Europa and Conference League draws: Liverpool, Leverkusen on collision course
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The teams battling for Europa League and Conference League glory were cut down to eight for each competition during a thrilling Thursday of action, and we've now got some tantalizing quarterfinal matches to look forward to following Friday's draws.
Europa League
Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen could potentially meet in the Europa League final after being kept apart in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Atalanta are Liverpool's last-eight opponents, while West Ham United were handed the tough challenge of facing Bundesliga leaders Leverkusen.
There's an all-Italian clash between AC Milan and Roma. Benfica and Marseille round out the quarterfinals.
- Quarterfinal 1: AC Milan vs. Roma
- Quarterfinal 2: Liverpool vs. Atalanta
- Quarterfinal 3: Bayer Leverkusen vs. West Ham United
- Quarterfinal 4: Benfica vs. Marseille
The first legs of the quarterfinals will be held April 11. The second legs are set for April 18.
Semifinal matchups
- Winners of quarterfinal 4 vs. Winners of quarterfinal 2
- Winners of quarterfinal 1 vs. Winners of quarterfinal 3
The opening legs of the semifinals will be contested May 2. The reverse fixtures will be held May 9.
Dublin will host the Europa League final May 22.
Conference League
Aston Villa will need to tame Lille's in-form striker, Jonathan David, to progress in the Conference League and earn a semifinal tie against either Olympiacos or Fenerbahce.
In the other quarterfinals, Club Brugge face a trip to the Greek city of Thessaloniki for their second leg against PAOK. Fiorentina, whose one continental triumph came in the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1961, lock horns with Czech side Viktoria Plzen.
- Quarterfinal 1: Club Brugge vs. PAOK
- Quarterfinal 2: Olympiacos vs. Fenerbahce
- Quarterfinal 3: Aston Villa vs. Lille
- Quarterfinal 4: Viktoria Plzen vs. Fiorentina
The opening fixtures are slated for April 11. The deciding legs are on April 18.
Semifinal matchups
- Winners of quarterfinal 3 vs. Winners of quarterfinal 2
- Winners of quarterfinal 4 vs. Winners of quarterfinal 1
The date for the first legs of the semifinals is May 2. The second legs are on May 9.
The final is held in Athens on May 29.