Europa League play-off draw in full as Celtic and Forest discover fate | Football | Sport

3 days agoLast Updated: 30 January، 2026

Nottingham Forest and Celtic have learned who they will face in the Europa League play-offs for a place in the last 16 of the competition. Both teams confirmed their spot in the knockout play-off round with victories on the final day.

Forest finished 13th in the league phase after winning four of their eight games. Thursday’s 4-0 win over Hungarian side Ferencvaros followed victories over FC Utrecht, Malmo FF and FC Porto.

Sean Dyche’s men will take on Turkish giants Fenerbahce next month and will meet either FC Midtjylland or Real Betis in the last 16, should they progress. Celtic, who sealed their spot in the next stage with a 4-2 win over FC Utretcht on Thursday, will face Bundesliga outfit Stuttgart.

Premier League side Aston Villa have already booked their spot in the last 16 after finishing joint top of the league phase. Unai Emery’s men won seven of their eight fixtures, including yesterday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Red Bull Salzburg.

Joining them in the last 16 is Lyon, FC Midtjylland, Real Betis, FC Porto, Braga and Freiburg. Rangers, OGC Nice and Feyenoord were all surprise exits in the league phase.