Rabat—Friday’s Europa League draw in Nyon confirmed the Round of 16 ties and mapped out the bracket through to the final, giving the remaining clubs a clear view of what stands between them and European silverware. The knockout phase resumes in March, with first legs scheduled for March 12 and return fixtures on March 19.
Several of the matchups bring a fresh feel, with a number of first-time European meetings and clubs eager to push deeper into the competition.
Round of 16 fixtures
The full draw has produced the following last-16 ties:
- Genk vs Freiburg
- Bologna vs AS Roma
- Ferencváros vs SC Braga
- Stuttgart vs FC Porto
- Panathinaikos vs Real Betis
- Nottingham Forest vs FC Midtjylland
- Celta Vigo vs Olympique Lyonnais
- Lille vs Aston Villa
All eight ties will be played over two legs in March, with the first matches on March 12 and the second legs on March 19 as clubs bid to reach the quarter-finals.
The bracket layout has already created potential dramatic scenarios deeper into the competition.
In Bracket A, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are placed on the same side. Should both clubs win their respective ties, a fully English semifinal would await. That possibility alone adds strategic weight to every decision from this stage forward.
In Bracket B, Olympique Lyon, who topped the league phase standings, avoid several English contenders until a potential final. That positioning could prove significant in a competition where squad rotation and fixture congestion often play a decisive role.
Knockout stage schedule
- Round of 16: March 12, 2026 (first leg) – March 19 (second leg)
- Quarterfinals: April 9, 2026 (first leg) -April 16 (second leg)
- Semifinals: April 30, 2026 (first leg) – May 7 (second leg)
- Final: May 20- Beşiktaş Park, Istanbul
The winner will succeed Atalanta and secure direct qualification for the 2026/27 Champions League league phase.
Read also: UEFA Champions League Confirms Round of 16 Ties, Reveals Final Bracket