AFCON 2025
The Europa League returns for Matchday 2 with plenty of intrigue after a dramatic opening round that produced narrow wins, late goals, and some early shocks.
Here are five standout fixtures to keep an eye on this week.
Feyenoord vs Aston Villa
Feyenoord or Aston Villa? 🤔#UEL pic.twitter.com/8iVhmlRFC0
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) October 1, 2025
Villa opened their campaign with a narrow 1–0 win over Bologna, thanks to John McGinn. This will be their second group game, and Feyenoord will see this as a chance to respond after their narrow defeat to Braga. Expect a tactical battle and tight margins.
Lyon vs. Utrecht
Lyon enters this reverse fixture in a strong position, having beaten Utrecht 1-0 away on Matchday 1 with a 75th-minute goal from Tanner Tessmann. Now hosting Utrecht, Lyon are clear favourites to take control of the group. Utrecht will be pushing hard to overturn that result and avoid falling two games behind, while Lyon aims to build on their early advantage and solidify their place at the top of the standings.
Rangers vs. Genk
Rangers face heavy pressure in this return fixture after Genk beat them 1-0 away in Matchday 1, thanks to a winning goal from Oh Hyeon-gyu. Rangers must now find a result to keep pace in the group. Genk, buoyed by the confidence of a strong start and that crucial away victory, will look to defend their position and exploit any nervousness from the Scottish club.
Salzburg vs. Porto
This promises to be a tight contest with high stakes as Salzburg hosts Porto in the rematch. Porto picked up a narrow 1-0 victory in Matchday 1, and now Salzburg will be keen to strike back at home to prevent Porto from asserting control over the group with another win. This fixture is essential for both teams’ ambitions of topping the group.
Celta Vigo vs. Stuttgart
Celta Vigo head home determined to turn things around after Stuttgart won their opener 2-1. The German side, buoyant from their opening success, will look to make it two wins from two and strengthen their group position. Celta needs a strong home performance to avoid falling behind the leaders and keep their hopes of qualification alive.
