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      Europa League draw revealed with Man Utd handed trickier tie than Tottenham but both sides on track to meet in final

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Tottenham could face off in the Europa League final after the draw revealed their fate.The two English sides finished inside the top eight of the Europa League league phase.Man Utd have learned they will play Real Sociedad in the Europa LeagueCredit: AFPMeanwhile, Spurs will face AZ Alkmaar in the last 16Credit: AlamyThe two teams are on course to meet in the final in Spain after being put on opposite sides of the drawCredit: ReutersThat saw them both go straight into the Round of 16 phase, where it’s been revealed that Man Utd will face Real Sociedad while Spurs take on AZ Alkmaar.Prior to the draw it was known that the two Premier League sides – who finished third and fourth in the league phase – would face one of AZ or Real in the first knockout round.Man Utd – who have a generally horrible record when playing in Spain – actually have a decent record against Sociedad, having yet to be beaten by the Spanish side away from home in three attempts.Overall, they have played them six times, winning three, drawing two and losing one.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMeanwhile, Spurs have played AZ only once, winning that clash 1-0 during this season’s league phase. Overall, the North London side have not fared well when visiting the Netherlands though, winning just five times out of 11 trips.Meanwhile, both sides have also learned their road to the final which will be hosted at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao, Spain on May 21.Tottenham’s path would see them take on the winner of Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe semi-finals would then see them play one of Bodo/Glimt, Olympiacos, Viktoria Plzen or Lazio.On the other side of the bracket, Man Utd’s potential quarter-final opponent would be one of FCSB or Lyon.Roma and Frankfurt fans throw flares as riot police called in after violent scenes in Europa League clashTheir semi-final opponents would be one of Fenerbahce, Rangers, Roma or final hosts Athletic Bilbao – potentially setting up either a reunion with ex-boss Jose Mourinho or a blockbuster Battle of Britain.With both sides way off the pace in the Premier League they know their best chance of playing in Europe next season could be to win the Europa League this term.However, being on opposing sides of the draw, it could come down to a winner-takes-all final.Tottenham have beaten United three times out of three in all competitions already this season.But the Red Devils are remarkably the only team in either the Europa League or Champions League that remains unbeaten this season on the continent. More

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      ‘Not at his wisest’ – Jordan Henderson booked despite not even being on pitch after Ajax star’s bench antics

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      JORDAN HENDERSON was booked during a heated spat, even though he wasn’t even on the pitch during Ajax’s Europa League clash.The Dutch giants just managed to book their place in the Last 16 on Thursday despite a 2-1 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise at the Johan Cruyff Arena.Ajax star Jordan Henderson was booked while on the benchHenderson came off the bench against Union Saint-GilloiseCredit: GettyHenderson, 34, started as a substitute but played a major role during a scuffle in the second half.It all started when USG ace Promise Akinpelu fouled Ajax’s Jorthy Mokio.Akinpelu’s team-mate Sofiane Boufal was left surprised at the decision and picked up the ball, only for opponent Anton Gaaei to try and snatch it from his hands.Ajax ace Gaaei then pushed his head into Boufal’s chest and the two briefly grappled.Read More on FootballThe row moved in front of the benches and players from both sides rushed over.Henderson moved towards Boufal but was forcefully shoved back by a USG member.The Liverpool legend was then seen gesturing with his hand as if to say his opponents talked too much.All that led to the former England international getting a yellow card from a Premier League referee.Most read in Europa LeagueCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSChris Kavanagh also booked Gaaei, Boufal and USG ace Christian Burgess for their respective roles in the fracas.The TNT Sports commentator wasn’t impressed with the midfielder’s antics as he said: “Not at his wisest.”Furious Jordan Henderson goes off at journalist after being grilled over ‘wanting Monaco transfer’That led to a mixed reaction from fans who took to social media after the incident.One fan tweeted: “Henderson’s bench passion explodes!”Another commented: “Henderson’s influence is so strong, even the bench can’t keep him out of the action!”A third wrote: “That wasn’t necessary to get booked.”This fan wondered: “Why?”And that one said: “Bro didn’t even do nothing.”READ MORE SUN STORIESHenderson came on during stoppage time and helped Ajax earn a penalty that Kenneth Taylor converted at extra time to send the Dutch giants through with a score of 3-2 on aggregate.The hosts were playing with 10 men since the 25th minute as Davy Klaassen was sent off. More

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      When is the Europa League last-16 draw? Date, start time, TV channel, FREE live stream as Man Utd learn fate

