Previews
THU 16.02.2017
The time that RC Celta, Villarreal CF and Athletic Club have been waiting for in this year's Europa League has finally come. The three Spanish teams left in the competition kick off their last-32 ties intent on getting a good result that will allow them to continue dreaming of succeeding Sevilla FC as tournament champions.
Celta take to the pitch first on Thursday (19:00) when they welcome FC Shakhtar Donetsk to Balaidos. They already beat the Ukrainians in the third round of the 2000/01 UEFA Cup campaign courtesy of a solitary Catanha goal in the second-leg (1-0 on aggregate). Eduardo Berizzo's team are unbeaten at home in Europe this season, which is just another reason for their fans to be optimistic.
Meanwhile, Villarreal face AS Roma at the Estadio de la Ceramica (21:05). The Submarino Amarillo have fond memories of the Italians after beating them at home in the fourth round first leg of the 2003/04 UEFA Cup, qualifying for the next round despite a 2-1 away defeat in the return fixture. "It's going to be a tough game and it's going to demand our very best. We must remain focussed to stop them creating chances," said midfielder Jonathan dos Santos.
Athletic also kick off at 21:05, when they go up against APOEL FC for the first time in the club's history. Ernesto Valverde's charges will be looking for a fourth straight Europa League win to extend their impressive run of home results in this year's competition.
Valverde "They have important midfielders and forwards and very dangerous in strategy. We must take care." #athlive #UEL
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) February 15, 2017
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