Forest Draw Fenerbahce in Europa Knockout Play-Offs

Nottingham Forest have been drawn against Fenerbahce in the Knockout Play-Offs in the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League.

Sean Dyche’s Forest finished 13th in the League Phase after they thrashed Ferencvaros 4-0 at home in their final game of that stage, which has set up a knockout play-off tie against Fenerbahce with the first leg away then the second leg at the City Ground.

Ferencvaros consequently slipped out of the top eight to 12th with that defeat and will now face Bulgaria’s Ludogorets Razgrad.

Genk missed out on a top-eight finish on goal difference to AS Roma and will now face a tough test against Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb.

Celtic meanwhile needed a final-day victory over Utrecht to secure their knockout spot and will now face a tricky play-off against Germany’s VfB Stuttgart, with the first leg  being played at home at Celtic Park.

Italy’s Bologna will look to avoid a shock defeat against Norway’s Brann an intriguing tie after the latter scraped through despite a 1-0 loss at Sturm Graz.

Lille meet Red Star Belgrade, whilst Greece’s PAOK and Panathinaikos face Celta Vigo and Viktoria Plzen respectively.

First legs of the ties are scheduled to be played on 19 February 2026, whilst the second legs take place a week later on 26 February.