The draw for the UEFA Europa League round of 16 was made at 11:00 GMT on Friday, February 23, in Nyon, Switzerland.
Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool, and West Ham fans will be happy with their draws, facing Roma, Sparta Prague, and Freiburg, respectively.
Take a look at the reaction to the draw from fans of the three English teams still involved.
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Brighton fan reaction to Roma draw: “Beautiful 😍”, “Let's go Seagulls”
The tie will be Brighton’s first ever European knockout match, and what a draw it is, something TNT Sports broadcaster Jules Breach was quick to pick up on.
Brighton’s first ever European knockout tie is against ROMA 🔥🤩#UEL #bhafc
— Jules Breach (@julesbreach) February 23, 2024
Meanwhile Seagulls fans were similarly impressed. Over on X.com (formerly Twitter), Will_BHA said “oh that is beautiful”, while ThumbDeZerbi said “Let's go seagulls” and user BHAFC_EJS also showed his joy through a series of heart-eyed emojis.
oh that is beautiful 😍
— Will (@Will_BHA) February 23, 2024
Let's go seagulls!!!!!
— De Zerbi's Thumb (@ThumbDeZerbi) February 23, 2024
YESSSSSSS 😍😍😍
— 🇦🇷👑 (@BHAFC_EJS) February 23, 2024
Liverpool fans underwhelmed by Czech opposition: “Is that it?”
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans face the prospect of an away trip to the Czech Republic as they face Sparta Prague.
The reaction to the draw from Liverpool fans was mixed, particularly with the club’s growing injury list, while they are still competing in four different competitions.
@SeanDOlfc said: “Is that it? Let Spearing bring his 23s over there.”
Is that it? Let Spearing bring his 23s over there https://t.co/lHWDZ8kjFP
— Sean (@SeanDOlfc) February 23, 2024
“Been there, done that”: Hammers set to face Freiburg in repeat of group stage
The Hammers will visit a familiar ground in the round of 16 as they drew Freiburg, who they have already beaten twice in the group stage.
Although there will be a feeling that a quarter-final spot is within reach, some West Ham fans were frustrated with the draw.
@JBWHUØ2 said: “Been there, done that,” while @Matthew_Ware_II reflected: “After we play the two legs, 50% of our games in the EL this season will have been against SC Freiburg.
Europa League round of 16 draw in full
- Sparta Prague vs Liverpool
- Olympique Marseille vs Villarreal
- AS Roma vs Brighton
- Benfica vs Rangers
- Freiburg vs West Ham United
- Sporting Club Portugal vs Atalanta
- AC Milan vs Slavia Prague
- Qarabag FK vs Bayer Leverkusen
Europa League round of 16 draw format
The eight winners of the UEFA Europa League group stages were split into one half of the draw, while on the other half, the winners of the Europa League knockout round play-offs were drawn.
Teams from the same country were unable to draw each other at this stage of the competition.
When is the Europa League round of 16?
The first legs are scheduled to take place on March 7, with the group winners playing the first leg away. Second legs will be played on March 14.