The Europa League knockout phase play-offs mark the moment when the competition truly shifts into high-stakes mode. With two-legged ties deciding who reaches the round of 16, every goal, substitution, and tactical adjustment can determine a club’s European fate.
Below is a complete preview and expert-style prediction for all Europa League play-off matches, with kick-off times shown in CET and Indonesia (WIB).
First Legs — 19 February 2026
18:45 CET = 00:45 WIB (20 February)
21:00 CET = 03:00 WIB (20 February)
GNK Dinamo vs Genk
Kick-off: 18:45 CET / 00:45 WIB
GNK Dinamo are traditionally strong at home, but Genk’s ability to manage two-leg ties gives them an edge over the full distance. The opening leg is likely to be tight, with neither side wanting to expose themselves too early.
Prediction: GNK Dinamo 1–1 Genk
Tie outlook: Genk to progress
Brann vs Bologna
Kick-off: 18:45 CET / 00:45 WIB
Brann will rely on tempo and intensity, while Bologna are expected to play a more controlled away game. If the Italian side avoid defensive mistakes, their superior squad depth should show.
Prediction: Brann 1–2 Bologna
Tie outlook: Bologna to progress
PAOK vs Celta Vigo
Kick-off: 18:45 CET / 00:45 WIB
PAOK’s home atmosphere can tilt matches, but Celta’s composure in possession and counter-attacking threat could prove decisive across two legs.
Prediction: PAOK 2–1 Celta
Tie outlook: Celta Vigo to progress
Fenerbahçe vs Nottingham Forest
Kick-off: 18:45 CET / 00:45 WIB
Fenerbahçe will push hard at home, knowing the second leg in England could be difficult. Nottingham Forest’s priority is to stay close and take the tie back level.
Prediction: Fenerbahçe 2–1 Nottingham Forest
Tie outlook: Nottingham Forest to progress
Celtic vs Stuttgart
Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 03:00 WIB
Celtic Park offers a major advantage, but Stuttgart’s structure and away discipline could neutralise the pressure. This tie may hinge on fine margins.
Prediction: Celtic 1–1 Stuttgart
Tie outlook: Stuttgart to progress
Lille vs Crvena Zvezda
Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 03:00 WIB
Lille will look to establish control early and avoid allowing Red Star to turn the game into a physical battle. A strong first-leg result could decide the tie.
Prediction: Lille 2–0 Crvena Zvezda
Tie outlook: Lille to progress
Panathinaikos vs Viktoria Plzeň
Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 03:00 WIB
This pairing promises a tactical contest, with both sides comfortable defending compactly. The second leg may ultimately decide everything.
Prediction: Panathinaikos 1–0 Viktoria Plzeň
Tie outlook: Viktoria Plzeň to progress
Ludogorets vs Ferencváros
Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 03:00 WIB
Neither side will want to overcommit in the first leg. Expect a measured approach and a low-scoring opening match.
Prediction: Ludogorets 1–1 Ferencváros
Tie outlook: Ferencváros to progress
Second Legs — 26 February 2026
18:45 CET = 00:45 WIB (27 February)
21:00 CET = 03:00 WIB (27 February)
Crvena Zvezda vs Lille
Kick-off: 18:45 CET / 00:45 WIB
Red Star will press aggressively, but Lille’s organisation should be enough to protect their advantage.
Prediction: Crvena Zvezda 1–1 Lille
Qualification: Lille
Viktoria Plzeň vs Panathinaikos
Kick-off: 18:45 CET / 00:45 WIB
Plzeň’s home leg gives them a strong opportunity to overturn any deficit with patience and structure.
Prediction: Viktoria Plzeň 2–0 Panathinaikos
Qualification: Viktoria Plzeň
Stuttgart vs Celtic
Kick-off: 18:45 CET / 00:45 WIB
Stuttgart’s home control and tactical balance could prove decisive if the tie remains close after the first leg.
Prediction: Stuttgart 2–1 Celtic
Qualification: Stuttgart
Ferencváros vs Ludogorets
Kick-off: 18:45 CET / 00:45 WIB
A tight and emotional second leg is expected, with Ferencváros slightly better equipped to manage pressure.
Prediction: Ferencváros 2–1 Ludogorets
Qualification: Ferencváros
Genk vs GNK Dinamo
Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 03:00 WIB
Genk’s ability to dictate tempo at home could be the key difference in this balanced tie.
Prediction: Genk 1–0 GNK Dinamo
Qualification: Genk
Nottingham Forest vs Fenerbahçe
Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 03:00 WIB
Forest’s home support and urgency could swing the tie if they score first.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2–0 Fenerbahçe
Qualification: Nottingham Forest
Bologna vs Brann
Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 03:00 WIB
If Bologna arrive with an aggregate advantage, they are likely to manage the game professionally.
Prediction: Bologna 2–0 Brann
Qualification: Bologna
Celta Vigo vs PAOK
Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 03:00 WIB
Celta’s control of possession and space should come to the fore in the decisive leg.
Prediction: Celta Vigo 2–0 PAOK
Qualification: Celta Vigo
Predicted Teams Advancing to the Round of 16
Genk, Bologna, Celta Vigo, Nottingham Forest, Lille, Stuttgart, Viktoria Plzeň, Ferencváros.
For confirmed scores, aggregate results, and updated standings, visit our Europa League Results section.
For team news, injury updates, and match build-up ahead of kick-off, check the latest stories in our Europa League News hub.
