Talk about a blast from the past! Nottingham Forest is set for an epic Europa League reunion with Malmo, 45 years after their legendary European Cup final clash. But they’re not the only British team facing a gauntlet. Which club do you think has the toughest road to Istanbul?
The recent Europa League draw has set the stage for an electrifying competition, promising thrilling encounters and historical rematches for Europe’s top football clubs. English and Scottish teams, in particular, face formidable challenges, with Nottingham Forest drawing a historically significant opponent in their long-awaited return to continental football. The anticipation is palpable as clubs prepare for a rigorous journey through the league phase towards the coveted final.
Nottingham Forest’s emotional comeback to European competition culminates in a fascinating reunion with Swedish side Malmo FF, echoing their iconic clash in the 1979 European Cup final. That memorable match saw Brian Clough’s legendary Forest squad claim victory thanks to a decisive Trevor Francis header, marking a golden era for the club. This draw rekindles a storied rivalry, offering a chance for new legends to be forged on the European stage for Nottingham Forest.
Beyond Malmo FF, Nottingham Forest will navigate a challenging group that includes Portuguese giants Porto, Hungarian champions Ferencvaros, and Danish club Midtylland. Their qualification for the Europa League, elevated from the Conference League due to an FA Cup winner’s breach of multi-club ownership rules, underscores the unpredictable nature of modern football administration. This diverse group promises a stern test for Forest as they aim to make a significant impact in European Football.
Fellow English representatives Aston Villa enter the Europa League with high aspirations, buoyed by the tactical acumen of their manager, Unai Emery, a renowned specialist in this competition. Villa’s path to the final will see them contend with Red Bull Salzburg, Israeli champions Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Young Boys, and Bologna. Having been Champions League quarter-finalists last season, Aston Villa’s experience and quality make them strong contenders for the trophy.
Scottish powerhouse Celtic FC, after narrowly missing out on the Champions League, now finds themselves in a demanding Europa League group. Their draw features a lineup that would not look out of place in Europe’s elite competition, including former European Cup winners Feyenoord and Red Star Belgrade, alongside Midtjylland and Bologna. This formidable challenge will test Celtic FC’s resilience and European pedigree.
Rangers, another prominent Scottish club, also dropped into the Europa League after their Champions League play-off disappointment. They are set for an intriguing campaign, facing Italian stalwarts Roma, coached by Gian Piero Gasperini, a former Europa League winner. Their group is rounded out by Braga, Bulgarian champions Ludogorets, and Genk of Belgium, setting up a series of captivating football encounters at Ibrox and away.
The Europa League league phase is scheduled to commence with matches on September 24 and 25, concluding on January 29. A new format sees the top eight clubs from the 36-team competition advancing directly to the last 16, while those finishing from ninth to 24th will compete in a play-off round. The grand finale of this season’s tournament will take place at Besiktas’ home in Istanbul on May 20, 2026, where a new champion will be crowned.
The diverse array of clubs participating, from established giants to ambitious dark horses, ensures a captivating spectacle for football fans across the continent. With teams like Young Boys, Basel, Freiburg, Sturm Graz, FCSB, Nice, Celta Vigo, VfB Stuttgart, Panathinaikos, Go Ahead Eagles, Utrecht, and Brann also in the mix, the Europa League is set to deliver drama, unexpected upsets, and memorable moments as the journey unfolds towards Istanbul.
