UEL Knockout Draw: Barcelona take on Napoli, Borussia Dortmund face Rangers
Barcelona after tumbling out of the Champions League at the group stage for the first time in 21, have been paired against Napoli in the knock out round draw.
The draw indicates things are not about to get any easier for Xavi’s side in Europe after drawing Napoli.
Luciano Spalletti has his team in the Serie A title hunt this season after going six matches when the season started.
Borussia Dortmund were enough side to suffer a surprisingly early exit from Europe’s elite club competition, and they must now navigate a route past Rangers – with Ibrox sure to be rocking when Erling Haaland and Co pay a visit to Glasgow.
Sevilla, with six previous successes to their name, will be a dangerous opponent for any rival, as they seek to make a final in their home stadium, and are readying themselves for battle with Dinamo Zagreb.
Local rivals Real Betis are also looking to chase down silverware on Andalusian soil, but Zenit now block their path to the last 16.
Porto versus Lazio is another meeting between two sides with rich histories in continental competition, while Sheriff have already won plenty of admirers this season – with the Moldovans claiming the notable scalp of Real Madrid back in September – and will want to impress again when locking horns with Portuguese foes Braga.
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All ties will be played over two legs, with the first of those taking place on February 17, 2022.
Return dates will be held a week later on February 24.
The victors will join the eight Europa League group winners in the last 16, while the losers exit European competition entirely.
All of those still gunning for glory and hoping to make their way to the final at Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville on May 18.
Europa League knockout round play-off draw in full
Sevilla vs Dinamo Zagreb
Atalanta vs Olympiacos
RB Leipzig vs Real Sociedad
Barcelona vs Napoli
Zenit vs Real Betis
Borussia Dortmund vs Rangers
Sheriff vs Braga
Porto vs Lazio
