Europa League: Arsenal drawn against BATE Borisov, Cologne

Arsenal have been drawn alongside BATE Borisov, Cologne and Red Star Belgrade

Arsenal have been drawn in the same group as BATE Borisov, Cologne and Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League.

It is the first time in 20 years that the Gunners, who finished fifth in the Premier League last season, have started a season in Europe’s second-tier competition.

Everton are in the same group as Lyon, who host the final on 16 May 2018.

Europa League fixtures for 2016/2017 season

READ: Sigurdsson screamer fires Everton into Europa

The Toffees will also face Italian Serie A side Atalanta and Apollon Limassol of Cyprus.

Everton, who completed their play-off victory over Croatian side Hajduk Split on Thursday, are in Europe for the first time since 2014-15.

8⃣ European league titles
2⃣ #UCL trophies

Introducing #UELfinal ambassador @EAbidalOfficial! #UELdraw pic.twitter.com/85ORlaLzxR

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 25, 2017

The 48-team draw for this season’s competition included Sweden’s Ostersund, managed by Englishman Graham Potter.

Ostersund will play Spain’s Athletic Bilbao, Germany’s Hertha Berlin and Zorya Luhansk of Ukraine.

The group stage begins on 14 September.

The Europa League title has been won by 28 different clubs, 12 of which have won the title more than once.

The most successful club in the competition are Sevilla with five titles and the current champions are Manchester United after defeating Ajax in the final to win the 2016–17 UEFA Europa League