The Europa League enters its most decisive phase, and the Spanish representatives now know their fates. Following the conclusion of the league phase, Celta de Vigo has been drawn into the knockout round playoffs, where they will face PAOK Thessaloniki. Meanwhile, Real Betis can breathe easy after securing their direct ticket to the round of 16 thanks to a solid fourth-place finish.

The Vigo challenge and the Greek absence The 'Sky Blues', who finished in 16th place, will have home-field advantage for the second leg against a Greek side that finished just one spot below them (17th). A key factor in the tie will be the absence of Konstantelias, PAOK's young star, who will miss the first leg after picking up a red card in the final matchday.

The matches are scheduled for February 19th (first leg) and February 26th (second leg). If Celta manages to survive the 'Greek hell', the bracket already projects a difficult path ahead: giants like Olympique Lyonnais or Unai Emery’s Aston Villa loom on the Round of 16 horizon.

A high-level European bracket The draw hasn't just been eventful for the Spanish sides. Among the standout playoff fixtures, the clash between Fenerbahçe and Nottingham Forest—the Premier League's sole survivor in this round—takes center stage. Other attractive matchups include Celtic against Stuttgart and Lille facing Red Star Belgrade.

The road to the grand final On February 27th, the final bracket leading to the final will be determined. Betis, already in the Round of 16, is keeping a close eye on potential matchups against Panathinaikos, Viktoria Plzen, or the aforementioned Fenerbahçe and Forest. Everything points to a relentless battle that will culminate on May 20th, 2026, at Istanbul Stadium, where the new king of the competition will be crowned.

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