2025/26 UEFA Europa League Knockout Draw - Favourites, Odds and Path to the Final
The 2025/26 UEFA Europa League Knockout draw sets the stage for thrilling encounters, starting with the play-off fixtures like Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest. The top teams including Aston Villa and Roma await in the Round of 16. With Aston Villa favored to win, under the expertise of Unai Emery, Roma and Lyon also pose significant threats. As the road to the Besiktas Stadium final in Istanbul unfolds, intense matchups and the betting market add excitement to this year's competition.
- Europa League knockout draw features Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest
- Aston Villa, Roma, Lyon & Porto standout as contenders for the title
- Villa lead the betting odds with Unai Emery aiming for a fifth trophy
Istanbul Beckons - Breaking Down the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League Knockout Draw
The road to the Besiktas Stadium has been mapped out following the 2025/26 Europa League draw in Nyon.
While the top eight sides including Aston Villa, Roma, Lyon and Porto put their feet up until the round of 16, other clubs must now navigate a two-legged play-off to keep their dreams alive.
Play-Off Draw
The headline act of the play-off draw is undoubtedly Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest. Sean Dyche’s side have been up and down this season and but a trip to Turkey is as tough as it gets.
Elsewhere, Celtic face a stern German test in Stuttgart while Lille and Crvena Zvezda promise a clash of styles that could go the distance.
| Home (1st Leg) | Away (1st Leg) |
| Fenerbahce | Nottingham Forest |
| Celtic | Stuttgart |
| Lille | Crvena Zvezda |
| PAOK | Celta Vigo |
| Panathinaikos | Viktoria Plzen |
| Dinamo Zagreb | Genk |
| Ludogorets | Ferencvaros |
| Brann | Bologna |
Path to the Final
The bracket has become clearer with the winners of the play-offs knowing their path to the final in Istanbul.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa will fancy their chances of reaching the quarter-finals where Roma look their likliest opponents. Porto or Real Betis could stand in their way in the semi-finals.
Lyon finished top of the league phase and are in fantastic form. The French club could also face Roma on their way to the semi-finals where Stuttgart, Nottingham Forest or Porto may stand in their way.
Betting Market - Who are the Favorites?
The bookmakers have placed Aston Villa comfortably at the top of the market. Unai Emery is a four-time winner of the Europa League and has one of the strongest squads remaining in the competition.
Roma are a threat under Gian Piero Gasperini and Lyon deserve a lot of respect as league phase winners. Porto have been in phenomenal form under Francisco Farioli and will fancy their chances of going deep.
Real Betis are a dark horse with a squad built for knockout football, Bologna and Nottingham Forest further back.
| Team | Odds |
| Aston Villa |
3.75 |
| Roma |
8.00 |
| Lyon |
9.00 |
| Porto |
10.00 |
| Real Betis |
11.00 |
| Bologna |
13.00 |
| Nottingham Forest |
15.00 |
| Lille |
17.00 |
| Freiburg |
21.00 |
| Stuttgart |
21.00 |
| Braga |
29.00 |
| Fenerbahce |
34.00 |
| Celta Vigo |
34.00 |
| Midtjylland |
41.00 |
| Viktoria Plzen |
51.00 |
| Ferencvaros |
51.00 |
| Panathinaikos |
67.00 |
| PAOK |
67.00 |
| Genk |
67.00 |
| Celtic |
67.00 |
| Dinamo Zagreb |
101.00 |
| SK Brann |
201.00 |
| Ludogorets |
201.00 |
| Crvena Zvezda |
201.00 |
Source: Stake.com with odds correct on 30 January 2026
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