By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Aston Villa have been drawn against Lille in the Europa League last 16, with Nottingham Forest facing Midtjylland as the pair meet again this season.
The draw, which took place at UEFA’s Nyon headquarters on Friday, saw Bologna paired with Roma in an all-Italian tie, while league-phase winners Lyon will play Celta Vigo.
There will be a first-ever clash between Panathinaikos & Real Betis, Stuttgart face Porto, Ferencvaros take on Braga and Belgian side Genk will play Freiburg.
The seeded teams, who finished in the top eight of the league phase, were all drawn against one of the eight play-off winners and will have the advantage of playing the second legs at home.
The first legs will be played on March 12, with the second legs scheduled for March 19.
Should Villa beat Lille they would face either Roma or Bologna in the quarter-finals and if Forest overcome Midtjylland, they would play Stuttgart or Porto. Besiktas Park in Istanbul will host the final on May 20.
Europa League last-16 draw
Genk (BEL) v Freiburg (GER)
Bologna (ITA) v Roma (ITA)
Ferencvaros (HUN) v Braga (POR)
Stuttgart (GER) v Porto (POR)
Panathinaikos (GER) v Real Betis (ESP)
Nottingham Forest (ENG) v Midtjylland (DEN)
Celta Vigo (ESP) v Lyon (FRA)
Lille (FRA) v Aston Villa (ENG).