TSG to face Molde FK in the Round of 32

The draw for the UEFA Europa League, which took place in Nyon on Monday, has handed TSG Hoffenheim a trip to the far north: they are up against Molde FK of Norway in the Round of 32.

"We followed the draw with great excitement. Molde are a strong opponent, who finished second in the Norwegian league. They play on an artificial pitch, which is definitely unfamiliar to us. I feel bound to warn us not to underestimate our opponents. That said, we've demonstrated what we're capable of throughout this Europa League campaign. Our clear objective is to go through," said TSG Hoffenheim director of football Alexander Rosen.

Håvard Nordveit is looking forward to facing a club from his homeland. "Within the squad, we made bets before the draw about who we'd face. I won. I haven't played against a Norwegian team since my transfer. To play now for TSG in Molde is a small dream come true. I know a lot of players from the squad; they're a top team. They'll be fantastic matches; I'm already looking forward to it."

The Norwegian club finished second in Europa League Group B behind Arsenal, amassing 10 points to finish above Rapid Vienna of Austria and Dundalk of Ireland. With two matches to go before the end of the Norwegian season, Molde FK have been confirmed as runners-up.  

The first leg will be played in Norway on 18 February, before TSG welcome Molde FK to Sinsheim on 25 February. UEFA have yet to announce the exact kick-off times.