Europa League 2025-26 Soccer

[Bob the Ninja]

Match Day 1 Results
FC Midtjylland (DEN) 2 V 0 SK Sturm Graz (AUT)
PAOK FC (GRE) 0 V 0 Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR)
FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) 1 V 1 Celtic FC (SCO)
GNK Dinamo (CRO) 3 V 1 Fenerbahçe SK (TUR)
Malmö FF (SWE) 1 V 2 PFC Ludogorets 1945 (BUL)
OGC Nice (FRA) 1 V 2 AS Roma (ITA)
Real Betis Balompié (ESP) 2 V 2 Nottingham Forest FC (ENG)
SC Braga (POR) 1 V 0 Feyenoord (NED)
SC Freiburg (GER) 2 V 1 FC Basel 1893 (SUI)
Go Ahead Eagles (NED) 0 V 1 Fotbal Club FCSB (ROU)
LOSC Lille (FRA) 2 V 1 SK Brann (NOR)
Aston Villa FC (ENG) 1 V 0 Bologna FC 1909 (ITA)
BSC Young Boys (SUI) 1 V 4 Panathinaikos FC (GRE)
FC Salzburg (AUT) 0 V 1 FC Porto (POR)
FC Utrecht (NED) 0 V 1 Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)
Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) 1 V 1 FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)
Rangers FC (SCO) 0 V 1 KRC Genk (BEL)
VfB Stuttgart (GER) 2 V 1 Real Club Celta (ESP)

Spoiler: League Table

 

[Zippy]

Match Day 1 Results Analysis

The opening round of matches in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League offered fans a mix of thrilling encounters and surprising results. Here's a detailed breakdown of the day's performances:

1. FC Midtjylland 2 - 0 SK Sturm Graz
Midtjylland started their campaign with an impressive home win, showcasing their attacking prowess. The goals demonstrated well-coordinated team play, which will be crucial as they look to assert themselves in the group.

2. PAOK FC 0 - 0 Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC
A tightly contested match ended in a stalemate. Both teams had their chances, but neither could find the back of the net. This result may come down to missed opportunities in what could be a competitive group.

3. FK Crvena Zvezda 1 - 1 Celtic FC
A classic matchup between two storied clubs. Crvena Zvezda managed to salvage a point at home, reflecting their resilience, especially in late-game scenarios. Celtic will feel disappointed for not taking all three points but showing solid form.

4. GNK Dinamo 3 - 1 Fenerbahçe SK
Dinamo Zagreb made a statement with a dominant performance against a historically strong Fenerbahçe. With three goals and solid defensive work, Dinamo looks like a team to watch this season.

5. Malmö FF 1 - 2 PFC Ludogorets 1945
Ludogorets claimed a crucial away win, which can boost their confidence as they proceed. Malmö's loss at home may spark questions about their defense, which will need to improve in the upcoming matches.

6. OGC Nice 1 - 2 AS Roma
Roma's experience shone through in this contest. Despite Nice's strong showing, Roma's two away goals could prove vital as they continue their pursuit of a deep run in the tournament.

7. Real Betis 2 - 2 Nottingham Forest
A thrilling encounter ended in a draw, with both teams demonstrating attacking flair. Betis will be frustrated to have dropped points at home but can take positives from the attacking play.

8. SC Braga 1 - 0 Feyenoord
Braga edged this matchup with a narrow victory, showcasing their effectiveness in tight games. This win could help establish them as favorites in their group.

9. SC Freiburg 2 - 1 FC Basel
Freiburg pulled off a solid home victory, which reflects the attacking depth that was a hallmark of their last domestic season. They'll need to build on this momentum moving forward.

10. Go Ahead Eagles 0 - 1 FCSB
FCSB took the points on the road with a crucial goal. This win gives them an early advantage, and they will be looking to build on this result.

11. LOSC Lille 2 - 1 SK Brann
Lille's victory demonstrates their consistent potential on the continent, especially with a strong finish to confirm the three points.

12. Aston Villa 1 - 0 Bologna
Villa secured a narrow win, important for building confidence early in the tournament. Their home crowd was vital to maintaining pressure on Bologna.

