Nottingham Forest and Celtic have learned their opponents for the two-legged Europa League play-offs, with both teams aiming to secure a place in the last 16.
Celtic to Play Stuttgart
According to a post on UEL’s X handle on Friday, Martin O’Neill’s Celtic will face German side Stuttgart in the play-offs.
The Scottish champions were also in contention to play Ferencváros, managed by Robbie Keane, but were drawn against the Bundesliga club instead.
The first leg will take place at Celtic Park, with the return leg in Germany.
The winner of the tie will advance to the last 16 and face either Porto—who defeated Celtic in the 2003 UEFA Cup final—or Braga, depending on which team wins their tie.
Celtic secured their play-off spot after a 4-2 win over Utrecht, finishing 21st in the league phase standings.
Forest to Face Fenerbahçe
Nottingham Forest will face Turkish giants Fenerbahçe in the play-offs.
The Reds were in the running to play Panathinaikos, but the draw paired them with the Istanbul-based side.
Forest finished 13th in the league phase following a commanding 4-0 win over Ferencváros, earning them a home advantage in the second leg. If they progress, they will meet either Midtjylland or Real Betis in the last 16.
Play-Off Schedule
The two-legged ties will take place on 19 and 26 February, with the second leg hosted by the higher-ranked side.
Europa League Play-Off Draw
Ludogorets vs Ferencvaros
Panathinaikos vs Viktoria Plzen
GNK Dinamo vs Genk
PAOK vs Celta
Celtic vs Stuttgart
Fenerbahce vs Nottingham Forest
SK Brann vs Bologna
Lille vs Red Star Belgrade
Already Qualified for the Last 16
The following teams secured direct qualification to the last 16 after finishing in the top eight of the league phase:
Lyon
Aston Villa
Midtjylland
Real Betis
Porto
Braga
Freiburg
Roma
Europa League Final
The 2026 Europa League final will be held on 20 May at Beşiktaş Park in Istanbul, Turkey.
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