined the Europa Cup.
Glasgow Celtic, who were hammered by Bayern and PSG in the Champions League, have been drawn against Zenit St Petersburg, and will fancy their chances of progressing. However, Zenit, now under the leadership of Roberto Mancini will also fancy their chances. They beat Celtic’s hated rivals in the UEFA Cup final in 2008.
The famous trophy they all hope to win
Arsenal will also fancy their chances of going through after they were drawn to face Swedish club FK Ostersunds. The Swedes are managed by Englishman: Graham Potter, who has done a remarkable job at the Swedish minnows. Since he became manager, they have risen from the fourth division to the top flight in six years.
Interestingly, the club was only formed in October 1996, which is the same month Arsene Wenger became Arsenal manager. The Gunners have never lost a European match against Swedish opposition, and don’t expect to start now. Either way it will be a money spinner for the Swedish minnows.
Meanwhile, 2010 winners Atletico Madrid will play FC Copenhagen, Napoli face RB Leipzig and German club Borussia Dortmund play Italian side Atalanta, who beat Everton twice in the group stage.
Europa League last-32 draw
- Borussia Dortmund v Atalanta
- Nice v Lokomotiv Moscow
- FC Copenhagen v Atletico Madrid
- Spartak Moscow v Athletic Bilbao
- AEK Athens v Dynamo Kiev
- Celtic v Zenit St Petersburg
- Napoli v RB Leipzig
- Red Star Belgrade v CSKA Moscow
- Lyon v Villarreal
- Real Sociedad v Red Bull Salzburg
- Partizan Belgrade v Viktoria Plzen
- Steaua Bucharest v Lazio
- Ludogorets v AC Milan
- Astana v Sporting Lisbon
- FK Ostersunds v Arsenal
- Marseille v Braga
Photo/Link Sources:
www.skysports.com
www.uefa.com
www.bbc.co.uk
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What do you buy the golfer who has everything? A short game!
Who do you see as the winners of Europe League? A perfect draw for Arsenal and Atletico.
I think Arsenal and Atletico will be favourites. It would be a great final. AC Milan and DOrtmund are also in with a big shout.
It's a pity the Europa Cup has lost it's shine a lot. It used to be a top trophy to win and all clubs really went for it. UEFA need to make the winners cheque much bigger.
Milan need this badly