The recent Europa League fixtures have raised a pressing question: which teams will advance to the quarter-finals? The answer is clear: Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have made it through, while Lyon has been eliminated.
Lyon faced a shocking defeat at home against Celta Vigo, losing 6-0 and sealing their exit from the competition. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest triumphed in a nail-biting penalty shootout against Midtjylland after a tense match that ended in a draw.
Other notable results included Freiburg knocking out Genk and Betis staging a comeback to defeat Panathinaikos. Porto had a straightforward victory over Stuttgart, while Aston Villa eliminated Lille at Villa Park.
Aston Villa’s next challenge will be against either Roma or Bologna, while Crystal Palace is set to face Fiorentina. Nottingham Forest will go head-to-head with Porto in the quarter-finals.
The second legs of the Europa League round of 16 concluded on March 19, 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the tournament. Aston Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, known for his extensive experience in European competitions, expressed confidence in his team’s abilities.
Quotes from players reflect the intensity of the competition. Nottingham Forest’s Ryan Yates remarked, “I’m buzzing we’re through. Penalties are always nervy, always tough, but the lads stepped up, and we’re really pleased.” Meanwhile, Adam Wharton emphasized the significance of reaching the quarter-finals, stating, “A quarter-final of a European competition is a massive thing.”
As the tournament progresses, the stakes are higher than ever. Aston Villa’s odds to win the Europa League stand at 5/2, while Lyon’s odds have plummeted to 6/1 following their elimination.
With the quarter-finals on the horizon, teams are preparing for what promises to be an exhilarating next phase of the Europa League. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact dates and times for the upcoming fixtures.