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UEFA CUP: Last 16 take strides to Manchester

/noticias.info/ Manchester moves another step closer on Thursday as the 16 hopefuls still in UEFA Cup contention aim to carve out first-leg advantages.

Bundesliga bounty
A quarter of those sides hail from Germany, with Bundesliga leaders FC Bayern München many people's favourite to go all the way. Ottmar Hitzfeld's men cannot afford to be complacent, though, as they take on fellow former winners RSC Andelecht in Brussels, the city where Bayern won their first European Champion Clubs' Cup in 1974.

League repeat
Bayern's Bundesliga pursuers Werder Bremen also begin away from home, at Rangers FC, while 1988 winners Bayer 04 Leverkusen have been pitted with compatriots and sole UEFA Intertoto Cup survivors Hamburger SV. The two rivals played out a 1-1 draw in Leverkusen less than a month ago on 9 February, and that is where they commence their contest for a quarter-final berth.

Spurs quest
Aside from Bayern, Anderlecht and Leverkusen, the list of previous UEFA Cup conquerors still involved is completed by Tottenham Hotspur FC and PSV Eindhoven, who meet for the first time in European competition in London. Spurs remain on course for a unique double hat-trick, having won the competition twice before and with coach Juande Ramos aiming for a third successive triumph after lifting the trophy with Sevilla FC in 2005/06 and 2006/07.

Portuguese presence
Sevilla were one of three Spanish clubs in last year's semi-finals, but only European newcomers Getafe CF remain in the last 16 this time around. Their quest to succeed the Andalusian club continues at SL Benfica, one of two Portuguese teams left along with Sporting Clube de Portugal, who travel to face Bolton Wanderers FC.

Everton run
Everton FC are the third English representatives eager to make the relatively short journey to Manchester for the 14 May final, and they will be looking for an eighth straight victory in the competition at ACF Fiorentina. Lastly, Olympique de Marseille host FC Zenit St. Petersburg, the side that eliminated them at the same stage in 2005/06. The return legs will be held on 12 and 13 March. notas_de_prensa_archivo