Mixed fortunes for Portugal’s Europa League trio
Portuguese champions Benfica will play the champions of Russia, Zenit Saint Petersburg in the round of 16 of the Champions League. It is a repeat of the 2011/12 clash between the two sides at the same stage of the competition, with Benfica coming out 4-3 aggregate winners on that occasion.
In the Europa League FC Porto were handed arguably the standout tie of the whole round, as they were paired with German giants Borussia Dortmund. Sporting also have German opposition, in the shape of Bayer Leverkusen, while Braga were drawn against Swiss outfit FC Sion.
Benfica avoid favourites
Going into the draw Benfica faced the prospect of being paired with one of the tournament favourites such as Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Therefore the Eagles will no doubt be happy to be facing the team led by former FC Porto coach André Villas-Boas.
AVB has happy memories of playing at the Estádio da Luz, having won there twice as Porto coach and also last season when his Zenit team beat Benfica in the group stage of the Champions League. The match-up will also see a return to their old stadium for former Benfica players Javi Garcia, Axel Witsel and Ezequial Garay.
One potential advantage for Benfica is the fact that the Russian side will still be on their winter break when the competition resumes in February.
Benfica play the first leg at home on 16 February, with the second leg in Russia on 9 March.
German double header in Europa League
If FC Porto’s under-fire coach Julen Lopetegui is hoping for redemption in the Europa League after a disappointing Champions League group stage exit, his team will have to do it the hard way. The Dragons face Borussia Dortmund in the Round of 32, setting up a mouth-watering tie.
Sporting will also travel to Germany, having been paired against one of the teams that come from the Champions League, Bayer Leverkusen.
Braga, on the other hand, are rewarded for winning their Europa League group with a seemingly negotiable tie against Swiss outfit FC Sion.
Sporting will play the first leg at home, while Porto and Braga begin their ties with the away leg. The matches will be played on 16 and 24 February.
by Tom Kundert