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are one of the three remaining British clubs in today’s draw for the Europa League Last 16 – but who will they face?United finished third in the league phase which granted them automatic qualification into the Last 16.The Europa League is heading towards the business endCredit: AFPThe Red Devils hold an outstanding record, winning their last five fixtures in the Europa League.But now the competition gets tougher if United hope to progress any further.Also bidding for glory are Tottenham and Rangers, who secured their spot in the last 16 with a top eight finish in the league phase.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWhen is the Europa League last-16 draw?The draw for the Europa League last 16 will take place on Friday, February 21.The event will begins at 12pm GMTThe draw will take place in Nyon, Switzerland at the House of European Football.What TV channel is the Europa League last-16 draw on and can it be live streamed FREE?Most read in Europa LeagueWho is in the Europa League last-16?Here are all the teams that have already qualified for the Europa League last-16:1. Lazio (ITA)2. Athletic Club (ESP)3. Manchester United (ENG)4. Tottenham (ENG)5. Frankfurt (GER)6. Lyon (FRA)7. Olympiacos (GRE)8. Rangers (SCO)Knockout phase play-off winners (unseeded)Ajax (NED)AZ Alkmaar (NED)Bodo/Glimt (NOR)FCSB (ROU)Fenerbahçe (TUR)Real Sociedad (ESP)Roma (ITA)Viktoria Plzen (CZE)Who could play who in the Europa League last 16?Man Utd’s potential opponents – Real Sociedad or AZ AlkmaarTottenham’s potential opponents – Real Sociedad or AZ AlkmaarRangers’ potential opponents – Bodo/Glimt or Fenerbahce More

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      Man Utd, Tottenham and Chelsea learn who they could face as Europa League and Conference League last-16s are confirmed

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      MANCHESTER UNITED, Tottenham and Chelsea are all closer to knowing who they will face in the next round of their respective European competitions.The Premier League trio all booked their spots in the last 16 of either the Europa League or the Conference League thanks to their efforts in the new fangled league phase.Manchester United know who they could face in the last 16 of the Europa LeagueCredit: AFPTottenham have also learned their fate in the competitionCredit: AlamyChelsea now know the two sides that could take on in the Conference League last 16Credit: GettyMan Utd and Spurs both finished in the top eight of the Europa League league phase and, as a result, bypassed the need to participate in a play-off round to reach the last 16 proper.Instead they have been awaiting their opponents in the next round, with one of the winners from the play-offs set to face off against each side.Thanks to United and Spurs finishing alongside each other – third and fourth respectively – they will be seeded on opposite sides of Friday’s draw.That means they have known for some time now that they would each take on one of Real Sociedad, Galatasaray, AZ Alkmaar or Midtjylland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd following the conclusion the play-off round, those four potential opponents have been narrowed down to just two – AZ Alkmaar and Real Sociedad.Dutch side AZ Alkmaar thrashed Galatasaray 6-3 on aggregate to book their spot in the last 16, while Real Sociedad were pushed hard over two legs against Midtjyland but ultimately ran away with it 7-3.That means that Spurs and United will each be drawn against one of Sociedad and Alkmaar.For example, if Spurs draw Sociedad then United will take on AZ Alkmaar. The Prem rivals CANNOT play each other.Most read in FootballAZ Alkmaar dominated Galatasaray over two legsCredit: GettyReal Sociedad celebrates got the better of FC Midtjylland tooCredit: GettyEuropa League tiesA look at the potential Europa League ties ahead of the draw…AZ Alkmaar vs Man Utd/TottenhamReal Socieded vs Man Utd/TottenhamViktoria Plzen vs Lazio/Athletic BilbaoAS Roma vs Lazio/Athletic BilbaoBodo Glimt vs Olympiacos/RangersFenerbahce vs Olympiacos/RangersAjax vs Eintracht Frankfurt/LyonFCSB vs Eintracht Frankfurt/LyonCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAnd as a result of finishing third and fourth, Man Utd and Spurs will not meet in this year’s competition unless both teams reach the final.Tottenham have already gotten the better of AZ Alkmaar once this season, beating them 1-0 during the league phase of the competition.Champions League and Euros winner Alvaro Morata gets humbled as fans of his new club don’t seem to have a clue who he isA second half penalty from Richarlison proved to be the difference between the two sides back in October as Alkmaar had a man sent off in the late stages.Rangers, meanwhile, will face either Bodo/Glimt or Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.Whichever team is not drawn against Rangers will take on Olympiacos.The draw to find out who faces who will take place in Switzerland on Friday.That’s where Chelsea will also learn their fate too, as they await their last 16 opponents after topping the Conference League table with a flawless league phase campaign.FC Copenhagen’s 4-3 aggregate win over Heidenheim and Real Betis’ two-legged victory over Gent, means it’ll be one of Betis or Copenhagen who face the tough task of taking on the Londoners in the next round.Whoever isn’t drawn to face Chelsea will take on Portuguese side Vitoria de Guimaraes.READ MORE SUN STORIESA tie with Betis would mean Chelsea would have to deal with in-form Antony, who sealed a loan to the La Liga club in January and has been scoring for fun since.As the seeded teams, Chelsea, Man Utd and Spurs will contest the away leg of their round of 16 tie on March 6, with the reverse fixtures in England scheduled for March 13.Conference League tiesA look at the potential Conference League ties ahead of the draw…Real Betis vs Chelsea/Victoria S.CFC Copenhagen vs Jagiellonia Bialystok vs Leiga/Cercle BruggeMolde vs Leiga/Cercle BruggeCelje vs Djurgarden/LuganoPafos vs Djurgarden/LuganoPanathinaikos vs Fiorentina/Rapid WienBorac Banja Luka vs Fiorentina/Rapid WienChelsea could face Antony’s Real BetisCredit: GettyDanish side FC. Copenhagen are their other potential opponentsCredit: Getty More

