NYON, Switzerland, Feb 23, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Three-time winners Liverpool

were drawn to face Sparta Prague in the Europa League last 16 on Friday,
while unbeaten Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen will take on Azeris
Qarabag.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool will be strong favourites to reach the quarter-
finals as they bid for a quadruple in the German's final season before
stepping down as manager.

The first leg will be played in the Czech capital on March 7, with Anfield
hosting the return game a week later.

Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, are unbeaten in 32 matches in all
competitions this season, and will again face Qarabag, having already seen
off the Azeri champions twice in the group stage.

Also renewing acquaintances will be last year's Europa Conference League
winners West Ham and Freiburg, after David Moyes' side's brace of victories
against the Bundesliga club in Group A.

"It's kind of stupid that you can come back against your group opponents in
the round of 16," said Freiburg captain Christian Guenter.

"You could already tell that some of us were upset."

Seven-time European champions AC Milan continue their bid to win a maiden
Europa League title against Slavia Prague after their knock-out round play-
off win over Rennes.

Scottish Premiership leaders Rangers, losing finalists in 2022, take on
Portuguese Primeira Liga pace-setters Benfica, still chasing a first European
trophy since 1962.

Premier League club Brighton continue their first ever European adventure at
last season's runners-up Roma.

Full last-16 draw

Sparta Prague (CZE) v Liverpool (ENG)

Marseille (FRA) v Villarreal (ESP)

Roma (ITA) v Brighton (ENG)

Benfica (POR) v Rangers (SCO)

Freiburg (GER) v West Ham (ENG)

Sporting Lisbon (POR) v Atalanta (ITA)

AC Milan (ITA) v Slavia Prague (CZE)

Qarabag (AZE) v Bayer Leverkusen (GER)

-- First legs to be played on March 7, second legs to be played on March 14