The 2025/26 UEFA Conference League quarter-finals are set to take place on 27 May in Leipzig. Eight teams have advanced in their pursuit of glory. The matches are scheduled for 9 and 16 April, and each team will aim to impress their supporters while striving for European success.
Overview of Quarter-Final Matchups
- Shakhtar Donetsk vs AZ Alkmaar
- Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina
- Rayo Vallecano vs AEK Athens
- Mainz vs Strasbourg
Teams and Their Journey
AEK Athens (Greece)
- UEFA Coefficient Ranking: 91
- League Phase Position: 3
- Round of 16 Result: Defeated Celje 4-2 on aggregate
- Best Conference League Performance: Third qualifying round (2024/25)
Founded in 1924, AEK Athens has a rich history, including winning 13 Greek titles, the latest in 2022/23. Their notable European achievement came in the 1976/77 UEFA Cup semi-finals.
AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands)
- UEFA Coefficient Ranking: 35
- League Phase Position: 14
- Round of 16 Result: Defeated Sparta Praha 6-1 on aggregate
- Best Conference League Performance: Semi-finals (2022/23)
The Kaasboeren have a long-standing presence in Dutch football with two national titles. They previously reached the UEFA Cup final in 1980/81.
Crystal Palace (England)
- UEFA Coefficient Ranking: 85
- League Phase Position: 10
- Round of 16 Result: Defeated AEK Larnaca 2-1 on aggregate
- Best Conference League Performance: Debut
Founded in 1905, Crystal Palace is one of two clubs from south of the Thames to participate in European competitions. This marks their second season in Europe.
Fiorentina (Italy)
- UEFA Coefficient Ranking: 22
- League Phase Position: 15
- Round of 16 Result: Defeated Raków 4-2 on aggregate
- Best Conference League Performance: Finalist (2022/23, 2023/24)
Fiorentina boasts two Italian championships and has been runner-up in the Conference League. They previously excelled in the European Cup Winners’ Cup.
Mainz (Germany)
- UEFA Coefficient Ranking: 111
- League Phase Position: 7
- Round of 16 Result: Defeated Sigma Olomouc 2-0 on aggregate
- Best Conference League Performance: Debut
Mainz, known as the Karnevalsverein or “Carnival Club,” is competing in their first quarter-finals of a European tournament.
Rayo Vallecano (Spain)
- UEFA Coefficient Ranking: 104
- League Phase Position: 5
- Round of 16 Result: Defeated Samsunspor 3-2 on aggregate
- Best Conference League Performance: Debut
Hailing from Vallecas, Rayo Vallecano has made significant strides in European football and aims for further success.
Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)
- UEFA Coefficient Ranking: 48
- League Phase Position: 6
- Round of 16 Result: Defeated Lech Poznań 4-3 on aggregate
- Best Conference League Performance: Debut
Shakhtar has a storied history in Ukrainian football, securing their first quarter-finals in the Conference League.
Strasbourg (France)
- UEFA Coefficient Ranking: 107
- League Phase Position: 1
- Round of 16 Result: Defeated Rijeka 3-2 on aggregate
- Best Conference League Performance: Debut
Strasbourg, with a young and vibrant squad, aims to advance further in European competitions after a long absence.
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
The semi-finals will occur on 30 April and 7 May, featuring the winners from each quarter-final match. The grand finale will take place on 27 May, where the victor will be crowned in Leipzig.
