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- Europa League draw
The Champions League wasn’t the only draw that happened yesterday, the Europa League drew its match-up’s for the round of 32 and three Bundesliga teams were part of it.
Bayer Leverkusen got demoted from the Champions League but they still got a Champions League-caliber opponent in FC Porto. This is likely the highlight of the EL knockout stage in general as both teams are regulars in European competitions. It’s a tough draw for Bayer but they have a chance to advance.
Eintracht Frankfurt have a similarly tough opponent in RB Salzburg. The Austrian team was one of the surprise teams in the Champions League but they still only finished in third place because of a tough group with Liverpool and Napoli. BVB might also help Eintracht out here if the black and yellows manage to sign Erling Haaland in January. This will be a close couple of matches.
VfL Wolfsburg are the only side that are the clear favorites in their tie. The Wolves will play Swedish team Malmö FF, a side that shouldn’t be underestimated but Wolfsburg should advance.
Round of 32 draw
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) December 16, 2019
Sum up your reaction with a GIF #UELdraw pic.twitter.com/n9CYJkCFUz
Today Borussia Dortmund will take on RB Leipzig on the pitch but in the coming weeks they will battle them in the transfer market.
One of the players that both teams would like to sign is Erling Haaland. The young striker from RB Salzburg will likely change clubs in January, the only question is which club will he join. Salzburger Nachrichten claim RB Leipzig are the front-runners to sign Haaland, meanwhile The Telegraph reports Manchester United are the favorites. Others like ex-Bundesliga player and fellow Norwegian Jan Aage Fjörtoft suggest he will play for Dortmund come January.
Other clubs still in the race, but I got a feeling that Erling Haaland will be a Dortmund-player in January.
— Jan Aage Fjortoft ️ (@JanAageFjortoft) December 16, 2019
If so. Great choice. Know how to develop young players. Fantastic atmosphere in stadium
However, Haaland is not the only player both clubs are trying to sign. Bild reports Antony Santos is being scouted by both clubs. The 19-year-old winger who can play on both sides of the pitch could be a back-up for Jadon Sancho. He’s currently playing for FC Sao Paolo and could be available for around 20€ million.
Daily Buzz: BVB vs RB Leipzig. This is the very definition of a 6-point game. Dortmund can get themselves right back into the race for the title or Leipzig could extend their lead to seven points. What’s your prediction for the game?