The Europa League knockout stage has taken shape following the play-off draw, with Celtic and Nottingham Forest discovering their paths to the coveted last 16. The Scottish champions will face German opposition in VfB Stuttgart, while the Premier League side must overcome Turkish powerhouse Fenerbahçe to keep their European dreams alive.
For Celtic, the tie represents a blend of present opportunity and historical resonance. The first leg will be played at Celtic Park, giving Martin O'Neill's squad the advantage of home support as they attempt to build a lead before traveling to Germany. The reward for victory is substantial: a place in the round of 16 against either Porto or Braga, two Portuguese clubs with their own rich European pedigrees.
The connection to Porto carries particular significance for Celtic supporters. The two clubs met in the 2003 UEFA Cup final, with the Portuguese side emerging victorious in Seville. That run to the final included a memorable encounter with Stuttgart, where current Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney etched his name into club folklore. Maloney scored during a dramatic 5-4 aggregate victory over the Bundesliga side 23 years ago, a result that remains fresh in the memory of the Celtic faithful.
Reflecting on the draw, Maloney expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of facing Stuttgart once again. "Great tie," he commented, acknowledging that while several matches stand between now and February, the fixture provides an exciting target on the horizon. The former Scotland international recalled the tension of the away leg during that 2003 campaign, describing how the team was "hanging on for dear life" before securing progression. His personal history adds an intriguing narrative layer to what promises to be a competitive encounter.
Celtic's journey to this point saw them finish 21st in the inaugural league phase table, a position that secured their place in the play-offs but required them to navigate a challenging fixture against Dutch side Utrecht. A 4-2 victory in that decisive match demonstrated their attacking prowess and resilience under pressure, qualities they will need in abundance against Stuttgart. The German club, currently competing in the Bundesliga, represents a significant step up in quality and will test Celtic's defensive organization and tactical discipline.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest's assignment against Fenerbahçe presents its own unique challenges. The Turkish club, based in Istanbul, boasts passionate support and considerable European experience. Forest will travel for the first leg before hosting the return fixture at the City Ground, a scenario that could work in their favor if they can return from Turkey with a manageable deficit or advantage.
Forest's alternative draw could have paired them with Greek giants Panathinaikos, but the Fenerbahçe fixture arguably offers greater prestige and a more direct route to the next round. Should Steve Cooper's side overcome the Turkish challenge, they would face either Danish champions Midtjylland or Spanish outfit Real Betis in the last 16, both representing winnable ties for a Premier League club in good form.
The path to the play-offs for Forest was secured through a dominant 4-0 victory over Ferencváros in their final league phase fixture. That result propelled them to 13th place in the standings and, crucially, earned them the right to play the second leg of their play-off tie at home. The performance against the Hungarian side, managed by former Celtic striker Robbie Keane, showcased Forest's clinical finishing and defensive solidity, attributes they must maintain against superior opposition.
The broader play-off picture features several intriguing matchups that could produce surprise packages in the latter stages. Bulgarian side Ludogorets Razgrad will face Robbie Keane's Ferencváros in an eastern European derby, while Greek champions Panathinaikos take on Czech giants Viktoria Plzeň. Croatian powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb meets Belgian club Genk, and Greek side PAOK faces Spanish opposition in Celta de Vigo.
Norwegian champions SK Brann will battle Italian side Bologna, and French club Lille faces Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade. These ties highlight the geographical diversity and competitive balance that makes the Europa League play-offs so compelling, with clubs from 12 different nations still in contention for the trophy.
The eight clubs that secured direct passage to the last 16 represent the elite performers from the league phase. Lyon, Aston Villa, Midtjylland, Real Betis, Porto, Braga, Freiburg, and Roma all finished in the top eight positions, earning valuable rest and preparation time while their rivals battle through the play-offs. This advantage could prove crucial in the latter stages of the competition, particularly for clubs juggling domestic commitments with European ambitions.
The play-off fixtures are scheduled for 19 and 26 February, giving teams approximately six weeks to prepare and manage their squads through domestic fixtures. This period will be critical for injury management, tactical refinement, and building momentum. For Celtic, the Scottish Premiership schedule offers opportunities to rotate players and maintain fitness, while Forest must navigate the intensity of Premier League survival alongside their European campaign.
Looking further ahead, the 2026 Europa League final will be staged at Besiktas Park in Istanbul, Turkey, on 20 May. The venue, home to one of Turkey's biggest clubs, promises a spectacular setting for the culmination of what has already been an innovative and exciting tournament format. For Fenerbahçe, the prospect of reaching a final in their home city provides extra motivation, though they must first overcome Forest and then navigate subsequent rounds.
The significance of these play-offs extends beyond mere progression. For clubs like Celtic, European success is woven into their identity and heritage. The memories of 2003, the Seville final, and Maloney's contribution against Stuttgart create a narrative thread that connects generations of supporters. O'Neill's current squad has the opportunity to write their own chapter in that storied history, and the draw against Stuttgart provides the perfect stage.
For Nottingham Forest, this represents a return to European relevance after years in the wilderness. The club's rich continental history, including two European Cup triumphs under Brian Clough, casts a long shadow that current players must embrace. A successful campaign could signal their re-emergence as a force in European football and provide valuable revenue and prestige for a club rebuilding its reputation.
The tactical battles that await are fascinating. Celtic's attacking style, characterized by high tempo and width, will be tested against Stuttgart's German efficiency and organization. Forest's compact defensive structure and counter-attacking prowess must find solutions against Fenerbahçe's technical quality and passionate home support. These contrasts in style and philosophy embody the beauty of European competition, where different footballing cultures collide.
As February approaches, supporters of all 16 remaining clubs will dream of glory in Istanbul. The play-offs represent the final hurdle before the business end of the tournament, where legends are made and histories are written. For Celtic and Nottingham Forest, the journey begins with familiar and formidable opponents, setting the stage for what promises to be a dramatic and memorable chapter in their respective European adventures.