Ready for some midweek European football thrills? The 2025/26 UEFA Europa League is almost here, with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest gearing up for glory. Will Unai Emery lead Villa to another title, or can Forest surprise everyone? Get all the essential dates and broadcast info!

As the football world eagerly anticipates the 2025/26 season, the UEFA Europa League promises another captivating chapter of European football, with two prominent Premier League clubs, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, set to battle for continental supremacy. This competition, once overshadowed, has steadily grown in prestige, offering not just a coveted trophy but also a highly sought-after pathway to the UEFA Champions League, making it a crucial objective for ambitious teams.

Last season, Tottenham Hotspur vividly demonstrated the profound value of committing fully to this tournament, ultimately securing their berth in the subsequent UEFA Champions League. Their determined campaign culminated in a crucial 1-0 victory over domestic rivals Manchester United, underscoring the high stakes and rewarding outcomes that await clubs who prioritize success in this fiercely contested competition.

With such compelling incentives at play, the strategic significance of the Europa League cannot be overstated. It provides a vital platform for teams to gain invaluable European experience, enhance their squad depth, and attract top-tier talent, all while competing for one of club football’s most distinguished accolades. The journey through its demanding stages tests resilience, tactical acumen, and team spirit.

Aston Villa Football Club enters the Europa League 2025/26 with considerable confidence, having admirably secured sixth place in the Premier League. Their aspirations are significantly bolstered by the presence of Unai Emery, a manager renowned for his unparalleled success in this particular tournament, boasting an impressive four titles to his name. Villa fans will undoubtedly harbor high hopes that Emery’s expertise can guide their team to European glory.

Joining them in the league phase draw will be Nottingham Forest FC, whose inclusion highlights the unpredictable nature of European qualification. While they didn’t secure their place through league position, their participation offers an exciting opportunity for the club to compete against Europe’s elite and elevate their profile on the continental stage, promising an intriguing narrative for their supporters.

The initial stages of the Europa League 2025/26 schedule feature crucial dates that will shape the group standings. Football enthusiasts should mark November 27 for Matchday 5, followed by Matchday 6 on December 11. The league phase will then conclude with Matchday 7 on January 22, setting the stage for the dramatic knockout rounds that follow.

As the tournament progresses, the stakes will intensify dramatically. The quarter-final clashes are scheduled for April 9 and April 16, where only the elite eight will remain. Following this, the thrilling semi-finals will unfold on April 30 and May 7, paving the way for the grand final and crowning a new champion of this prestigious European competition.

For those eager to follow every moment of the Europa League 2025/26, comprehensive coverage will be available through TNT Sports. Fans can tune into all the live action and build-up programming on TNT Sports 1 or TNT Sports Ultimate. Additionally, activating a discovery+ account offers access to all three finals at no extra cost, with Prime Video customers with discovery+ Basic subscriptions also able to watch via the Prime Video app, ensuring no fan misses a single kick.

The upcoming UEFA Europa League season is poised to deliver exhilarating encounters, unexpected triumphs, and moments of sporting brilliance. With Premier League heavyweights aiming for success and established European powers vying for the trophy, the journey promises to be a memorable spectacle for all followers of European football.