Europa League 2025/26 Playoffs: Matches, Favorites and Where to Watch

The Europa League 2025/26 Playoffs promise high-intensity action and plenty of excitement for Football Betting fans. The first legs take place this Thursday, February 19, with the eight remaining spots in the Round of 16 to be decided on February 26.

At this stage, it’s do or die: the teams that finished the League Phase between 9th and 24th place will face off to determine who stays in contention and punches their ticket to Istanbul, Turkey — as this season’s final will be played at the Beşiktaş Stadium on May 20.

And remember: football can be unpredictable, which is reflected even in the Europa League title odds. Freiburg, Braga and Midtjylland are already through to the next round, yet they are only the 9th, 12th and 15th most favored teams to win the trophy. Keep in mind that odds fluctuate as bets are placed, so the prices mentioned here may differ by the time you make your picks.

Before kickoff, check out this guide with all the fixtures, predictions and what to expect from each matchup.

Fenerbahçe vs Nottingham Forest

Dreaming of lifting a continental trophy in their rival’s city, Fenerbahçe S.K. will host Nottingham Forest F.C., who are eager to relive past glories — having won the European Cup twice in the late 1970s. The teams will meet at Şükrü Saraçoğlu Stadium at 14:45 in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

Following José Mourinho’s departure, Domenico Tedesco continues chasing Galatasaray in the Turkish Super League title race, but their Europa League campaign has not progressed as expected. Sitting 19th with 12 points, the Istanbul side scored ten goals and conceded seven.

Nottingham Forest have also changed managers again, with Vítor Pereira becoming their fourth head coach this season. Battling relegation in the Premier League, the Reds finished the League Phase in 13th place with 15 points and the fourth-best attack in the competition, scoring 15 goals.

Recent Matches

Fenerbahçe defeated Trabzonspor 3–2 away in the Turkish League. Nottingham Forest drew 0–0 at home against Wolverhampton in the Premier League.

Absences and Doubts

Fenerbahçe’s main absentee is left-back Archie Brown. Nottingham Forest will be without three players: striker Chris Wood, goalkeeper John Victor and right-back Nicolò Savona.

Head-to-Head History

This is a first-time official match. Fenerbahçe and Nottingham Forest have never faced each other in official competitions.

Probable Lineups

Fenerbahçe (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Semedo, Söyüncü, Oosterwolde, Müldür; Guendouzi, Kanté; Nene, Asensio, Aktürkoğlu; Talisca.

Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1): Ortega; Abbott, Milenković, Morato, Williams; Yates, Sangaré; Ndoye, McAtee, Domínguez; Igor Jesus.

Predictions

Over 90 minutes in Istanbul, Fenerbahçe are considered slight favorites at 2.26 to win, with the draw priced at 3.35 and Nottingham Forest at 3.00. However, the qualification projection gives the edge to the English side over two legs: Forest are 1.61 to advance, while Fenerbahçe are at 2.20.

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Dinamo Zagreb vs Genk

Maksimir Stadium will host what may be the clearest example of “so close” for both teams at 14:45. Far from the Belgian league title race, K.R.C. Genk travel to face GNK Dinamo Zagreb, who lead the Croatian league — yet both nearly missed out on the Playoffs.

Only one point separated Dinamo from Young Boys, the first team outside the qualification zone. With ten points, Mario Kovačević’s side recorded four defeats, one draw and three wins, scoring 12 goals and conceding 16.

Genk’s European form also differed from their domestic campaign. On goal difference alone, they finished the League Phase in 9th place with the same 16 points as Roma. Coached by Nicky Hayen, Genk scored 11 goals and conceded just seven.

Recent Matches

Dinamo Zagreb thrashed Istra 1961 4–0 at home in the Croatian League. Genk defeated Mechelen 3–2 away in the Belgian Pro League.

Absences and Doubts

The Croatian side will be without midfielder Ismaël Bennacer due to injury. Genk have no confirmed absentees.

Head-to-Head History

There is limited history between the clubs, though it includes a notable away result. In two previous meetings, Dinamo Zagreb have one win and one draw. The match in Zagreb ended level, while Dinamo won 3–0 away in Belgium.

Probable Lineups

Dinamo Zagreb (4-3-3): Livaković; Valinčić, Domínguez, McKenna, Vinlöf; Stojković, Mišić, Zajc; Bakrar, Beljo, Hoxha.

Genk (4-3-3): Lawal; Ouahdi, Sadick, Smets, Medina; Heynen, Bangoura, Heymans; Karetsas, Mirisola, Ito.

Predictions

Home advantage in Zagreb influences the odds: Dinamo are 2.14 to win the first leg, with the draw at 3.35 and Genk at 3.25. For overall qualification, however, the tie appears much tighter, with a slight Belgian edge: Genk are 1.79 to advance, compared to 1.94 for Dinamo.

