AMSTERDAM — Initial knockout phase draws were held for both the Champions League and Europa League on Friday, handing four Americans hearty challenges for the next step in their path to European glory.
The Champions League drew out its round of 16, with Jermaine Jones' Schalke matched up with two-time tourney runners-up Valencia. The US international is currently in manager Felix Magath's doghouse, but he could emerge by the time their tie kicks off in Spain the week of Feb. 15.
Meanwhile, Oguchi Onyewu’s AC Milan have been handed a clash with Tottenham, but the American is not expected to be added to the Rossoneri’s Champions League roster.
Over in the Europa League, which drew two rounds on Friday, Maurice Edu and Rangers are set for a round of 16 duel with Sporting Lisbon.
The tie begins Feb. 17 with the Glasgow outfit attempting to replicate its 2008 UEFA Cup quarterfinal triumph over the Portuguese giants. If they advance, Gers would line up in the quarters against the winner of the round of 32 Rubin Kazan-FC Twente duel.
Sacha Kljestan and Anderlecht also have a bit of a grudge match coming up with round of 32 opponents Ajax. The biggest clubs from rivaling low countries also met in last year's tournament, with Les Mauves posting a win and a draw as both advanced from the group stage.
The two-leg clash begins in Belgium on Feb. 17. If Anderlecht can defeat the Amsterdammers this time, they would face the victor of the round of 32 clash between Basel and Spartak Moscow.
Jozy Altidore's Villarreal will hit the road to start their round of 32 showdown at Napoli on Feb. 17. The clubs have never faced each other in UEFA competition.
A victory would see the Yellow Submarine set course for a round of 16 battle against either Metalist Kharkiv or Bayer Leverkusen.
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