December 13, (THEWILL) – Barcelona will begin their Europa League campaign in the elimination stage against Napoli. Barca will face Luciano Spalletti’s team in the second tier of European competition for the first time since the 2003/2004 season, as Xavi attempts to win continental silverware this season.
In other draws, Borussia Dortmund, who are presently second in the Bundesliga table, will meet Scottish Premiership champions Rangers.
Meanwhile, Sevilla, six-time Europa champions, will face Dinamo Zagreb, last season’s quarter-finalists and Olympiacos will face Atalanta. Real Sociedad will face RB Leipzig, who reached the Europa League quarter-finals last season.
The opening legs of the play-off ties will take place on February 17, followed by the second legs on February 24. The Europa League final will be held in Seville on May 18.
UEFA Europa League Play-off Draw In Full
Sevilla vs Dinamo Zagreb
Atalanta vs Olympiacos
RB Leipzig vs Real Sociedad
Barcelona vs Napoli
Zenit Saint Petersburg vs Real Betis
Borussia Dortmund vs Glasgow Rangers
Sheriff Tiraspol vs Braga
Porto vs Lazio
For the first time, teams that place third in their Europa League groups will have their European seasons extended. One of the eight teams that finished second in the Europa Conference League group stage will meet one of the eight teams who finished third in the group round.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
