Gladbach, Wolfsburg Learn Europa League Fate

German sides Wolfsburg and Mönchengladbach have received their group opponents in the Europa League. Gladbach will expect to progress through the first stage, while Wolfsburg has been been drawn against tough opponents.

Less than 24 hours after their drubbing of Sarajevo in their last Europa League qualifying match, Mönchengladbach has been drawn in a relatively easy group for the next stage of their Europa League journey. The German side will play Spanish side Villareal, Swiss club FC Zürich and Apollon Limassol from Cyprus in the group stage of the secondary European club competition.



Speaking in Monaco after the draw, the club's CEO Stephan Schippers told German television channel Sky Sports News HD that it looked "achievable to get through this group."



Schippers added that Gladbach was especially pleased to be taking on FC Zürich in the group stage, the former team of their current coach Lucien Favre.



Wolfsburg under pressure



Wolfsburg in contrast has a slightly tougher draw, with the team due to meet Lille, Everton, and Russian team Krasnador. Everton finished fifth in the English Premier League last season, and Lille is normally a regular fixture in the Champions League.



Speaking to Sky, Klaus Allofs admitted that the group is a challenging one. "To be honest it's a bit like a Champions League draw, with Lille and Everton in our group."



"Generally, we are looking forward to this competition," he added. "After all, if you want to win this competition, then you have to get past these sort of opponents."



The first round of Europa League competition will take place on September 18, two days after the first group matches in the continent's more prestigious Champions League competition.



al/hc (dpa, SID)