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Gladbach face Fiorentina in last 32

December 12, 2016

Champions League dropouts Borussia Mönchengladbach are to take on Italian side Fiorentina in the Europa League round of 32. Schalke have drawn Greek side PAOK Salonika.

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UEFA Europa League Pokal
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/G. Horcajuelo

After bowing out of the UEFA Champions League, Borussia Mönchengladbach are set to face a stubborn hurdle in the form of Italian giants Fiorentina in the last 32 of the UEFA Europa League. 

Andre Schubert's men have struggled in the Bundesliga this season, ending an eight-game winless run on Sunday against Mainz. But the Europa League will present Gladbach with a second opportunity at Champions League qualification for next season with the tournament winners progressing straight through to the group stages.

Serie A side Fiorentina, coached by former Dortmund star Paulo Sousa, will prove challenging opposition for Gladbach, who finished third in their Champions League section which included Manchester City, Barcelona and Celtic.

A trip to Greece for Schalke 

Similarly, Schalke, 10th in the Bundesliga, will be determined to achieve European success this season and secure a route back into the lucrative Champions League next season.

The Royal Blues have been paired with Greek side PAOK Salonika, who are ninth in their domestic league. The two sides met in the playoff round of the Champions League back in 2013, with Schalke coming out on top 4-3 on aggregate.

The first legs are to be played on February 16, while the return fixtures  are scheduled for February 23.