Saturday, July 16, 2011

Europa League draw - 15th July


Stoke City's European adventure will begin against Croatian opposition.
Tony Pulis' side have been paired with Hajduk Split in the third qualifying round of the competition.
The Potters will be at home in the first leg of the tie which will take place at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday, July 28th, with the return leg at the 35,000 capacity Stadion Poljud taking place seven days later on Thursday, August 4th.

Stoke qualified for Europe for the first time in their history by reaching the FA Cup final. Although they lost 1-0 to Manchester City, they claimed the Europa League place because Roberto Mancini's men qualified for the Champions League.



Fulham could also be travelling to Split if they get through the second qualifying round.
Martin Jol's team will fancy their chances of doing that as they hold a 3-1 lead from the away leg at Crusaders.
If they get past the Belfast opposition, they will face either NK Domzale of Slovenia or Croatian side RNK Split who won the away leg 2-1.

The first leg would be away on 28th July with the return at Craven Cottage on 4th August.
The Cottagers were handed a place in the draw via the Fair Play League and have already got past Faroe Islands side NSI.

Carling Cup winners' Birmingham City and Tottenham Hotspur, who finished fifth in the Barclays Premier League, go straight in at the play-off stage.

Fulham reached the Europa League final in 2010 losing 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in Hamburg.

If Jol's men are to reach the final again, they will have to play 23 matches in the competition.

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