Europa League draw: West Ham on semi-final path with Barcelona, but French test comes first
- Seb Sternik
- 18 March 2022
West Ham United have drawn Olympique Lyon in the quarter-final of the Europa League, while Rangers are set to face SC Braga.
After knocking out the most successful side in Europa League history, West Ham will now turn their attention to Lyon.
David Moyes' side beat Sevilla in extra time last Thursday night to seal their first European quarter-final in 41 years - not counting their 1999 Intertoto Cup triumph.
Lyon are currently eighth in Ligue 1 and are struggling for consistency, but they shouldn't be easily dismissed.
Peter Bosz's side have an impressive European record, and just two seasons ago they were competing in the Champions League semi-final.
With the French side off the pace in Ligue 1, their only viable path to Champions League qualification is through winning the Europa League.
What's more, Lyon are in the midst of a six-match unbeaten run against English opposition - three of those games coming against Manchester City.
The winner of this tie will take on Eintracht Frankfurt or FC Barcelona in the semi-final.
The German outfit eliminated Real Betis after scoring a last gasp extra-time winner.
Barcelona, on the other hand, picked up a 2-1 win over Galatasaray in Turkey. Xavi's side have never won this competition, but have been to four semi-finals.
Rangers to play second leg at Ibrox
Rangers have been drawn against SC Braga in their first European quarter-final since 2008.
The Scottish champions powered past Red Star Belgrade in the previous round and will now travel to Portugal in the opening leg.
Braga beat AS Monaco in the round-of-16, but will have to overcome the famous Ibrox atmosphere in the second-leg of their quarter-final if they are to progress any further.
The winner of this tie will take on RB Leipzig or Atalanta.
The German side are recent Champions League semi-finalists, while the Italians have also enjoyed impressive European results in recent years.
Full quarter-final and semi-final draw
RB Leipzig or Atalanta vs SC Braga or Rangers
West Ham United or Lyon vs Eintracht Frankfurt or FC Barcelona
Quarter-final games will take place on April 7 and 14. The semi-finals will be played on April 28 and May 5.
