Christopher Trimmel in a header duel with Union Saint-Gilloise’s Simon Adingra in the group stage – now the two clubs meet again Photo: Bruno Fahy/dpa
By Stephen Ferrari
1. FC Union Berlin is playing against Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in the round of 16 of the Europa League.
That was the result of the draw on Friday at the headquarters of the European Football Union in Nyon. The Irons had already played against Saint-Gilloise in the group stage.
Both clubs reacted accordingly on Twitter after the game in the round of 16 of the Europa League had been decided:
The two teams had already faced each other in the group phase and won 1-0 away.
Saint-Gilloise went straight into the round of 16 as group winners, Union through the playoff success against Ajax Amsterdam. After 0-0 in the first leg in the Netherlands, the Irons won 3-1 at home and thus celebrated their greatest success at international level.
Union, who have to play the Bundesliga top game at FC Bayern (5.30 p.m.) on Sunday, have drawn a feasible lot with the Belgians.
Hammer opponent for Freiburg
The opponents of the other two German teams have also been determined: SC Freiburg has drawn a difficult fate with Juventus Turin. Bayer Leverkusen meets Ferencvaros Budapest in the round of 16 and is the favourite.
The round of 16 of the Europa League will take place on March 9th and 16th. As the group runners-up, Union first plays at home, then a week later they go to Belgium for the second leg.
The final will take place on May 31 in the Hungarian capital, Budapest (9 p.m.). The Europa League winner is guaranteed a place in the 2023/24 Champions League if he has not yet qualified through the league.