AMSTERDAM – Clint Dempsey and cup custodian Brad Friedel of Tottenham Hotspur were handed arguably the kindest Europa League assignment on Friday, drawing Swiss side FC Basel as their quarterfinal opponent.
The American duo will help host the tie opener at White Hart Lane on April 4. The teams, who have never met, will reunite in Switzerland for the decider a week later. While Dempsey is aiming for his second Europa League final appearance in four years, Friedel has yet to play in either a Europa League or UEFA Cup match so deep in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Oguchi Onyewu will hope for more Champions League action when Málaga open their first ever quarterfinal matchup against an unfamiliar foe, German holders Borussia Dortmund. The Anchovies will kick off the tie at home on April 2, with the return to follow eight days later.
