The draws for the next stage of the Europa League has been made with the qualified sides having learned their opponents for the next round.
The format for the Europa League has been changed for the current campaign, with the introduction of a play-off knock-out round for 16 clubs to navigate before the official round of 16.
The eight clubs who finished third in the Champions League’s group stages will meet the eight runners-up from the Europa League’s group stage over two-legged encounters. The winners of those teams will progress to the last 16 where the Europa League group winners – including West Ham United – await.
Barcelona’s first Europa League campaign in almost two decades will see the Catalans face Napoli in a fascinating tie, whilst Scottish champions Rangers’ reward for group stage progress is a glamour tie with Borussia Dortmund.
Elsewhere, record six-time winners Sevilla face Dinamo Zagreb with the final scheduled to take place at the club’s Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium. Porto, winners of the UEFA Cup in 2003 under Jose Mourinho, face Lazio in another appealing match-up.
Europa League play-off draw in full:
Sevilla v Dinamo Zagreb
Atalanta v Olympiacos
RB Leipzig v Real Sociedad
Barcelona v Napoli
Zenit St Petersburg v Real Betis
Borussia Dortmund v Rangers
Sheriff v Braga
Porto v Lazio
