Europa League: Manchester United fly back to Spain, Arsenal confront Sporting Lisbon in the round of 16

Arsenal will take on Sporting Lisbon in the round of 16 in the Europa League, while Manchester United is paired with Real Betis. The gunners, who proceeded to this stage as group winners, will face the Portuguese side over two legs on March 9th and March 16th. 

Manchester United flew back to Spain; Arsenal face Sporting Lisbon in the round of 16

This is going to be an interesting watch: how Mikel Arteta places on the competition provided his side’s standing at the Premiere League championship race and the extensive Thursday-Sunday schedule it may require to win it. 

But they take on the opposition who aren’t strangers to North London this season, as Sporting was present in Tottenham’s Champions League Group before Christmas.

They defeated Spurs 2-0 in Lisbon and tied 1-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium but concluded third in the group and lived into the Europa League Playoffs, where they had a comfortable win against Midtjylland. 

Manchester United’s gift after winning their high-anticipated clash against Barcelona in the playoffs is more Spanish opponents after being paired with the Betis. United has had troubles against Spanish opponents in Europe in recent years. However, their staggering victory against Barcelona makes them eligible to beat in the tournament they emerged champions in 2017. 

Betis are fifth in the La Liga points table

In the La Liga points table, Betis are fifth and wrapped up as the group winners ahead of Roma. Jose Mourinho’s side takes on Real Sociedad whereas Juventus confront Freiburg, and six-time winner Sevilla is paired with Fenerbahce. 

On the other hand, it’s the union battle, and Berlin confronts Belgian side Saint-Gilloise, Bayer Leverkusen takes in Ferencvaros, and Shakhtar Donetsk is paired against Feyenoord.

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