⚖️ UEFA Europa League Round Of 16 Draw

The UEFA Europa League Round of 16 draw took place on Friday, 27 February 2026, at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. This stage features a mix of heavyweight contenders and "dark horse" teams that successfully navigated the new league phase and knockout play-offs.

Round of 16 Matchups

The draw paired the top eight teams from the league phase (seeded) against the winners of the knockout phase play-offs (unseeded).

Home (1st Leg)	Away (1st Leg)	Key Storyline
Lille (FRA)	Aston Villa (ENG)	Tournament favourites Villa face a tough French test.
Bologna (ITA)	Roma (ITA)	An all-Italian clash between two tactical powerhouses.
Stuttgart (GER)	Porto (POR)	Historic Porto faces a resurgent German side.
Panathinaikos (GRE)	Real Betis (ESP)	High-intensity atmosphere expected in Athens.
Celta Vigo (ESP)	Lyon (FRA)	League phase leaders Lyon travel to Spain.
Nottingham Forest (ENG)	Midtjylland (DEN)	Forest's first European knockout in decades.
Genk (BEL)	Freiburg (GER)	A battle between two efficient, high-pressing sides.
Ferencváros (HUN)	Braga (POR)	The Hungarian champions look to upset the Portuguese regulars.

Who to Watch

• The Favourites: Aston Villa are currently considered the clear betting favourites to lift the trophy in Istanbul, with Unai Emery seeking to add a fifth Europa League title to his record.
• The Italian Derby: The Bologna vs. Roma matchup is drawing significant attention as AS Roma aims for another deep European run against a Bologna side that has been a revelation this season.
• The Underdogs: Nottingham Forest has captured fans' imaginations, reaching this stage after a massive aggregate win over Fenerbahçe, marking their return to major European knockout football for the first time since 1996.

Tournament Schedule

• First Legs: 12 March 2026
• Second Legs: 19 March 2026
• Road to Istanbul: The winners will advance to the Quarter-finals (9 & 16 April), with the final set for 20 May 2026 at the Beşiktaş Stadium.