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Where to Watch Europa League (February 26, 2026): 2nd Leg Live Results
The knockout phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League reaches a decisive point on Wednesday, February 26, as the eight playoff ties conclude with their second legs. Following intense first-leg encounters, clubs like Nottingham Forest, Celtic, and Celta Vigo are fighting for their European futures, aiming to secure a coveted spot in the Round of 16. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the day’s fixtures, how to watch live from anywhere, and the key context for each high-stakes match.
The Stakes: Understanding the Europa League Playoff Round
Under the competition’s revised format, the teams that finished between 9th and 24th in the initial league phase entered a knockout playoff. The eight winners from these two-legged ties will advance to join the top eight finishers—including Aston Villa, Lyon, and AS Roma—in the Round of 16. The second leg on February 26th is therefore a final hurdle, with aggregate scores determining who moves closer to the final in Istanbul. The seeded team, based on their superior league phase ranking, is scheduled to host the return leg, typically offering a slight psychological advantage.
The Full Matchday Schedule & Key Fixtures
All second-leg matches are scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2026, with staggered kick-off times. The early window begins at 18:45 CET (12:45 PM ET), followed by the late games at 21:00 CET (3:00 PM ET). The complete fixture list, with aggregate scores from the first legs, is as follows:
Early Matches (18:45 CET / 12:45 PM ET):
Ferencváros vs. Ludogorets Razgrad
Viktoria Plzeň vs. Panathinaikos
VfB Stuttgart vs. Celtic
Crvena Zvezda vs. Lille
Late Matches (21:00 CET / 3:00 PM ET):
Bologna vs. SK Brann
Celta Vigo vs. PAOK Salonika
Genk vs. GNK Dinamo
Nottingham Forest vs. Fenerbahçe
How to Watch Europa League Matches Live Globally
Broadcasting rights for the UEFA Europa League are distributed regionally. In the United States, Paramount+ holds the exclusive English-language streaming rights for every match. CBS Sports Network may also televise select fixtures on linear TV. In the United Kingdom, TNT Sports is the primary broadcaster. For many other regions, including large parts of Europe, the official UEFA.tv platform may offer live streams or comprehensive highlights. Always check your local listings, as services like Stan Sport (Australia), DAZN (Canada, Spain, Italy), and Sky Sport (Germany, Italy) are also key rights holders.
In-Depth Look at Marquee Second-Leg Clashes
Several ties stand out due to their competitive first-leg results or the pedigree of the clubs involved. Nottingham Forest hosts Fenerbahçe at The City Ground after a closely contested first leg in Turkey. Sean Dyche’s side will look to leverage a strong home performance to advance. Similarly, Celtic faces a tough trip to the MHPArena to face Stuttgart, requiring a result in Germany to progress.
Another intriguing battle is in Vigo, where Celta Vigo holds a narrow advantage over PAOK Salonika from the first leg. With key attackers like Iago Aspas for Celta and Georgios Giakoumakis for PAOK, this tie promises tactical nuance. For the latest detailed analysis and team news leading up to kick-off, trusted sources like ESPN’s soccer section provide expert coverage.
Tracking Live Results and Match Statistics
For real-time updates, goal alerts, and detailed match statistics (possession, shots, xG), dedicated sports data platforms are indispensable. Official UEFA.com match centers provide live commentary and line-ups. Furthermore, major sports news websites offer minute-by-minute text commentary and post-match analysis. Fans can also follow verified social media accounts of the competing clubs and the official UEFA Europa League channels for immediate updates and video highlights of key moments.
The Road Ahead: Round of 16 Draw and Future Dates
The ultimate reward for the eight playoff winners is a place in the Round of 16. The draw for this stage, which will also map out the entire knockout bracket through to the final, will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026. The winners will be unseeded and drawn against one of the eight group winners: Lyon, Aston Villa, Midtjylland, Real Betis, FC Porto, Braga, Freiburg, and AS Roma. The subsequent knockout rounds are scheduled as follows: Quarter-finals (April 9 & 16), Semi-finals (April 30 & May 7), and the Final in Istanbul on May 20, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do the Europa League matches start on February 26th?
Kick-off times are split into two slots: 18:45 Central European Time (12:45 PM Eastern Time) and 21:00 CET (3:00 PM ET). Always confirm the local start time for your specific region.
Can I watch the games for free?
While some countries may have free-to-air broadcasts for select matches, in most major markets like the USA and UK, access requires a subscription to a specific streaming service or sports channel (e.g., Paramount+, TNT Sports).
What happens if the aggregate score is tied after the second leg?
If the two teams are level on aggregate goals after 180 minutes, the match will proceed to 30 minutes of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary. The away goals rule is no longer used in UEFA competitions.
Where is the 2026 Europa League Final?
The final will be held at the Besiktas Park in Istanbul, Turkey, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Who are the top scorers in the competition this season?
As of the league phase, players like Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette and Midtjylland’s Pione Sisto were among the leaders. Current scoring charts are updated on UEFA’s official statistics page.
Will Aston Villa play on February 26th?
No. Aston Villa finished in the top eight of the league phase and have automatically qualified for the Round of 16. They will enter the competition at that stage in March.
How does the new “League Phase” format work?
Instead of traditional groups, all 36 teams played eight matches against different seeded opponents in a single league table. The top eight advanced directly to the last 16, places 9-24 entered these playoffs, and the bottom 12 were eliminated.
Is there a way to watch condensed match replays?
Yes. Official broadcasters like Paramount+ typically offer full-match replays and mini-condensed matches shortly after the final whistle. UEFA.tv also publishes extended highlights for all games.
Which teams are the favorites to win the tournament?
Clubs like Aston Villa, Lyon, and AS Roma, who earned direct entry to the Round of 16, are considered among the favorites. A dark horse could emerge from the playoff round, such as a seasoned European campaigner like Porto or Roma.
Where can I find official line-ups and team sheets?
Official starting line-ups are released approximately one hour before kick-off on the UEFA Europa League website and the social media channels of the competing clubs.
Final Verdict
February 26, 2026, represents a pivotal night in the European football calendar, where dreams are either extended or concluded. With diverse storylines across eight matches—from British clubs battling on the continent to historic teams from Turkey, Greece, and Serbia seeking progress—the Europa League playoff second legs offer compelling viewing. To follow the action seamlessly, ensure your access to the relevant broadcaster in your region, notably Paramount+ in the U.S., and utilize official UEFA and trusted sports news resources for the most accurate live results, in-depth analysis, and post-match reaction. The path to Istanbul continues here.
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