UEFA conducted the Europa League knockout phase playoff draw on Friday at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland, setting up eight intriguing ties that will determine which clubs join the top eight in the Round of 16. Both British clubs received challenging opponents in what promises to be a dramatic February showdown.
Nottingham Forest were drawn against Turkish giants Fenerbahce in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the playoff round. Forest, who finished the league phase in 13th position with 14 points including a dominant 4-0 victory over Ferencvaros on the final matchday, will face José Mourinho's experienced side. Brazilian striker Igor Jesus has been in sensational form, scoring six goals in six Europa League appearances this season, and will be key to Forest's hopes of progression.
Celtic received an equally difficult draw, paired with German Bundesliga side Stuttgart. The Scottish champions finished 21st in the league phase after their hard-fought 4-2 victory over Utrecht at Parkhead on the final matchday. Stuttgart, managed by Sebastian Hoeneß, present a formidable challenge with their organised pressing style and quality throughout the squad. The tie represents a significant test of Celtic's European ambitions.
The full draw produced the following ties: Genk versus Dinamo Zagreb, Bologna against Brann, Ferencvaros meeting Ludogorets, Stuttgart taking on Celtic, Viktoria Plzeň drawn against Panathinaikos, Nottingham Forest facing Fenerbahce, Celta Vigo paired with PAOK, and Crvena Zvezda against Lille.
Notably, both Forest and Celtic were placed on the same side of the bracket, meaning the British clubs could potentially meet in the Round of 16 if both progress past their playoff opponents. This adds extra intrigue to their respective ties and gives British football fans something special to look forward to.
The first legs will be played on Thursday, February 19, with the unseeded teams hosting. The return legs follow a week later on February 26, with the seeded teams enjoying home advantage in the decisive second matches. This format gives the higher-ranked teams the psychological advantage of playing the second leg at home.
The eight winners will advance to the Round of 16, where they will face the teams that finished in the top eight of the league phase and secured automatic qualification: Lyon, Aston Villa, Midtjylland, Porto, Real Betis, Braga, Freiburg, and Roma. These clubs avoided the playoff round entirely thanks to their strong league phase performances.
The Round of 16 draw takes place on Friday, February 27, immediately after the playoff second legs conclude. The competition continues through to the final at Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul on May 20, 2026, where one club will lift the Europa League trophy.
For Forest, the tie against Fenerbahce represents their biggest European test in decades. The Turkish club boast considerable resources and the managerial experience of José Mourinho, who has won European trophies with Porto, Inter Milan, and Manchester United. Celtic meanwhile will need to overcome a well-drilled Stuttgart side that has impressed in the Bundesliga this season with their dynamic attacking football.
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