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PAOK vs Celta de Vigo

The most evenly matched tie in terms of league standings will see PAOK FC and RC Celta de Vigo face off at 14:45 at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki. While the Greek side remain firmly in the hunt for the domestic title, the Spaniards are battling for a place in UEFA competitions.

Managed by Razvan Lucescu, PAOK finished 17th with three wins, three draws and two defeats. With 17 goals scored and 14 conceded, they ended just one point behind their opponent in this phase.

Under Claudio Giráldez, Celta recorded four wins, three losses and just one draw. The 16th-placed side scored 15 goals and conceded 11, showing stronger defensive potential that could prove decisive.

Recent Matches

PAOK drew 0–0 at home against AEK Athens in the Greek Super League. Celta de Vigo drew 2–2 away against Espanyol in La Liga.

Absences and Doubts

PAOK’s absentees are concentrated in attacking and creative roles: Luka Ivanušec (attacking midfielder), Dimitrios Pelkas (attacking midfielder), Giannis Konstantelias (attacking midfielder) and Kiril Despodov (right winger). Celta de Vigo have no reported injuries for the clash.

Head-to-Head History

Celta hold the edge in the only recorded meeting between the sides. So far, there has been one direct encounter, with the Spanish team winning 3–1 in this edition of the Europa League.

Probable Lineups

PAOK (4-2-3-1): Tsiftsis; Kenny, Kędziora, Michailidis, Baba; Ozdoev, Meïté; Živković, Camara, Taison; Chatsidis.

Celta de Vigo (3-4-3): Radu; Rodríguez, Starfelt, Alonso; Rueda, Moriba, Román, Carreira; Aspas, Iglesias, Jutglà.

Predictions

The first leg in Greece gives PAOK a slight edge: 2.44 to win, compared to 3.25 for the draw and 2.80 for Celta. However, in the “to qualify” market, the angle shifts — Celta are better priced to advance at 1.53, while PAOK stand at 2.38.

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Brann vs Bologna

Separated by ten positions, SK Brann and Bologna FC 1909 will meet at 14:45 at Brann Stadion in Bergen. Both sides are out of their domestic title races but could reshape their seasons with a strong continental run.

Finishing 24th in the League Phase, the Norwegian side qualified on goal difference. Despite scoring nine and conceding 11, Freyr Alexandersson’s men have won only two matches so far.

In contrast, Vincenzo Italiano’s team narrowly missed direct qualification to the knockout stage. Placed 10th, the Italians scored 14 goals and conceded just seven — recording four wins, three draws and only one defeat.

Recent Matches

Brann lost 1–0 away to Sturm in the Europa League. Bologna defeated Torino 2–1 away in Serie A.

Absences and Doubts

Brann have two injury absentees: Sævar Atli Magnússon (right winger) and Niklas Castro (left winger). For Bologna, three players are doubts or ruled out: Charalampos Lykogiannis (left-back), Lorenzo De Silvestri (right-back) and Torbjørn Heggem (center-back).

Head-to-Head History

There was only one previous meeting between the sides, and it ended 0–0 in this edition of the Europa League. Therefore, the clash in Bergen effectively serves as the real starting point of the tie.

Probable Lineups

Brann (4-3-3): Dyngeland; Roeve, Pallesen Knudsen, Boakye, Soltvedt; Myhre, Sørensen, Pedersen; Mathisen, Holm, Haaland.

Bologna (4-2-3-1): Skorupski; Zortea, Vitík, Casale, Miranda; Moro, Ferguson; Orsolini, Odgaard, Cambiaghi; Dallinga.

Predictions

The odds place Bologna in a comfortable position even in the first leg. The Italian side are priced at 1.89 to win, while the draw stands at 3.40 and a Brann victory pays 4.00. For qualification to the Round of 16, the favoritism is even clearer: 1.18 for Bologna to advance, compared to 4.40 for Brann.

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Ludogorets vs Ferencvárosi

Kicking off the first-leg fixtures is a clash between two teams separated by ten positions in the League Phase. PFC Ludogorets Razgrad and Ferencvárosi TC will begin their knockout battle at 17:00 at Huvepharma Arena.

Playing at home, Ludogorets finished 22nd with ten points from three wins, one draw and four losses. With 12 goals scored and 15 conceded, Per Mathias Høgmo’s side currently sit second in the Bulgarian league.

Meanwhile, 12th-placed Ferencváros collected 15 points with a record of four wins, three draws and one defeat — just one point behind Roma, the last team to qualify directly. Robbie Keane’s side are also competing for the Hungarian league title.