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      Europa League clash STOPPED with players immediately sent off pitch after chaos breaks out in stands

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      A EUROPA League clash was suspended for FIFTEEN minutes after a fight broke out in the stands.Fenerbahce and Anderlecht players were asked to leave the pitch just SEVEN minutes into their second leg knockout tie in Brussels.A Europa League clash was suspended for 15 minutes after a fight broke out in the standsBoth sets of players were asked to leave the pitchThe referee and Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho were asked to make way down the tunnel insideFenerbahce went 1-0 up inside four minutesFenerbahce were 3-0 up after the first leg in Turkey last week and things got off to the perfect start on Thursday after Youssef En-Nesyri scored inside four minutes.But, just after the celebrations had calmed down, the match was suspended after fans began fighting in the crowd.Both sets of players headed over to where the trouble was, including former Manchester United star Fred, before they were pulled away.Former QPR star Bright Osayi-Samuel went the closest to the chaos and urged security staff to intervene, before Milan Skriniar dragged him away from the area.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSFenerbahce gaffer Jose Mourinho appeared to instruct his players to come off the pitch amid mayhem in the stands.Both teams headed back to the dressing room, although other fans at Anderlecht’s Lotto Park Stadium remained in their seats. It was initially unclear what caused the halt to the game, but TNT Sports’ live coverage claimed it was due to a security issue.Referee Sandro Schaerer and Mourinho also swiftly made their way down the tunnel to allow riot police to deal with the disturbance. Most read in FootballRiot police rushed into the stands to deal with the crowd trouble, while stewards also did what they could to defuse tensions.The match has since resumed after a 15 minute stoppage.Anderlecht equalised through Luis Vazquez, before taking the lead in the 55th minute.But centre-back Yusuf Akcicek made it 2-2, which saw Mourinho’s side win 5-2 on aggregate. Fenerbahce are enjoying an impressive season, although they languish six points behind arch-rivals Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig despite winning 18 of their 23 league games.Their squad includes several former Prem stars including Tadic, Dzeko, Fred, Caglar Soyuncu, Diego Carlos, Allan Saint-Maximin, Sofyan Amrabat and Cenk Tosun. More

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      Europa League manager ‘dressed up as a chef and waved a sex toy at his players’ in bizarre motivational ploy

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      A EUROPA LEAGUE manager took his motivational ploy for his players to a new level.Christian Ilzer was hired as the boss of Hoffenheim in November 2024 as he replaced Pellegrino Matarazzo.Christian Ilzer took charge of Hoffenheim in NovemberCredit: GettyIlzer, 47, was tasked with dragging the Bundesliga side away from the threat of relegation while competing in the Europa League.The Austrian took on the role with the club in 15th place and just one point above the relegation zone.But to inspire his squad he made the decision to perform a bizarre motivational speech.Sport Bild claimed that in December, ahead of a game against Freiburg, he left the team stunned with his speech.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDuring the moment, he wore a chef’s hat with an apron as he stirred an “imaginary magic potion”.Throughout the speech he added “ingredients for a successful game” in order to inspire.It is then believed that he spoke of “more spice” and revealed real chilli peppers to the watching players.Ilzer then moved on to the team needing “manly strength”, and to demonstrate this, he presented them with a dildo.Most read in FootballIt is thought he said: “You have to be just as hard as this dildo.”CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollowing the bizarre speech, Hoffenheim managed to earn a respectable draw against Freiburg, which put an end to a run of three straight defeats.However, since then, the team has only managed four wins from 17 matches under Ilzer.EXCL Wayne Rooney spotted training his England teammate Kyle Walker’s six-year-old son at £5k a night Dubai hotelDespite the questionable form, the team has secured seven points above the relegation play-off spot.The club remained tight-lipped over the speech when approached by the outlet.It said: “The basic rule at TSG is: what happens in the dressing room stays in the dressing room.”Last time out, they beat Werder Bremen 3-1 to add some much-needed breathing room. More

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      Champions League final could be moved to US for first time after Uefa make major change

