City handed Greek test

Manchester City will face Greek side Aris Thessaloniki in the first knock-out stages of the Europa League while Liverpool will take on Sparta Prague.

Both Premier League sides should be confident of making the last 16 following Friday's draw, but Rangers have a tougher-looking test against Sporting Lisbon. Roberto Mancini's City will be aware however that Aris stunned the holders Atletico Madrid in the group stage - winning 3-2 away, a result which ultimately knocked the Spanish side out of the competition.

Liverpool may have been the draw specialists in the group phase, having tied four of their six games, but in Sparta they will face a side who have proved equally difficult to beat, having drawn three of their group matches.

If they get through, City will face Besiktas or Dynamo Kiev in the last 16, while Liverpool would face Lech Poznan or Braga. If Rangers progress, they would face Lille or PSV Eindhoven.