UEFA Europa League: Arsenal Face Tricky Tie vs Sporting Lisbon, Man Utd Draw Another Spanish Opposition

• Manchester United eliminated Barcelona in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 playoffs
• Arsenal finished top of their group and qualified directly for the round of 16
• The two sides have now learned their round of 16 opponents after the draw was made this afternoon

There is no time for Manchester United to celebrate their win over Barcelona last night, as they begin preparation for the Carabao Cup final on Sunday and have also learnt who their next opponent is in the Europa League.

Arsenal, who had the past two midweeks off from European competition, qualified directly to the round of 16 after topping their group, including PSV Eindhoven, who were eliminated by Sevilla in the playoffs.

It is another Spanish opposition for the Red Devils in Real Betis, while the Gunners will book a date with Portuguese opponents in Sporting Lisbon, as reported by Evening Standard.

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What Arsenal and United can expect

Real Betis will be United's third Spanish opposition this season, having previously faced Real Sociedad in the group stages and eliminated Barcelona last night in the first round of the knockout stages.

As revealed by Opta, United are winless against a side managed by Manuel Pellegrini in the European competition, having drawn their previous four meetings against Villarreal in the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

Arsenal's encounter with Sporting Lisbon will be a tricky one as the Portuguese club have progressed in all six times they have faced English opposition in the UEFA Europa League. Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin will have a reunion with his former club.

Sky Sports reported that the first legs of the last-16 fixtures would take place on Thursday, March 9, with the second legs a week later on Thursday, March 16. The draw for the quarter-finals will take place on Friday, March 17.

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United fans chant Van Persie's name

One name that connects both clubs that was around recently was former striker Robin Van Persie. The Dutch played for both clubs for 11 years.

He was on the pitch side at Old Trafford yesterday for United's game against Barcelona and was delighted as fans chanted his name despite spending just three seasons at the club, as reported by Sports Brief.

The 39-year-old, who helped United to win the 2012/13 Premier League, is more revered in Manchester than in London, despite spending eight years at the Emirates Stadium.