German clubs given tough challenges in UEFA Cup

AC Milan LogoNyon, Switzerland - Werder Bremen will face seven-time European champions AC Milan in the UEFA Cup's round of 32 following the draw made in Nyon, Switzerland, on Friday.

Holders Zenit St Petersburg also face German opposition in the form of VfB Stuttgart while SV Hamburg have been pitted against Dutch side NEC Nijmegen and VfL Wolfsburg take on Paris St Germain.

Big-spending Manchester City will expect to progress at the expense of FC Copenhagen but Aston Villa face a challenging task against CSKA Moscow. Tottenham Hotspur will also need to be at their best if they want to overcome Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

Victory for Harry Redknapp's side could set up potential all- English clash against Villa in the next round which was also drawn on Friday.

Valencia also face Ukrainian opposition in Dynamo Kiev while Deportivo La Coruna will be satisfied after being drawn against Danish side Aalborg.

Serie A side Udinese take on Lech Poznan of Poland and Sampdoria face Metalist Kharkiv.

Olympiakos Piraeus meet Saint-Etienne knowing either Bremen or Milan await in the next round while SC Braga take on Belgian side Standard Liege.

Bordeaux meet Galatasaray and Olympique Marseille face FC Twente with the winners up against Fiorentina or Ajax Amsterdam.

The round of 32 matches are set to be played February 18/19 and February 26, with round of 16 matches on March 12 and March 18/19. (dpa)

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