2025-26 UEFA Europa League knockout play-off draw: Forest take on Fenerbahce and Celtic take on Stuttgart

Nottingham Forest face a tricky trip to Istanbul after being drawn to face Fenerbahce in the knockout stages of the Europa League play-offs on Friday, while Celtic face German giants VfB Stuttgart.

Forest, who are just above the relegation zone in the Premier League, finished 13th out of 36 teams in the Europa League and were therefore qualified for the play-off draw.

However, Fenerbahçe promises to be a tough test as they remain unbeaten in the Turkish Super Lig this season despite falling three points behind leaders Galatasaray in the table.

The squad includes former Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, Spanish star Marco Asensio and French midfielder Matteo Guendouzi.

Forest, who hope to return to the Turkish city for the final in May, will nevertheless take encouragement from Aston Villa beating Fenerbahce 1-0 at the Sukru Saracoglu Stadium last week.

The winner of that tie will play Real Betis or Midtjylland in the last 16. Forest lost at home to the Danes in the league stage in October.

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Celtic secured qualification for the play-offs by beating Utrecht 4-2 on Thursday to finish 21st. It will host Stuttgart, currently fifth in the Bundesliga, in the first leg on February 19, before the return leg in Germany on February 26.

The winner will play in the last sixteen against the Portuguese opponent, with Porto or Braga waiting.

Other play-off matches include Serie A’s Bologna against Norway’s Brann Bergen and Lille against Red Star Belgrade.

Aston Villa are among the eight teams that will progress to the last sixteen and will play Lille, Red Star Belgrade, PAOK or Celta Vigo in that round.

Published on January 30, 2026