The UEFA Europa League knockout stage is set, featuring a heavy Brazilian influence and a mouth-watering clash between Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest and Turkish giants Fenerbahçe.
The Main Event: Fenerbahçe vs. Nottingham Forest
The highlight of the playoff draw is undoubtedly the clash between Nottingham Forest and Fenerbahçe. This fixture promises a high-stakes “Samba battle,” with several Brazilians set to take center stage.
- Fenerbahçe’s Brazilian Core: The Turkish side will rely on the experience of Fred, the creative spark of Anderson Talisca, and the reliability of goalkeeper Ederson.
- Forest’s Rising Stars: Sean Dyche’s squad features Igor Jesus, Murilo, Morato, and Jair Cunha.
However, Forest has been dealt a major blow: goalkeeper John Victor is officially out with a severe knee injury. Reports suggest he is at risk of missing the 2026 World Cup, forcing Forest to rely on their backup options for this crucial European tie.
The “Endrick Effect” at Lyon
While the playoffs heat up, eight teams have already secured their tickets to the Round of 16. Olympique Lyonnais finished as the top-seeded team of the league phase with 21 points.
The French club’s dominance has been fueled by the spectacular form of Real Madrid loanee Endrick, who has revitalized Lyon’s attack since his arrival in January. Joining them in the last 16 are Aston Villa, Porto, Roma, and Real Betis.
The knockout phase play-offs ✅#UELdraw pic.twitter.com/vjT1TzsBsW
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) January 30, 2026
Europa League Playoff Schedule
First Legs (Feb 19) | Second Legs (Feb 26)
| First Legs: February 19th | Time (GMT) | Second Legs: February 26th | Time (GMT) |
| Fenerbahçe vs Nott’m Forest | 17:45 | Nott’m Forest vs Fenerbahçe | 20:00 |
| Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk | 17:45 | Genk vs Dinamo Zagreb | 20:00 |
| PAOK vs Celta Vigo | 17:45 | Celta Vigo vs PAOK | 20:00 |
| Brann vs Bologna | 17:45 | Bologna vs Brann | 20:00 |
| Celtic vs Stuttgart | 20:00 | Stuttgart vs Celtic | 17:45 |
| Lille vs Red Star | 20:00 | Red Star vs Lille | 17:45 |
| Panathinaikos vs Viktoria Plzen | 20:00 | Viktoria Plzen vs Panathinaikos | 17:45 |
| Ludogorets vs Ferencváros | 20:00 | Ferencváros vs Ludogorets | 17:45 |
Qualified Directly to Round of 16
- Lyon (1st)
- Aston Villa (2nd)
- Midtjylland
- Real Betis
- FC Porto
- Braga
- SC Freiburg
- AS Roma
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
