Sevilla FC, Real Betis and Real Sociedad are preparing for a pivotal moment this Friday as the Europa League Round of 16 draw unfolds in Nyon, Switzerland at 12:00. The result will determine which team will join Villarreal in the Conference League’s path, adding another layer to a competition that has already produced drama and surprise this season. The draw sets the stage for a new knockout phase where the top teams from the group stage enter the pot alongside the round-of-16 winners, promising high-stakes matchups and potential cross-border showdowns that captivate fans across North America and Europe alike. (Source: UEFA)
Eight teams enter the draw with group-stage supremacy already earned. The eight highest-ranked teams, including representatives from Andalusia and San Sebastian, will be paired with the eight winners from the qualifying rounds in a process known as the Play-Offs. The first- and second-seeded clubs will enjoy home advantages in the two-legged ties, aligning anticipation with strategy as clubs plot their routes to the quarterfinals. (Source: UEFA)
At this juncture, UEFA rules keep clubs from the same federation apart. That means no direct meeting between the Spanish clubs in this round. The first legs are scheduled for March 9, followed by return legs a week later on March 16, creating a tight window of fixtures that will test squad depth and tactical flexibility. (Source: UEFA)
Europa League Round of 16 draw overview for 22-23
The quarterfinal picture begins to take shape as Arsenal, Real Betis, Fenerbahce, Ferencváros, Feyenoord, Freiburg, Real Sociedad, and Union Saint-Gilloise are seeded from the group stage. The eight Play-Off winners who have earned spots in the Round of 16 include Union Berlin, Manchester United, Juventus, Bayern Leverkusen, Roma, Sevilla, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Sporting CP. (Source: UEFA)
Both Manuel Pellegrini and Imanol Alguacil will be watching closely, knowing that a favourable pairing could set up a clash against a Premier League heavyweight. Manchester United’s recent triumph over Barcelona in the knockout stages adds another layer of intrigue, as clubs dream of avoiding the strongest rivals while chasing a coveted European title. (Source: UEFA)
Those teams that did not participate in the Play-Off round but finished first in their group will enter the Round of 16 in the Conference League and will learn their opponents from Pot 2, including Sheriff, Lazio, AEK Larnaca, Anderlecht, Basel, Fiorentina, Gent, and Lech Poznań. This split path creates a diverse mix of styles and narratives across two parallel competitions, underscoring the depth and unpredictability of European football this season. (Source: UEFA)