The Europa League last-16 draw has been confirmed, and English representatives Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest now know the challenges standing between them and continental progress in 2025-26.
Aston Villa will take on French side Lille, while Nottingham Forest must overcome Danish outfit Midtjylland to keep their European ambitions alive. With former European champions still dreaming of silverware, the Europa League last-16 draw has delivered intrigue, revenge narratives, and heavyweight domestic clashes.
Europa League Last-16 Draw in Full
Here is the complete outcome of the Europa League last-16 draw:
- Lyon vs Celta Vigo
- Aston Villa vs Lille
- Midtjylland vs Nottingham Forest
- Real Betis vs Panathinaikos
- Porto vs Stuttgart
- Braga vs Ferencvaros
- Freiburg vs Genk
- Roma vs Bologna
The bracket is now set, meaning clubs can map their potential route all the way to the final.
Aston Villa’s Reward from the Europa League Last-16 Draw
Aston Villa enter the knockout phase in strong form after an impressive league-stage campaign. The Villans dropped just three points en route to securing automatic qualification, finishing second and level on points with Lyon.
The draw has paired Villa with Lille, a technically disciplined side capable of causing problems. However, Unai Emery’s men will take confidence from their the experience of their manager in this competition.
Villa’s European pedigree should not be underestimated. The club famously lifted the European Cup in 1982, and the Europa League last-16 draw presents a genuine opportunity to reassert themselves among Europe’s competitive forces.
With a balanced squad and tactical flexibility, Villa will view this tie as a significant but manageable test.
Nottingham Forest’s Path After the Europa League Last-16 Draw
For Nottingham Forest, the Europa League last-16 draw sets up a reunion with Midtjylland.
Forest had to navigate a demanding knockout play-off against Fenerbahce to reach this stage, showing a much-needed positive under manager Vitor Pereira, who is the club’s fourth boss of the season.
However, Midtjylland already hold the psychological edge. Earlier this campaign, Forest suffered a 3-2 defeat at the City Ground in what was their first European home fixture in three decades.
That prior meeting adds tension to the tie. The Europa League last-16 draw gives Forest a chance at redemption.
Forest’s European legacy including two European Cup triumphs under Brian Clough ensures belief remains strong despite a very poor domestic league season and consistent managerial turbulence.
Other Key Ties from the Europa League Last-16 Draw
Beyond the English clubs, the UEFA Europa League draw has produced several compelling fixtures.
Porto face Stuttgart in what could be one of the most tactically intriguing ties of the round. The Portuguese giants are widely tipped as serious contenders.
Roma meet domestic rivals Bologna in an all-Italian clash that guarantees Serie A representation in the quarterfinals. Such familiar matchups often add extra intensity to the knockout stage.
Real Betis have been drawn against Panathinaikos, as Betis will be chasing another European final, while Braga take on Ferencvaros. Freiburg’s matchup with Genk also promises a tightly contested affair.
The last-16 draw has ensured that no clear path to the trophy exists without overcoming serious competition.
What the Europa League Last-16 Draw Means for the Title Race
With no further draws before the latter stages, the Europa League last-16 draw clarifies potential quarterfinal matchups and beyond.
For Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, the stakes are clear. Progress will not only boosts silverware ambitions but also strengthens domestic momentum.
The Europa League last-16 draw signals the beginning of the decisive phase of the competition. European experience, squad depth, and tactical adaptability will now prove critical.
The path to being crowned Europa League kings has been mapped. Now we wait.
