2025/26 UEFA Conference League Round of 16 Draw - Betting Analysis & Outright Odds
The 2025/26 UEFA Conference League Round of 16 draw has been announced with exciting fixtures featuring clubs from top European leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga. Notable matchups include Lech Poznan vs Shakhtar Donetsk and Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca. The market is wide open, with favorites given smoother paths and dark horses like Strasbourg poised to surprise. Crystal Palace are favorites to win, while Strasbourg, Fiorentina, Mainz, Rayo Vallecano, Shakhtar Donetsk, and AEK Athens are also strong contenders for the trophy.
- The Conference League round of 16 draw was favourable for Crystal Palace
- The Premier League club are deserved favouites in the betting market
- Mainz and Strasbourg are contenders in the bottom half of the draw
- Round of 16 Fixtures
- Lech Poznan vs Shakhtar Donetsk
- AZ Alkmaar vs Sparta Prague
- Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca
- Fiorentina vs Rakow
- Samsunspor vs Rayo Vallecano
- Celje vs AEK Athens
- Sigma Olomouc vs Mainz
- Rijeka vs Strasbourg
- 2025/26 UEFA Conference League Odds
Clubs from the top leagues will all fancy their chances of reaching the final in Leipzig, Strasbourg, Fiorentins and Mainz leading the way in the outright betting market.
Round of 16 Fixtures
| Team 1 | Tie | Team 2 | 1st Leg | 2nd Leg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lech Poznan | 1 | Shakhtar Donetsk | 12 March | 19 March |
| AZ Alkmaar | 2 | Sparta Prague | 12 March | 19 March |
| Crystal Palace | 3 | AEK Larnaca | 12 March | 19 March |
| Fiorentina | 4 | Rakow | 12 March | 19 March |
| Samsunspor | 5 | Rayo Vallecano | 12 March | 19 March |
| Celje | 6 | AEK Athens | 12 March | 19 March |
| Sigma Olomouc | 7 | Mainz 05 | 12 March | 19 March |
| Rijeka | 8 | Strasbourg | 12 March | 19 March |
Lech Poznan vs Shakhtar Donetsk
Shakhtar Donetsk have a rich Champions League history and the Ukrainian club remain a threat to win the trophy.
With a plentiful supply of talented Brazilian attackers, they will fancy their chances against Lech Poznan and could face Crystal Palace or Fiorentina in the semi-finals.
AZ Alkmaar vs Sparta Prague
Two highly experienced European campaigners meet for the first time. AZ Alkmaar need to be weary of a Sparta Prague side who are formidable opponents at home.
Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca
Crystal Palace navigated a tricky playoff tie against Zrinjski Mostar and Premier League sides have historically dominated this competition.
While AEK Larnaca are a stubborn side in Cyprus, the sheer financial disparity between the two squads makes a shock exit for the Eagles highly unlikely.
Fiorentina vs Rakow
Fiorentina have been well below their best this season and needed extra time to get past Jagiellonia Bialystok in the playoffs.
Despite the questionable form, the Italian side have reached the Conference League final twice. They possess the individual quality and firepower to reach the quarter-finals where Crystal Palace are likely to await.
Samsunspor vs Rayo Vallecano
Samsunspor dismantled Shkendija 5-0 on aggregate in the playoffs and a hostile environment in Turkey could test of Rayo Vallecano's credentials.
The La Liga club are favourites to go through, but the Turkish side should not be underestimated.
Celje vs AEK Athens
AEK Athens are aiming to replicate Olympiacos' historic Conference League triumph in 2023/24.
Their defensive solidity and raucous home support make them heavy favorites to progress against Slovenian side Celje who got past Drita 6-4 on aggregate in the playoffs.
Sigma Olomouc vs Mainz
Mainz had a strong league phase and will be pleased after drawing Czech side Sigma Olomouc. Mainz are flying under the radar but they possess the quality of a top-five European domestic league.
Rijeka vs Strasbourg
Strasbourg finished top in the league phase and have the luxury of a superior squad and the advantage of hosting the second leg.
Rijeka were solid in their 4-1 aggregate win over Omonia, but the step up in class to Ligue 1 opposition will be steep.
2025/26 UEFA Conference League Odds
It's no surprise to see teams from the top leagues dominating the betting market. West Ham and Chelsea recently won this competition and Crystal Palace are favoured to be the next English club to lift the trophy.
Strasbourg, Fiorentina, Mainz and Rayo Vallecano are in the mix with Shakhtar Donetsk and AEK Athens realistic propositions to go all the way.
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Crystal Palace |
4.00 |
| Strasbourg |
5.00 |
| Fiorentina |
8.00 |
| Mainz |
10.00 |
| Rayo Vallecano |
10.00 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk |
13.00 |
| AEK Athens |
15.00 |
| Sparta Prague |
17.00 |
| Rakow |
21.00 |
| AZ Alkmaar |
21.00 |
| Samsunspor |
21.00 |
| Lech Poznan |
41.00 |
| AEK Larnaca |
51.00 |
| HNK Rijeka |
51.00 |
| Sigma Olomouc |
81.00 |
| Celje |
81.00 |
Verdict
Crystal Palace are deserved favourites and have a great chance of reaching the final. In the bottom half of the draw, I wouldn't be surprised if Mainz get past Strasbourg and go all the way.
Crystal Palace Win
Winner
@3/1 - 2 Units
Bet £10 Get £30
with bonus code NEWBONUS
Available to new customers only. Make a qualifying deposit of £5 or more and claim the offer within 30 days of registering your account to qualify for 300% of that amount in Bet Credits, up to a maximum of £30 in Bet Credits. Once released, your Bet Credits will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable. Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Registration required. Time limits and T&Cs apply. The bonus code NEWBONUS can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way. #ad
Mainz Win
Winner
@9/1 - 1 Unit
Bet £10 Get £10
Promo Code: NEWBONUS
New customers only. Bet £10+ to receive £10 in Free Bets. 7-day free bet expiry. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. GambleAware.org
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
08 May 2026
- WNBA 2026 -
- Basketball
15 July 2026
16 July 2026
- VCT 2026 Pacific Stage 2 -
- Esports
Load More
