Celtic Faces Stuttgart, Nottingham Forest Takes on Fenerbahce in Europa League
Celtic and Nottingham Forest are set to compete in the Europa League playoff round, aiming for a spot in the last 16. Celtic will meet Stuttgart, while Nottingham Forest takes on Fenerbahce.
Celtic’s Challenge Against Stuttgart
Celtic secured their playoff position with a strong 4-2 victory over Utrecht. This win allowed them to finish 21st in the league phase table. Their matchup with Stuttgart will be notable, as they also considered a tie against Ferencvaros, managed by former player Robbie Keane.
Nottingham Forest’s Encounter with Fenerbahce
Nottingham Forest’s playoff berth came after a commanding 4-0 win against Ferencvaros, finishing 13th in their league group. This success earned them the advantage of hosting the second leg of their tie against Fenerbahce.
Playoff Match Details
- First Leg Date: February 19
- Second Leg Date: February 26
If they advance, Celtic would face either Porto, their opponent from the 2003 UEFA Cup final, or Braga. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest could encounter Midtjylland or Real Betis should they progress past the Turkish team.
Qualified Teams for the Last 16
The top eight teams from the league phase have already qualified for the last 16, which includes:
- Lyon
- Aston Villa
- Midtjylland
- Real Betis
- Porto
- Braga
- Freiburg
- Roma
2026 Europa League Final
Looking ahead, the Europa League final is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at Besiktas Park in Istanbul, Turkey. As these teams prepare for their playoff encounters, the road to the final promises to be thrilling for fans and clubs alike.