Recent Matches

Ahead of the clash, Ludogorets defeated Beroe 2–1 at home in the Bulgarian First League. Ferencváros lost 3–1 away to ZTE in the Hungarian league.

Absences and Doubts

Ludogorets will be without Aguibou Camara (attacking midfielder). On the Hungarian side, Robbie Keane will miss center-back Stefan Gartenmann.

Head-to-Head History

Ferencváros hold the advantage in the head-to-head record. In seven total matches, the Hungarian side have won four, with two draws and one Ludogorets victory. In Budapest, their dominance is clearer: three wins in four matches. In Razgrad, the balance is tighter, with one Hungarian win and two draws in three games.

Predictions

The odds reflect a balanced first leg. Ludogorets are priced at 2.54 to win, the draw at 3.15 and Ferencváros at 2.64. In the qualification market, however, the edge shifts toward the Hungarians: 1.46 for Ferencváros to advance, compared to 2.50 for Ludogorets.

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Celtic vs Stuttgart

At 17:00, Celtic Park will host a clash between teams with very different campaigns, both domestically and internationally: Celtic F.C. and VfB Stuttgart.

Managed once again by Martin O'Neill, Celtic are coming off an inconsistent season. Finishing 21st in the League Phase, the Scottish side recorded three defeats, two draws and three wins — and now face real pressure at home, with the possibility of losing Scotland’s throne to Hearts.

Sebastian Hoeneß’s Stuttgart showed greater stability, finishing 11th with five wins, three losses and no draws — scoring 15 goals and conceding nine. Domestically, the German side are competing for a place in next season’s Champions League.

Recent Matches

Celtic defeated Kilmarnock 3–2 away in the Scottish Premiership. Stuttgart beat Cologne 3–1 at home in the Bundesliga.

Absences and Doubts

Celtic have defensive and wing absentees: Jota (left winger), Alistair Johnston (right-back), Cameron Carter-Vickers (center-back), Adam Montgomery (left-back) and Callum Osmand (striker). For Stuttgart, the injured players are Dan-Axel Zagadou (center-back), Lazar Jovanovic (right winger), Nikolas Nartey (central midfielder), Justin Diehl (left winger) and Angelo Stiller (defensive midfielder).

Head-to-Head History

The head-to-head record is level. The teams have met twice, with one win each. Home advantage proved decisive: Stuttgart won in Germany, while Celtic prevailed in Glasgow.

Probable Lineups

Celtic (4-3-3): Schmeichel; Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney; Nygren, Hatate, McGregor; Tounekti, Čvančara, Maeda.

Stuttgart (4-2-3-1): Nübel; Assignon, Jeltsch, Chabot, Mittelstädt; Karazor, Stiller; Leweling, Undav, Führich; Demirović.

Predictions

Stuttgart are better priced for the 90 minutes in Glasgow. The German side are listed at 2.06 to win, with the draw at 3.55 and Celtic at 3.30. In the qualification market, the gap widens: 1.28 for Stuttgart to advance, compared to 3.35 for Celtic.

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Panathinaikos vs Viktoria Plzen

The Olympic Stadium of Athens will stage a clash between two teams out of their domestic title races: Panathinaikos F.C. and FC Viktoria Plzeň meet at 17:00 to stay alive in the Europa League.

The Greek hosts also showed inconsistency in Europe, finishing 20th. Coached by Rafa Benítez, Panathinaikos scored 11 goals and conceded nine, with three wins, three draws and two defeats.

Martin Hyský’s side are unbeaten in the competition, with three wins and five draws. In 14th place, the Czech team boast the tournament’s best defense with just six goals conceded, alongside eight scored.

Recent Matches

Panathinaikos drew 1–1 at home against AE Larissa in the Greek Super League. Viktoria Plzen defeated Sigma 2–1 away in the Czech league.

Absences and Doubts

Panathinaikos’ absentees are mainly from midfield forward: Georgios Kyriopoulos (right winger), Pedro Chirivella (defensive midfielder), Cyriel Dessers (striker), Filip Djuricic (attacking midfielder), Facundo Pellistri (right winger), Moussa Sissoko (central midfielder) and Adam Gnezda Cerin (central midfielder). Viktoria Plzen will be without goalkeeper Viktor Baier and center-backs Jan Paluska and Vaclav Mika.

Probable Lineups

Panathinaikos (3-4-2-1): Lafont; Jedvaj, Palmer-Brown, Touba; Calabria, Bakasetas, Siopis, Zaroury; Taborda, Čerin; Świderski.

Viktoria Plzeň (3-4-2-1): Wiegele; Dweh, Jemelka, Doski; Memić, Valenta, Červ, Spáčil; Ladra, Souaré; Panoš.

Head-to-Head History

The record is minimal: only one match between Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzen, ending 0–0 in this Europa League edition. As a result, the first leg in Greece carries extra weight in building an aggregate advantage.

