The stage is set for a thrilling night of European football after the draws for the 2025/26 Europa League and Europa Conference League group stages were conducted, pitching British clubs against a mix of continental heavyweights and familiar foes.
Aston Villa's return to the Europa League has produced the standout tie of the round, as they were drawn against Scottish champions Celtic in Group B. This all-British clash promises fiery atmospheres and intense competition, with Czech side Slovácko and Belgium's KAA Gent completing a tough group for Unai Emery's men.
In the Europa Conference League, the draws were equally kind to narrative. Nottingham Forest, making their European group stage debut, will face Swedish titans Malmö FF in Group A. The Championship winners will also take on Maccabi Tel Aviv of Israel and Romanian club FCSB, formerly known as Steaua Bucharest.
Palace's French Connection and Rangers' Challenge
Crystal Palace's European adventure will see them square off against French outfit Lille OSC in Group C of the Conference League. Oliver Glasner's team will fancy their chances against a strong Lille side, with Austria's SK Austria Klagenfurt and Slovenia's NK Bravo making up the group.
Over in the Europa League, Rangers face a daunting task in Group D. The Glasgow giants must navigate past Italian stalwarts Lazio, German side Union Berlin, and Slovakian champions Slovan Bratislava if they are to progress to the knockout rounds.
Key Groups at a Glance
- Europa League Group B: Aston Villa, Celtic, KAA Gent, Slovácko
- Europa League Group D: Lazio, Rangers, Union Berlin, Slovan Bratislava
- Conference League Group A: Nottingham Forest, Malmö FF, Maccabi Tel Aviv, FCSB
- Conference League Group C: Lille OSC, Crystal Palace, SK Austria Klagenfurt, NK Bravo
The group stage is scheduled to kick off in late September, promising six weeks of enthralling midweek action as Britain's representatives battle for continental glory.
