Explore the UEFA Europa League knockout draw, key fixtures, schedule, and top matchups as Europe’s clubs chase European glory this season.
The knockout play-off round has now wrapped up in the UEFA Europa League, paving the way for the Round of 16 draw, which was conducted on 27 February 2026 at UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. The draw produced eight fascinating matchups as the tournament moves closer to its business end, where every mistake carries heavier consequences and every moment can define a club’s European campaign.
The last-16 stage will be played over two legs, with the first fixtures set for 12 March 2026 and the return legs a week later on 19 March 2026. The winners on aggregate will secure their place in the quarter-finals, keeping their continental ambitions alive.
Europa League Draw: Round of 16 Fixtures, Schedule, and more
The Round of 16 lineup brings together a mix of established European names and ambitious challengers, setting the stage for tactically interesting battles across different leagues and footballing styles in the UEFA Europa League.
Teams such as Aston Villa FC, Real Betis Balompié, and FC Porto earned the advantage of hosting the second legs after strong league-phase performances, a factor that could prove valuable in tightly contested knockout ties.
Here are the confirmed Round of 16 fixtures:
- Genk vs Freiburg
- Bologna vs AS Roma
- Ferencváros vs Braga
- Stuttgart vs Porto
- Panathinaikos vs Real Betis
- Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland
- Celta Vigo vs Lyon
- Lille vs Aston Villa
Once the second legs are completed, the draw will determine the quarter-final matchups, which are scheduled for 9 and 16 April 2026. The competition then moves into the semi-finals on 30 April and 7 May, before culminating in the final on 20 May 2026 at the Beşiktaş Stadium, where Europe’s next Europa League champion will be crowned.
Who is the Betting Favourite to Win the Europa League?
Aston Villa are the clear betting favourites to win the 2025/26 Europa League, with the latest odds implying roughly a 25% chance of lifting the trophy. AS Roma come in as the second favourites with about an 11% chance, while Lyon round off the top three at around 10%, reflecting their status as Europe’s leading challengers behind Unai Emery’s side.
| Europa League Winner | Best Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | 3/1 | Betfred |
| Roma | 8/1 | bet365 |
| Lyon | 9/1 | Coral |
| Real Betis | 10/1 | Coral |
| FC Porto | 10/1 | Betfred |
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Villa are among the outright favourites because of their strong balance between attack and defence, consistent performances in both domestic and European fixtures, and a relatively favourable knockout draw. Their tactical structure is solid under pressure, and they’ve shown the ability to control games even against higher-profile opponents.
Roma have a mix of European match experience and a squad capable of causing upsets. Their tactical flexibility and history of deep runs in European competition (including past Europa League finals) keeps their price attractive.
Lyon’s Europa League odds reflect a team with quality but less consistency against top-tier opposition. They have attacking talent and can trouble defences, but defensive vulnerabilities and a patchy recent European record temper expectations.
Betis have shown flair in attack and tactical ambition, but they can be inconsistent and sometimes struggle against elite sides. Their odds reflect respect for their potential while acknowledging they’re an underdog relative to deeper squads.
Porto are well-versed in European competition and often deliver disciplined, organised performances. However, they’re priced at 10/1 because their route to the final is projected to be challenging, and their squad depth doesn’t always match that of favourites.
