french Clubs Face Portuguese Challenges in Europa League Knockout Stage
The Europa League knockout stage draw, held in Nyon, Switzerland on February 25th, 2022, set the stage for an intriguing clash between French and Portuguese clubs. Olympique Lyonnais will face off against FC Porto, while AS Monaco will take on Sporting Braga.
Both Lyon and Monaco topped their respective groups (A and B) during the group stage, securing their spots in the round of 16.they now face formidable opponents from Portugal, a nation with a rich history in European football.
Lyon, currently sitting in 8th place in Ligue 1, will encounter a familiar foe in Porto, a two-time Champions League winner (1987 and 2004) and two-time Europa League champion (2003 and 2011). This matchup evokes memories of their previous encounter in the Champions League quarter-finals,where Porto,then managed by José Mourinho,eliminated Lyon.
Adding to the excitement, the tie will feature a duel between the competition’s leading scorers: Lyon’s Karl Toko-Ekambi and porto’s Galeno, both with six goals to their name. The first leg will be held in Portugal, followed by the return leg at Lyon’s home ground.
Monaco,currently in 6th place in Ligue 1,will face Sporting Braga,the 2011 Europa League runners-up.While Monaco are considered favorites on paper, they must remain cautious, as the previous round demonstrated the potential for upsets.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona, fresh off a convincing 4-2 victory over Napoli in the previous round, enters the knockout stage as a strong contender for the title. For a club undergoing reconstruction but with a legacy of European success, the Europa League represents a significant possibility, especially considering that winning the competition guarantees a spot in the next Champions League. Barcelona will face Turkish side Galatasaray in the round of 16.Sevilla FC, the most decorated club in Europa League history with six titles, will take on West ham United.
In the Europa Conference League, Olympique de Marseille will face FC Basel, while Stade Rennais will challenge Leicester City.
Europa League Round of 16 Fixtures:
(First legs on March 10, return legs on March 17)
Atalanta vs. Bayer Leverkusen
FC Barcelona vs. Galatasaray
Betis Sevilla vs. Eintracht frankfurt
Sporting Braga vs. AS Monaco
RB Leipzig vs. Spartak Moscow
FC Porto vs. Olympique Lyonnais
Glasgow Rangers vs. Red Star belgrade
Sevilla FC vs. West Ham United
Europa Conference League Round of 16 Fixtures:
(First legs on March 10, return legs on March 17)
Olympique de Marseille vs. FC Basel
Leicester vs.Stade Rennes
PAOK Salonika vs. La Gantoise
Speed Arnhem vs. AS Roma
PSV Eindhoven vs. FC Copenhagen
Slavia Prague vs. Linzer ASK
FK Bodo vs. AZ Alkmaar
Partizan Belgrade vs. Feyenoord Rotterdam
Welcome back, fans, to another thrilling round of the UEFA Europa League!
As we gear up for the next stage of the competition, the spotlight shines brightly on a engaging clash brewing between French and Portuguese sides.
Based on the current standings and upcoming fixtures [[2]], [[3]], several French clubs are set to face formidable opponents from Portugal.
While specific matchups aren’t detailed in the provided facts, the past rivalry and tactical nuances between these nations promise high-stakes battles on the pitch.
French clubs are known for their attacking flair and technical prowess, while their Portuguese counterparts often bring a defensively resolute and counter-attacking style.This clash of styles will undoubtedly make for captivating contests and could have significant implications for the groups’ final standings [[3]].
Let’s delve deeper into the individual matchups as the draw unfolds on August 30th [[1]]. Until then, let the anticipation build as we brace ourselves for what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the Europa League narrative.
