Europa League draw: In the standout tie of the round, fallen giants Barcelona will face Napoli in the Europa League knockout round play-off stage after the Catalan giants crashed out in the Champions League group stage for the first time since the 2000-01 season. Follow Europa League Live updates on InsideSport.IN
Barca under Xavi Hernandez will continue their European campaign in the second-tier competition, with the winner of their tie with Napoli advancing to the last 16 in the revamped format.
UEFA Europa League draw: Barcelona vs Napoli biggest tie, Borussia Dortmund to face Rangers, check details
The draw for the play-off round, introduced this season as part of a slimmed-down Europa League format, includes the eight runners-up from the group stage and the eight third-placed teams from the Champions League.
Knockout round play-off draw ✅
🤩 Which game are you looking forward to most? #UELdraw | #UEL pic.twitter.com/J7q7sJDiCs
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 13, 2021
Borussia Dortmund were paired together with Rangers in Monday’s draw, while record six-time winners Sevilla take on Dinamo Zagreb.
UEFA Europa League draw: Barcelona vs Napoli biggest tie, Borussia Dortmund to face Rangers, check details
Porto will play Lazio and RB Leipzig were drawn alongside Real Sociedad. The first legs will take place on February 17 and the return matches on February 24.
The eight Europa League group winners qualified directly for the round of 16. West Ham United, Monaco, Lyon and Bayer Leverkusen are among those teams.
“I’d say that our glass is completely full: Barcelona v Napoli and then Napoli v Barcelona will be two great matches at Champions League level!” tweeted Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
UEFA Europa League draw: Barcelona vs Napoli biggest tie, Borussia Dortmund to face Rangers, check details
Napoli and Barca met in the last 16 of the 2019-20 Champions League, with Barca advancing 4-2 on aggregate.
The away goals rule has been removed from this season’s European competitions, so ties level after 180 minutes will go to extra time, and then penalties if needed.
Complete draw:
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
UEFA Europa League draw: Barcelona vs Napoli biggest tie, Borussia Dortmund to face Rangers, check details
