SC Freiburg will take on Juventus in the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League following the draw in Nyon this Friday.
Having won their group, Freiburg will be the home side in the second leg which will take place on 16th March. Freiburg will travel to the Allianz Stadium first on 9th March. There are no away goals as the rule was removed from UEFA club competitions in 2021/22.
SC got through Group G unbeaten with 14 points having played Nantes, Qarabag und Olympiakos and qualified directly for the last 16.
Juventus came third in Champions League Group H behind Paris St. Germain and Benfica. The ‘Old Lady’ then played Nantes in the play-off round, winning 4-1 on aggregate (1-1, 3-0). Massimiliano Allegri’s side are currently in seventh place in Serie A. The Italian record champions were given a 15 point deduction by the Italian Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in January because of false accounting.
Reaction to the draw
Immediately after the draw, Italy international Vincenzo Grifo said: “Juventus is a crazy team, have an unbelievable history, lots of good players and a cool stadium – you always dream of playing against teams like this. I am also obviously looking forward to seeing a few teammates who I’ve played with at the national team. We will go there with a lot of excitement.”
SC head coach Christian Streich spoke about the Italian record champions at his press conference on Friday afternoon: “When I hear Juventus - everything has to come together over the two games for you to have a chance against them. We are excited because it isn’t a friendly, it’s European competition. It’s also not particular far for our fans. I can imagine that a few will make their way there. It will be a brilliant event. A last 16 game against Juventus is definitely a highlight for the club.”
Photo: UEFA