Predictions

The market gives a slight push to Panathinaikos due to home advantage in Athens: the Greek win is priced at 2.16, the draw at 3.20 and Viktoria Plzen at 3.35. For overall qualification, Panathinaikos are listed at 1.95, indicating an open contest across 180 minutes.

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Lille vs Red Star

To complete the schedule, the Pierre-Mauroy Stadium will host the final first-leg match at 17:00. Lille OSC and FK Crvena zvezda were separated by just three positions and arrive amid contrasting domestic campaigns.

Finishing 18th, Lille had a “no middle ground” Europa League run: four wins, four defeats and no draws. Bruno Génésio’s side scored 12 and conceded nine, while domestically they are fighting for UEFA qualification spots.

Red Star finished slightly higher in 15th place, with four wins, two draws and two losses. Under Dejan Stanković, they scored seven and conceded six in the Europa League, while leading the Serbian league.

Recent Matches

Lille drew 1–1 at home against Stade Brestois in Ligue 1. Red Star defeated FK Železničar Pančevo 3–0 away in the Serbian league.

Absences and Doubts

Lille have an extensive injury list: Marc-Aurèle Caillard (goalkeeper), Ousmane Touré (center-back), Ethan Mbappé (right winger), Hamza Igamane (striker), Osame Sahraoui (left winger) and Thomas Meunier (right-back, thigh injury). Red Star enter the clash without confirmed injuries or suspensions.

Head-to-Head History

Red Star hold the edge in the only meeting between the teams: one match, a 1–0 Serbian victory in this Europa League edition. Lille now aim to overturn that record with home advantage in the first leg.

Probable Lineups

Lille (4-2-3-1): Özer; Santos, Ngoy, Mandi, Perraud; André, Bouaddi; Correia, Haraldsson, Fernandez; Giroud.

Red Star (4-2-3-1): Matheus; Seol, Prado, Veljković, Tiknizyan; Elšnik, Krunić; Stanković, Kostov, Katai; Arnautović.

Predictions

The odds place Lille a tier above for the first leg in Villeneuve-d’Ascq. A French victory pays 1.75, with the draw at 3.75 and Red Star at 4.20. For a place in the Round of 16, Lille remain ahead at 1.54, compared to 2.36 for the Serbian side.

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Who will be the Europa League 2025/26 champion?

Title favorites and odds

The Europa League 2025/26 outright market lists Aston Villa F.C. as the main favorite at 3.5, followed by AS Roma (7.0) and Olympique Lyonnais (9.0). Next come Real Betis and FC Porto at 10.0, while Nottingham Forest F.C. appear as the best-priced playoff team at 13.0.

Close behind are VfB Stuttgart (17.0) and Bologna FC 1909 (17.0), along with SC Freiburg (20.0). Then come Lille OSC (25.0) and Fenerbahçe S.K. (25.0), with SC Braga (35.0) and RC Celta de Vigo (35.0) closing the mid-range.

Further down, Celtic F.C. and FC Midtjylland are priced at 40.0, while FC Viktoria Plzeň, PAOK FC and Panathinaikos F.C. stand at 50.0.

K.R.C. Genk are listed at 65.0, Ferencvárosi TC and GNK Dinamo Zagreb at 80.0, and SK Brann and FK Crvena zvezda at 100.0. PFC Ludogorets Razgrad close the list at 200.0.

Competition calendar

The decisive phase of the Europa League 2025/26 already has confirmed dates. The knockout playoffs were drawn on January 30, 2026, with first legs on February 19 and second legs on February 26. The Round of 16 draw takes place on February 27, with matches scheduled for March 12 and 19.

The quarterfinals are set for April 9 and 16, while the semifinals will be played on April 30 and May 7. The final takes place on May 20, 2026, at the Beşiktaş Stadium in Istanbul.

Where to watch the Europa League 2025/26 Playoffs?

Broadcast: CazéTV (YouTube).

Bet on the Europa League 2025/26

With the playoffs opening the knockout stage, the Europa League 2025/26 enters the phase where every detail matters. If you want to follow the competition with markets available for each fixture, betting platforms provide options throughout the season.

Remember: betting involves risk and can affect mental health when it stops being entertainment. If you notice signs of loss of control, anxiety or disruption to your routine, the recommendation is to pause and seek professional help. Never use money you cannot afford to lose. Betting is entertainment — not investment or income.

In Brazil, sports betting is regulated and follows specific rules, such as Ordinance MESP No. 125 of December 30, 2024. To make more informed decisions, you can also consult educational resources such as the Sports Betting Encyclopedia with concepts, markets and bankroll management.

Ready for the thrill of European football? Enjoy the Europa League 2025/26 at Blaze and good luck.