The UEFA Europa League enters a decisive phase as Matchday 7 of the league stage brings clarity to the knockout picture. With qualification scenarios taking shape and several teams already securing progression, the upcoming fixtures will play a crucial role in determining who advances directly to the round of 16 and who must navigate the knockout phase play-offs. Below is a complete preview with Indonesia kick-off times, tactical insights, and expert-style score predictions.
Europa League Matchday 7: What’s at Stake
With only two rounds remaining in the league phase, margins are tight across the table:
- Top 8 teams qualify directly for the Round of 16
- Teams placed 9th–24th enter the knockout phase play-offs
- Teams finishing 25th–36th are eliminated
This context significantly influences match dynamics. Teams already qualified may manage risk differently, while others face must-win scenarios to stay alive in the competition.
Europa League Knockout Phase: Who Has Already Qualified?
Six clubs have already secured their place in either the Round of 16 or the knockout phase play-offs of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League:
- Aston Villa (ENG)
- Ferencváros (HUN)
- SC Freiburg (GER)
- Lyon (FRA)
- Midtjylland (DEN)
- Real Betis (ESP)
Although qualification is guaranteed, these teams still have strong incentives to push for a top-eight finish, which would allow them to bypass the knockout play-offs and avoid additional fixtures in February.
Europa League Matchday 7 Kick-off Times (Indonesia – WIB)
All kick-off times below are shown in Western Indonesia Time (WIB).
Early matches — 00:45 WIB (23 January)
- Bologna vs Celtic
- Young Boys vs Lyon
- Viktoria Plzeň vs Porto
- Fenerbahçe vs Aston Villa
- Feyenoord vs Sturm Graz
- Malmö vs Red Star Belgrade
- PAOK vs Real Betis
- SC Freiburg vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
- Brann vs Midtjylland
Late matches — 03:00 WIB (23 January)
- Roma vs VfB Stuttgart
- Utrecht vs Genk
- Red Bull Salzburg vs Basel
- Ferencváros vs Panathinaikos
- Dinamo Zagreb vs FCSB
- Nice vs Go Ahead Eagles
- Rangers vs Ludogorets Razgrad
- Celta Vigo vs Lille
- Braga vs Nottingham Forest
Standout Fixtures and Expert Predictions
Feyenoord vs Sturm Graz (00:45 WIB)
Match context: Both sides remain outside the qualification zone and need points urgently. Feyenoord’s home advantage at De Kuip is historically significant in European competition, while Sturm Graz arrive with poor away form.
Key stat: Sturm Graz have lost their last eight away European matches.
Prediction: Feyenoord 2–0
Goals outlook: Over 2.5 possible if Feyenoord score early
Discipline: High tempo; 4–6 total cards likely
Fenerbahçe vs Aston Villa (00:45 WIB)
Match context: Villa are already qualified and now target a top-eight finish. Fenerbahçe, meanwhile, still need points to solidify their position in the top 24. Expect a tactical contest shaped by rotation and game control.
Key player trend: Kerem Aktürkoğlu has scored four goals in six Europa League matches this season.
Prediction: Draw 1–1
Goals outlook: Under 3.5
Discipline: Physical battle, especially in midfield
Roma vs VfB Stuttgart (03:00 WIB)
Match context: Both teams share identical records and are separated by minimal margins in the table. Roma’s home advantage contrasts with Stuttgart’s inconsistent away performances in Europe.
Key stat: This is the first competitive meeting between Roma and Stuttgart.
Prediction: Roma 2–1
Goals outlook: Both teams to score
Discipline: Tactical fouls expected
Braga vs Nottingham Forest (03:00 WIB)
Match context: Braga remain firmly in the qualification race, while Nottingham Forest have climbed into contention after an uneven start. This fixture could directly impact top-eight aspirations.
Key stat: Braga’s defeat to Genk is their only loss in the last 13 European matches.
Prediction: Braga 2–1
Goals outlook: Over 2.5
Discipline: Moderate-to-high card count
Other Matches to Watch
Rangers vs Ludogorets Razgrad (03:00 WIB)
Ludogorets arrive with confidence, led by top scorer Petar Stanić, while Rangers need a result to revive their campaign.
Prediction: Draw 2–2
Brann vs Midtjylland (00:45 WIB)
Midtjylland have already secured knockout qualification and continue to impress with their consistency.
Prediction: Midtjylland 2–1
Nice vs Go Ahead Eagles (03:00 WIB)
Nice are eliminated but will aim to salvage pride at home, while Go Ahead Eagles still have something tangible to play for.
Prediction: Draw 1–1
Quick Predictions Overview
00:45 WIB
- Bologna vs Celtic — Bologna 2–1
- Young Boys vs Lyon — Lyon 2–0
- Viktoria Plzeň vs Porto — Porto 2–1
- Malmö vs Red Star Belgrade — Red Star 1–0
- PAOK vs Real Betis — Draw 1–1
- Freiburg vs Maccabi Tel Aviv — Freiburg 2–0
03:00 WIB
- Utrecht vs Genk — Draw 1–1
- Salzburg vs Basel — Salzburg 2–1
- Ferencváros vs Panathinaikos — Ferencváros 2–1
- Dinamo Zagreb vs FCSB — Dinamo 1–0
- Celta Vigo vs Lille — Lille 2–1
Europa League Knockout Phase Dates (2025/26)
- Knockout phase play-offs: 19 & 26 February 2026
- Round of 16: 12 & 19 March 2026
- Quarter-finals: 9 & 16 April 2026
- Semi-finals: 30 April & 7 May 2026
- Final: 20 May 2026 (Istanbul)
Editorial Note
All predictions in this article are based on current form, tactical matchups, motivation levels, and historical performance trends. They are intended as analytical insight rather than certainty, with rotation and squad management acknowledged as key variables at this stage of the competition.
For complete scorelines, updated standings, and verified match data, visit our Europa League results page, where every fixture is tracked in real time.
For breaking stories, tactical analysis, and ongoing coverage throughout the tournament, head to our Europa League news section for the latest updates.
