Nottingham Forest prepares for their first European campaign in 30 years, facing Porto and Real Betis in the Europa League group stage. Aston Villa draws familiar opponents, while Celtic and Rangers face tough fixtures. Crystal Palace gets a favorable draw in the Conference League. The Europa League begins on September 24 and 25, followed by the Conference League on October 2.
Nottingham Forest is set to embark on their first European journey in three decades, marking a significant milestone for the club and its supporters. The anticipation is palpable as they prepare to face a challenging Europa League group stage, pitted against formidable opponents such as Porto and Real Betis. This return to the European stage is not just about competition; it's about reliving the glory days and creating new memories for a new generation of fans.
Their path to the group stage was paved by a commendable seventh-place finish in the Premier League last season, further solidified by Crystal Palace's unfortunate expulsion, which propelled Forest into UEFA's second-tier competition. The schedule is demanding, with home games against Porto, Ferencvaros, Midtjylland, and Malmo, balanced by away fixtures against Betis, Braga, Sturm Graz, and Utrecht. Among these clashes, the match against Malmo stands out, offering a nostalgic revisit to the 1979 European Cup final, a game etched in the annals of Forest's history.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa finds themselves in a somewhat contrasting position, having secured what appears to be a relatively comfortable draw. Under the guidance of Unai Emery, the team is slated to face Bologna and Young Boys, both of whom they previously overcame with relative ease during their Champions League campaign last season. These encounters provide Villa with an opportunity to assert their dominance and build momentum as they progress through the tournament.
However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. Villa will also face sterner tests in the form of Salzburg at home and Feyenoord away. These matches are expected to be more keenly contested, demanding tactical acumen and resilience from Emery’s squad. The balance between familiar foes and tougher adversaries sets the stage for an intriguing campaign for Aston Villa.
In other notable draws, Scottish champions Celtic have been handed a daunting set of fixtures, including clashes against Roma and Feyenoord. These encounters promise to be high-octane affairs, testing Celtic’s mettle against some of Europe’s elite teams. Similarly, their Glasgow rivals, Rangers, face a demanding path, which includes Roma and Porto, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the competition. The Scottish sides will need to be at their best to navigate these challenging waters.
Gian Piero Gasperini faces a baptism of fire in his debut season with Roma, having been drawn into a particularly tough group. The Giallorossi will welcome Lille and Stuttgart to the Stadio Olimpico, while also undertaking two potentially explosive trips to Glasgow to face both Celtic and Rangers. This demanding schedule will test Gasperini's tactical prowess and Roma’s squad depth.
On the Conference League front, FA Cup and Community Shield winners Crystal Palace have received a more favorable draw, offering them a chance to make a significant impact. Oliver Glasner’s biggest challenge is likely to be an away game against Strasbourg. The Eagles are set to host AZ Alkmaar, KuPS KUOPIO, and AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park, with additional away games against Dynamo Kyiv and Shelbourne. This draw presents Palace with a realistic opportunity to progress deep into the competition.
The Europa League is scheduled to kick off on September 24 and 25, setting the stage for weeks of thrilling football action. Following closely behind, the Conference League will commence on October 2, adding to the excitement and anticipation across the continent.
These European campaigns represent more than just games; they are a chance for clubs to showcase their talent, build their reputation, and create lasting memories for their fans. As the teams prepare to embark on these journeys, the football world watches with bated breath, eager to witness the unfolding drama and the emergence of new heroes.
Adding to the excitement, UEFA has confirmed the use of VAR in all Europa League and Conference League matches, ensuring a fair and transparent competition. This technological intervention will undoubtedly add another layer of scrutiny and excitement to the games.
The 36 teams have discovered their fate for the UEFA Europa League league phase #UELdraw
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 29, 2025