AFCON 2025
The 2025/26 UEFA Europa League season kicks off its league phase this on Wednesday across various match centers, featuring 36 teams in a single league format where each plays eight unique opponents.
While the Champions League houses some of the biggest sides in European club football, the Europa has some decent European teams such as former Champions League winners FC Porto, As Roma, Fenerbache, former European champions, Nottingham Forest, 2022 finalist, Glasgow Rangers among others.
Ahead of tomorrow’s opener, below are a couple of fixtures to look forward to all through the league phase of the competition.
Top 5 games to look watch out for in the Europa League
1. FC Porto v Rangers
Two sides that are not unfamiliar with European football. FC Porto are two-time European champions while Glasgow Rangers missed out on winning the Europa League three years ago in Seville.
FC Porto and Glasgow Rangers take Pride in playing relentless attacking football and fans and neutrals can expect nothing less when they meet on matchday 8 at the Estadio do Dragão.
2. Fenerbache v Aston Villa
Having parted ways with one of the finest managers in the history of the game, Jose Mourinho last week, Fenerbache put their hopes on Domenico Tedesco to better their fortunes in Europe.
The Turkish heavyweights will face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on matchday 7 of the competition in a frenzy atmosphere in Istanbul. Unai Emery’s Aston Villa had a good run last season in the Champions League as they reach the quarter finals where they lost to reigning champions PSG.
Fenerbache’s Talisca, Akturkoglu and former Manchester United midfielder, Fred will look to edge Aston Villa who also parade quality talent like Watkins, Morgan Rodgers and Evan Guessand.
3. Celtic v Roma
Celtic Park’s electric atmosphere will be in full force as the Scottish champions host Roma, managed by the attack-minded Gian Piero Gasperini.
Roma, with players like Lorenzo Pellegrini and Evan Ferguson bring Serie A flair and recent European experience, while Celtic rely on Sebastian Tounekti’s speed, Kelechi Iheanacho’s experience in front of goal and midfield grit from Callum McGregor.
The teams have a rivalry from past meetings (Roma won both in 2019/20), so anticipate intense pressing and set-piece drama in a match that could swing on home support
4. Feyenoord v Celtic
Feyenoord, Dutch Eredivisie powerhouses, face Celtic at De Kuip in a rematch echoing their 2023/24 Champions League clash where Feyenoord triumphed 2-0. Celtic will seek revenge with their high-tempo style, led by Brendan Rodgers, against Feyenoord’s technical prowess featuring Sem Steijn, Ayase Ueda and Aymen Sliti.
This fifth round test could feature open play and goals, with Feyenoord’s home form giving them the edge in a competitive league-phase encounter.
5. Rangers v AS Roma
Rangers host Roma at Ibrox on matchday 4 in one of the biggest games of the round pitting Scottish resilience against Italian sophistication.
Roma’s squad quality, including Lorenzo Pellegrini, Bryan Crisante, Stephan El Shaarawy contrasts with Rangers’ home fortress and threats like Bojan Miovski, Milkey Moore and Thelo Aasgaard.
Past meetings (including a 2019/20 draw) add spice, and with both sides aiming for knockout spots.
The tie is expected to have a cagey start but evolve into end-to-end action. Roma’s experience might prevail, but Rangers’ crowd could inspire a win.
