Europa League Play-Offs: Celtic and Nottingham Forest Set for Challenging Ties

The draw for the UEFA Europa League knockout phase play-offs has determined the matchups for the next stage of the competition. Scottish champions Celtic will face German side VfB Stuttgart, while Nottingham Forest will take on Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Both ties will be played over two legs, with the first matches scheduled for February 19 and the return legs on February 26, 2026.

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Celtic secured their place in the play-offs with a 4-2 victory against FC Utrecht, finishing 21st in the league phase standings. This win was crucial for the team, allowing them to avoid elimination and set up a challenging encounter with Stuttgart, who finished 11th in the league phase. Celtic's interim manager, Martin O'Neill, expressed optimism about the upcoming match, recalling past encounters with Stuttgart, including a memorable aggregate win in the 2003 UEFA Cup.

Europa League playoff draw: Celtic handed challenging away trip before Old Firm derby

Nottingham Forest, having finished 13th in the league phase, will host Fenerbahce in the second leg of their tie at the City Ground. Forest's path to the play-offs was solidified by a decisive 4-0 victory over Ferencvaros. This will mark their first-ever competitive meetings with Fenerbahce, a club currently performing well in the Turkish Super Lig. Forest manager Sean Dyche emphasized the importance of the Europa League for the club, highlighting the need for a strong performance in Istanbul.

Nottingham Forest & Celtic handed tough Europa League ties as knockout round play-off draw confirmed

The winners of the play-off ties will advance to the round of 16, where they will face teams that finished in the top eight of the league phase, including notable clubs like Porto and Braga. The draw for the round of 16 will take place on February 27, following the conclusion of the play-off matches.

Europa League knockout phase play-off draw: Format, dates, fixture schedule and qualified teams

While both clubs are optimistic about their chances, there are concerns regarding the intensity of the upcoming matches. Celtic's busy schedule, including a crucial league derby against Rangers shortly after their second leg, may pose challenges. Similarly, Forest's away trip to Istanbul is expected to be daunting, given Fenerbahce's strong home support.

Nottingham Forest & Celtic handed tough Europa League ties as knockout round play-off draw confirmed

• “It'll be tough. It's a brilliant game, brilliant for our supporters.” — Shaun Maloney, Celtic Assistant Manager

Europa League draw: Celtic v Stuttgart, Nottingham Forest v Fenerbahce

• “We take the Europa League seriously, and I think we’ve made it clear we want to do well in it.” — Sean Dyche, Nottingham Forest Manager

Europa League play-off draw: Nottingham Forest to face Fenerbahce, Celtic drawn against Stuttgart

As Celtic and Nottingham Forest prepare for their respective play-off matches, both clubs are eager to advance further in the Europa League. The outcomes of these ties will not only determine their progression in the tournament but also set the stage for potential encounters in the subsequent rounds, including a possible clash between the two British clubs if they both succeed.

Europa League playoff draw: Celtic handed challenging away trip before Old Firm derby