[WEGO Sports News] Tottenham faces AZ in UEL Round of 16... Son Heung-min's title challenge begins

UEFA conducted the round of 16 draw for the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League (UEL) at its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on the 21st (GMT+9).

Tottenham Hotspur will play the first leg of the round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar from the Netherlands on the 6th of next month. AZ Alkmaar is a strong team currently ranked 5th in the Eredivisie, maintaining their mid-upper position with 40 points from 12 wins, 4 draws, and 6 losses this season.

While they are not an easy opponent for Tottenham, this Europa League is an even more important competition for them. Having already experienced elimination from two cup competitions, Tottenham must achieve results in this tournament. They previously failed to reach the semifinals in the English Football League (EFL) Cup after losing to Liverpool, and were also eliminated in the round of 16 of the FA Cup after being blocked by Aston Villa.

This tournament also holds great significance for Son Heung-min. Following eliminations from two tournaments, criticism continues, and recently there have been transfer rumors. Son Heung-min, who hasn't lifted a trophy since joining Tottenham in 2015, needs to silence the negative public opinion and deliver important results for the team through this Europa League.

Meanwhile, Manchester United will face Real Sociedad, a powerhouse in Spain's La Liga. United is also struggling in the Premier League this season, currently sitting in 15th place. As securing a UEFA Champions League (UCL) spot for next season through league position seems unlikely, winning the Europa League is considered United's only remaining chance to qualify for the UCL.

## 2024-25Season UEL Round of 16 Draw

1 AZ vs Tottenham

2 Ajax vs Frankfurt

3 Bodø/Glimt vs Olympiacos

4 Viktoria Plzeň vs Lazio

5 Fenerbahçe vs Rangers

6 Roma vs Athletic Club

7 FCSB vs Lyon

8 Real Sociedad vs Man Utd