Tottenham Hotspur looked really good in their Europa League outing last night, routing Fioretina 3-0 in the round of 32. Now Tottenham will take on BVB (Borussia Dortmund) in the Europa League round of 16. Dortmund also impressed on their way to the last-16 with a 3-0 aggregate victory over Porto. The BVB – Porto match-up read like a Champions League tie, not a pairing in Europe’s consolation bracket.
Tottenham versus Dortmund is a match-up of second-place teams in the Premier League and Bundesliga, meaning these two are extremely likely to ascend to the big tournament next season.
Indeed Tottenham vs Dortmund will be a name brand match-up in the round of 16, but you’ve got to give credit overall to this Europa League field. The final 16 is actually filled with brand name clubs. BVB officials are really high on Tottenham, believing that they received the toughest draw out of anybody.
“I think it’s a super draw. It’s super tough, but also super attractive,” BVB Manager Thomas Tuchel said.
“We’ve got two exciting games to look forward to and I’m personally really looking forward to meeting a special coach and also the special atmosphere in the second leg at White Hart Lane.”
Sporting director Michael Zorc added: “They are the toughest team we could have got, but of course it is also an extremely attractive tie.”
Round of 16 Europa League: Ties to be played March 10 and 17
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, currently contributes regularly to the Chicago Tribune’s RedEye publication and Bold Global.
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