West Ham and Liverpool discover Europa League final path after learning last-16 opponents
West Ham United will face German Bundesliga side SC Freiburg in the Europa League last-16. The meeting will see the two clubs go head-to-head once again despite meeting twice during the Group Stages.
The Hammers topped Group A with 15 points, three points ahead of Christian Streich's side in second. On Thursday, Freiburg came out on top in an enthralling encounter with Ligue 1 outfit Lens as they won 3-2 on the night (3-2 aggregate) after extra-time.
David Costa and Elye Wahi fired the French club into a two-goal first-half lead before Rolland Sallai inspired a second-half comeback with a goal in the 67th and 92nd minute — Michael Gregoritsch completed the comeback to book their place in Friday's draw. The two-legged meeting will mark the fourth meeting this season after the Hammers came out on top in their previous matches — winning 1-2 and then 2-1 at the London Stadium.
Liverpool, Brighton & Hove Albion and Rangers were all awaiting their fate in the knockout draw after winning their groups — thus bypassing the playoff knockout round.
The Premier League leaders will play against Sparta Prague in the next round of the competition while Brighton will go head-to-head with Italian heavyweights Roma. Rangers have been matched with Benfica, as all four teams aim for a spot in the quarter-finals.
This season's Europa League is one of four trophies that Jurgen Klopp could win in his final season as Liverpool manager. West Ham are hoping for another season of European success after winning the first-ever Europa Conference League last season.
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