Europa League: Ostersunds handed fairytale Arsenal tie

Arsenal's quest for European silverware will see it face Swedish minnow Ostersunds in the Europa League knockout stages.

Published : Dec 11, 2017 18:39 IST

The last-32 meeting will be Arsenal's first encounter with a Swedish side in Europe since 1999-2000, and it will look to maintain an unbeaten record.
The last-32 meeting will be Arsenal's first encounter with a Swedish side in Europe since 1999-2000, and it will look to maintain an unbeaten record.
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The last-32 meeting will be Arsenal's first encounter with a Swedish side in Europe since 1999-2000, and it will look to maintain an unbeaten record.

Ostersunds' fairytale journey in the Europa League was given extra sparkle on Monday when it was drawn against Arsenal in the last 32.

The Swedish minnow was still a month away from being formed when Arsene Wenger took over the Gunners in September 1996, but it will compete on an even footing next year.

READ: Potter delighted by underdog Ostersunds' trip to Arsenal

Under English boss Graham Potter Ostersunds has won three promotions since 2011, before qualifying for continental football by winning the domestic cup last season.

After coming through three qualifying rounds, it finished second in Group J and has been rewarded with a clash with the 13-time English champion, a tie that will see Potter return home looking to write another piece of history.

The last-32 meeting will be Arsenal's first encounter with a Swedish side in Europe since 1999-2000, and it will look to maintain an unbeaten record.

Borussia Dortmund's failure to make it out of Group H in the Champions League means it drops into the Europa League, and will face Atalanta.

Atletico Madrid, Celtic and Napoli all suffered the same fate as Dortmund and they will return to European action against Copenhagen, Zenit and RB Leipzig respectively.

Leipzig's draw with Napoli looks like the toughest tie of the round on paper, however, Maurizio Sarri has been prioritising Serie A success so the Bundesliga club may find it easier than expected.

Despite sacking Vincenzo Montella, AC Milan still made it through the group stage and will go head-to-head with Ludogorets in early 2018, while Sporting CP faces the long trip to Kazakhstan to play Astana.

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