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      THE PROSPECT of the Champions League Final being played in the USA has grown – after Uefa dumped its long-term media sales arm for an American company.Lucerne-based Team Marketing devised the Champions League logo and have sold the competition worldwide since the European Cup was relaunched more than 30 years ago.The Champions League final could be held in the USA in the futureCredit: GettyOne potential venue could be the Metlife StadiumCredit: Getty – ContributorBut Uefa and the European Club Association have now announced it intends to engage New York-based Relevent Sports for a six-year contract from  2027.And that opens the door to European football’s showpiece game being staged on the other side of the Atlantic.Uefa and the ECA run the Champions League and other club competitions through their “joint venture” UC3, with the governing body having a 51 per cent stake.Now the UC3 board – with representatives from both parties – announced it has “entered an exclusive period of negotiation with Relevent Sports over the global commercial rights” to the competitions from 2027-2033.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUC3 cited the decision followed an “open tender process” but means the end of more than three decades of association with Team.Relevant Sports, created by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, has organised and run the summer International Champions Cup, regularly involving European and Prem giants, since 2013.The company has also worked with the Premier League on its Summer Series pre-season event.But Relevent are desperate for “meaningful” competitive matches involving the biggest European teams to be played on US soil.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe company sued Fifa and US Soccer after it was blocked from staging LaLiga games in the US and won a victory as the two bodies withdrew from the court case.Fifa then gave its blessing for “out of territory matches” to be staged.Champions League draw sees Man City to face Real Madrid in blockbuster knockout phase While Prem chiefs have continued to insist that matches will not be played outside the UK – a message reinforced by chief football officer Tony Scholes last week – Uefa have given more mixed messages.In 2023, Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin described the idea of the Champions League Final being played in America as “a possibility” although senior Uefa figures then maintained it was not on the agenda.After this year’s final in Munich, the 2026 showpiece is scheduled for Budapest’s Puskas Arena.But future venues remain up in the air and the deal with Relevent seems a further indication that including US stadiums on the Final rota will be firmly back on the agenda.Aleksander Ceferin has previously been open to the possibilityCredit: PA More

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      Tottenham’s Europa League squad announced with £200,000-a-week star and £12.5m signing left OUT

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      TOTTENHAM have announced their renewed Europa League squad… and there are a few surprises.Spurs punched their ticket straight into the Last 16 after finishing fourth in the league phase.Tottenham have left two major names out of their renewed Europa League squadCredit: ReutersTimo Werner was omitted from Tottenham’s Europa League squadCredit: GettyTottenham January signing Antonin Kinsky was also axedCredit: GettyThe North Londoners were allowed to make three changes to the squad ahead of the knockouts.Manager Ange Postecoglou added two January signings in Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel.Danso, 26, moved to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on loan from Lens with an obligation to buy for around £21million.Tel, 19, also joined on loan from Bayern Munich with an option to buy for about £52m, which would then lead to a six-year contract.Read More on FootballThe forward initially rejected Tottenham but changed his mind after a long phone call with Postecoglou, who won him over after he explained how he plans to use him on the pitch.Danso and Tel were joined in the Europa League squad by Djed Spence, who has shone bright this season amid Spurs’ injury hell, as the third change.Postecoglou had to make two major omissions to make space for the aforementioned trio.That led to Timo Werner and another January signing in Antonin Kinsky being axed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSKinsky, 21, joined Tottenham from Slavia Prague after a £12.5m deal as an emergency transfer following Guglielmo Vicario’s injury and a series of gaffes from back-up goalkeeper Fraser Forster last month.However, Vicario is expected to return from an ankle injury and Postecoglou decided to have Brandon Austin as the Italian shot-stopper’s back-up after also axing Forster.’Horrendous’ – Jamie Carragher reveals moment Postecoglou’s Tottenham reign changed and they’ve been ‘awful’ ever sinceWerner has fallen down the pecking order following a series of below-par performances.The winger, who earns about £200,000 per week amid his loan stint from RB Leipzig, recently received some brutal criticism from Postecoglou, who claimed: “He wasn’t playing anywhere near the level he should”.The Germany international is also dealing with a hamstring injury, which could have contributed to his omission.Radu Dragusin has also been axed following a knee injury that could sideline him for the rest of the season.Tottenham Europa League squad 2024/25Here’s Tottenham’s renewed Europa League squad for the knockouts stage:Goalkeepers: Vicario, Austin, Whiteman, GunterDefenders: Danso, Udogie, Romero, Porro, Spence, Davies, Van de Ven, Dorrington, Cassanova, King, HardyMidfielders: Bissouma, Maddison, Gray, Bergvall, Kulusevski, Johnson, Odobert, Sarr, Bentancur, Moore, Hall, Kyerematen, OlusesiForwards: Son, Richarlison, Tel, Solanke, Lankshear, Scarlett, Ajayi, Williams-Barnett More