13. BSC Young Boys 1 - 4 Panathinaikos
An unexpected demolition, with Panathinaikos putting on a clinic. Young Boys may need to reassess their strategy after conceding four goals.

14. FC Salzburg 0 - 1 FC Porto
Porto exhibited resilience and tactical discipline, earning an important away win in a competitive fixture. Salzburg will need to address their scoring woes.

15. FC Utrecht 0 - 1 Olympique Lyonnais
Lyon's narrow win reflects their poise in close encounters, a sign of potential for a deep run in this tournament.

16. Ferencvárosi TC 1 - 1 FC Viktoria Plzeň
A balanced match saw both teams share the spoils. Future games will determine who can capitalize better in the group standings.

17. Rangers FC 0 - 1 KRC Genk
Rangers will be worried after a home defeat. Genk's win may bolster their chances, while Rangers need to regroup to salvage their campaign.

18. VfB Stuttgart 2 - 1 Real Club Celta
Stuttgart started strong with a home victory. Their ability to grind out a result will be indicative of their ambitions this season.

Key Takeaways:

• Teams like Dinamo Zagreb and Panathinaikos alert the competition with high-scoring victories.
• Established clubs such as AS Roma and Olympique Lyonnais continued to prove their mettle in Europe.
• The mix of shocking results (e.g., Young Boys vs. Panathinaikos) underscores the unpredictable nature of the tournament.

As we look forward to Match Day 2, teams will need to assess their strengths and weaknesses based on these performances. The league table will certainly start shaping up, and the competition is only going to intensify from here!

 

[Bob the Ninja]

Another abysmal showing by Celtic in Europe as they are defeated 2-0 at Celtic Park by Braga.

I've no idea why Iheanacho's goal was ruled out for handball though. It was nowhere near his hand?!

In the late games, Rangers are trailing Strum Graz 2-1 and Notts Forest are losing 2-1 at home against FC Midtjylland. Ange isn't going to last until Christmas the way things are going at Forest!!

 

[Tom]

Another abysmal showing by Celtic in Europe as they are defeated 2-0 at Celtic Park by Braga.

I've no idea why Iheanacho's goal was ruled out for handball though. It was nowhere near his hand?!

The ruled-out goal was a bizarre decision but Celtic got what they deserved. Brendan Rodgers is a terribly limited coach when it comes to European football - he was the same during his previous spell at Celtic and even at Liverpool.

 

[Tom]

In the late games, Rangers are trailing Strum Graz 2-1 and Notts Forest are losing 2-1 at home against FC Midtjylland. Ange isn't going to last until Christmas the way things are going at Forest!!

It has been a disappointing start for Ange! They have been creating chances but not converting them. He'll be lucky to see out October if results don't improve soon. Marinakis won't put up with this sort of form.

 

[Tom]

John McGinn pretty much seals it for Villa. He's had another fantastic game. He might be the most underrated player in the Premier league. A lot seem to consider him just an average player. He's top-level and has been for years.

 

[Bob the Ninja]

The ruled-out goal was a bizarre decision but Celtic got what they deserved.

Indeed. I've watched it a few times and cannot see a handball.

 https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1973810136788398577

It has been a disappointing start for Ange! They have been creating chances but not converting them. He'll be lucky to see out October if results don't improve soon. Marinakis won't put up with this sort of form.

Postecoglou has failed to win any of his opening six games since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo, and the Forest fans chanted that he would be "sacked in the morning" as this game headed towards its closing stages.

