The UEFA Europa League Round of 16 ends, with the group winners facing those who came out of the play-offs. Presentation of posters.
After that ?
The winners of each eighth participate in the draw quarter-finals draw scheduled for Friday, March 18. The draws for the semi-finals will also be made and, for procedural reasons, for the final, which will take place in Seville at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium on May 25.
Red Star – Rangers (go 0-3)
There is a scent reminiscent the journey leading to the UEFA Cup final in 2008 on the side of the Scottish players. But no one wants to project themselves too much after the first leg. There is no false modesty in the words of coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst explaining that it was really a difficult game, because beyond the score, it should be remembered that the Serbs had three goals disallowed at Ibrox . In other words, anything is possible.
Did you know ?
The Red Star had beaten the Rangers 3-0 at home last year of their European Cup victory in 1990/91.
Monaco – Braga (0-2)
With the departure of co-top scorer of the event, Galeno last January, Monaco could approach their duel with confidence, especially since the club from the Principality managed to silence Ricardo Horta in the first leg. Unfortunately for them, the Portuguese have found the solution: Abel Ruiz and Vitor Oliveira shook the net and Monaco now find themselves having to come back from a two-goal deficit.
Did you know ?
Braga have lost eight of their last eleven games in the Europa League knockout stage (3 wins).
Leverkusen – Atalanta (2-3)
“The second goal is very important,” Gerardo Seoane said of Moussa Diaby’s goal. Leverkusen have thus limited the extent of their defeat in Italy and will only need a goal to return to the height of an Atalanta which dominated long periods in the first leg, the double of Luis Muriel underlining its great offensive potential. If Leverkusen exposes himself too much, Atalanta will know how to make him pay.
Did you know ?
Atalanta scored in their eleven European trips, winning in particular in Liverpool and on the field of Ajax.
Galatasaray – Barcelona (0-0)
Galatasaray brought some European light to combat the domestic gloom hanging over the club, sticking to their game plan and scoring their opponents. Can they repeat the feat in front of their own supporters? Barcelona are unlikely to make the same mistakes twice and the return of in-form Sergio Busquets and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could allow the Catalans to repeat the previous round’s performance against Napoli. If they succeed, they will be difficult to control.
Did you know ?
Galatasaray coach Domènec Torrent was part of Barça’s coaching staff between 2007 and 2012 before following Josep Guardiola to Bayern and Manchester City and then starting a number 1 career in 2018.
Lyon – Porto (1-0)
The first leg was tight, “in France, it will be different”, promised Sérgio Conceição, Porto coach. Olympique Lyonnais have a narrow lead and will have to be wary of Galeno, co-top scorer in the Europa League, who was already formidable when he entered the game in the first leg, and will no doubt want to continue his distance duel with Karl Toko-Ekambi who occupies this position with him.
Did you know ?
Porto have qualified in the two previous encounters between the two sides: the 1964/65 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and the 2003/04 UEFA Champions League. But in both cases, the Dragons had won at home.
West Ham – Sevilla (0-1)
Sevilla’s experience in the face of West Ham’s inexperience can be summed up by two players: on the one hand Jesús Navas, 36, a symbol of the calm and serenity released by the Spanish club; on the other Declan Rice, 23, who embodies the spirit and determination of the Hammers. A goal separates the two players and the two teams, it remains to be seen whether the master or the apprentice in the Europa League will qualify for the quarter-finals.
Did you know ?
Sevilla are undefeated in their previous eight matches against an English club in C3 (W6 D2).
Eintracht Frankfurt – Real Betis (2-1)
“Everything is open,” Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo said after the first leg, and he should know that. Bravo made a string of high-quality saves in the second half, fending off Rafael Borré three times, including from the penalty spot, to keep Betis in the running. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, this means “an extra life” for Manuel Pellegrini’s men. It’s up to them to find enough energy to seize their chance.
Did you know ?
Daichi Kamada scored his tenth Europa League goal in 17 appearances, equaling his tally in 87 Bundesliga appearances.
No rule regarding away goals
On the recommendation of the UEFA Club Competitions Committee and the UEFA Women’s Football Committee, the UEFA Executive Committee in June approved a proposal to abolish the so-called away goals rule in all UEFA club competitions.
Therefore, in the event of a tie, away goals are no longer taken into account to determine the qualified team. This measure is replaced by an extension of twice fifteen minutes and, if necessary, a penalty shootout.