Aston Villa face Lille once more in Europa League knockout stage

27 de febrero de 2026, 7:39

Topics:

Aston Villa are set to encounter Lille for the second occasion within three years following the draw on Friday for the Europa League last 16, as Nottingham Forest prepare for a repeat fixture against Danish outfit Midtjylland.

Unai Emerys Villa side, who secured runners-up position in this seasons league phase behind French rivals Lyon, will travel to northern France for the opening match on March 12 prior to hosting the return leg in Birmingham on March 19.

Villa, eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals last term, overcame Lille via penalties in the Conference League last-eight stage in 2024.

As the draw extended to the finals, Villa are aware that progressing past Lille would lead to a quarter-final clash with the victor from the Italian derby between Bologna and Roma in the last 16.

Forest, who advanced to this round by defeating Fenerbahce in the knockout play-offs, suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Midtjylland earlier in the league phase.

Midtjylland, presently second in Denmarks premier division, ended the 36-team league stage in third place.

A victory for Forest in that matchup would propel them into a quarter-final against either VfB Stuttgart, the German Cup champions, or FC Porto, twice previous winners of the tournament.

An all-English semi-final remains a possibility, with Forest and Villa potentially meeting if both sides reach that stage.

Lyon confront a challenging assignment versus La Ligas Celta Vigo, whereas Rafael Benitez and Panathinaikos anticipate a trip back to Spain against Real Betis.

Robbie Keanes Ferencvaros take on Braga, and Freiburg will meet Belgians Genk.

The Europa League final this season is scheduled at Besiktas home ground in Istanbul on Wednesday, May 20.

Europa League last-16 draw

Genk (BEL) v Freiburg (GER)

Bologna (ITA) v Roma (ITA)

Ferencvaros (HUN) v Braga (POR)

Stuttgart (GER) v Porto (POR)

Panathinaikos (GRE) v Real Betis (ESP)

Nottingham Forest (ENG) v Midtjylland (DEN)

Celta Vigo (ESP) v Lyon (FRA)

Lille (FRA) v Aston Villa (ENG)

First legs March 12, second legs March 19