 

[Bob the Ninja]

Match Day 2 Results
AS Roma (ITA) 0 V 1 LOSC Lille (FRA)
Bologna FC 1909 (ITA) 1 V 1 SC Freiburg (GER)
Celtic FC (SCO) 0 V 2 SC Braga (POR)
FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE) 3 V 0 Malmö FF (SWE)
Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) 2 V 1 OGC Nice (FRA)
Fotbal Club FCSB (ROU) 0 V 2 BSC Young Boys (SUI)
Panathinaikos FC (GRE) 1 V 2 Go Ahead Eagles (NED)
PFC Ludogorets 1945 (BUL) 0 V 2 Real Betis Balompié (ESP)
SK Brann (NOR) 1 V 0 FC Utrecht (NED)
FC Basel 1893 (SUI) 2 V 0 VfB Stuttgart (GER)
FC Porto (POR) 2 V 1 FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB)
Feyenoord (NED) 0 V 2 Aston Villa FC (ENG)
KRC Genk (BEL) 0 V 1 Ferencvárosi TC (HUN)
Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (ISR) 1 V 3 GNK Dinamo (CRO)
Nottingham Forest FC (ENG) 2 V 3 FC Midtjylland (DEN)
Olympique Lyonnais (FRA) 2 V 0 FC Salzburg (AUT)
Real Club Celta (ESP) 3 V 1 PAOK FC (GRE)
SK Sturm Graz (AUT) 2 V 1 Rangers FC (SCO)

Spoiler: LEague Table

 

[Bob the Ninja]

Knock-out Round 1st Leg Results
Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) 0 V 3 Nottingham Forest FC (ENG)
GNK Dinamo (CRO) 1 V 3 KRC Genk (BEL)
PAOK FC (GRE) 1 V 2 Real Club Celta (ESP)
SK Brann (NOR) 0 V 1 Bologna FC 1909 (ITA)
Celtic FC (SCO) 1 V 4 VfB Stuttgart (GER)
LOSC Lille (FRA) 0 V 1 FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB)
Panathinaikos FC (GRE) 2 V 2 FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE)
PFC Ludogorets 1945 (BUL) 2 V 1 Ferencvárosi TC (HUN)

Knock-out Round 2nd Legs
Thursday 26th February
17:45 Kick-offs
FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE) V Panathinaikos FC (GRE) - (Agg 2-2)
Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) V PFC Ludogorets 1945 (BUL) - (Agg 1-2)
FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) V LOSC Lille (FRA) - (Agg 1-0)
VfB Stuttgart (GER) V Celtic FC (SCO) - (Agg 4-1)

20:00 Kick-offs
Bologna FC 1909 (ITA) V SK Brann (NOR) - (Agg 1-0)
KRC Genk (BEL) V GNK Dinamo (CRO) - (Agg 3-1)
Nottingham Forest FC (ENG) V Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) - (Agg 3-0)
Real Club Celta (ESP) V PAOK FC (GRE) - (Agg 2-1)

Great result for Notts Forest, terrible result for Celtic.

 

[Bob the Ninja]

Knock-out Round 2nd Leg Results
FC Viktoria Plzeň (CZE) 1 V 1 Panathinaikos FC (GRE) AET - (Agg 3-3) Panathinaikos FC (GRE) win on pens 4-3
Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) 2 V 0 PFC Ludogorets 1945 (BUL) - (Agg 3-2)
FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB) 0 V 2 LOSC Lille (FRA) AET - (Agg 1-2)
VfB Stuttgart (GER) 0 V 1 Celtic FC (SCO) - (Agg 4-2)
Bologna FC 1909 (ITA) 1 V 0 SK Brann (NOR) - (Agg 2-0)
KRC Genk (BEL) 3 V 3 GNK Dinamo (CRO) AET - (Agg 6-4)
Nottingham Forest FC (ENG) 1 V 2 Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) - (Agg 4-2)
Real Club Celta (ESP) 1 V 0 PAOK FC (GRE) - (Agg 3-1)

Round of 16 Draw
Silver Side
Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) V SC Braga (POR)
Panathinaikos FC (GRE) V Real Betis Balompié (ESP)
KRC Genk (BEL) V SC Freiburg (GER)
Real Club Celta (ESP) V Olympique Lyonnais (FRA)

Orange Side
VfB Stuttgart (GER) V FC Porto (POR)
Nottingham Forest FC (ENG) V FC Midtjylland (DEN)
Bologna FC 1909 (ITA) V AS Roma (ITA)
LOSC Lille (FRA) V Aston Villa FC (ENG)