The Europa League and Conference League competitions are approaching the halfway point in their league phases. As teams strive for a berth in the knockout stages, the current standings offer a glimpse into their journeys. British clubs like Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest are vying for progression, while Celtic and Rangers face potential elimination.
Europa League Standings and Updates
Aston Villa currently sits in sixth place in the Europa League with nine points after four matches. Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Villa has shown strong potential to advance to the knockout stages. Their remaining fixtures include matches against:
- RB Salzburg
- Fenerbahce
- Young Boys
- Basel
Nottingham Forest is positioned 23rd, just above the danger zone, having secured one win, two draws, and one loss. Their loss came against Midtjylland, currently leading the group. The team’s remaining matches are against:
- Ferencvaros
- Braga
- Malmo
- Utrecht
Meanwhile, both Celtic and Rangers find themselves outside the top 24 in the standings. Rangers are struggling at the bottom of the table with zero points, while Celtic has managed to earn four points, just shy of the cutoff line with Bologna sitting at 24th place with five points.
Qualification Criteria for the Knockout Stages
The top eight teams qualify automatically for the last 16. Teams ranked ninth to 24th will face off in two-legged play-offs. The bottom twelve teams will be eliminated. Last season, securing 14 points was necessary for a top-eight finish, while ten points were required for the top 24.
Upcoming Europa League Fixtures
Key fixtures to look out for include:
| Team | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | RB Salzburg | 27 November 2025 |
| Nottingham Forest | Ferencvaros | 27 November 2025 |
Conference League Overview
Crystal Palace is making strides in the Conference League, currently holding six points from three matches. They are level with Fiorentina for the final automatic qualification spot. Their upcoming fixtures are crucial:
- Strasbourg
- Shelbourne
- KuPS
Palace is predicted to finish fourth, potentially qualifying for the knockout stages with a total of 14 points. The top of the league features Turkish side Samsunspor, alongside Celje and Mainz 05.
Criteria for Conference League Qualification
Unlike the Europa League, more points are required for the top eight in the Conference League. Last season, Cercle Brugge finished eighth with 11 points, while TSC Backa Topola needed seven points to secure the 24th spot.
Key Conference League Dates
Notable upcoming fixtures in the Conference League include:
| Matchday | Date |
|---|---|
| Matchday 4 | 27 November 2025 |
| Matchday 5 | 11 December 2025 |
Future Broadcasting Plans
Starting from the 2027/28 season, Sky Sports will become the exclusive broadcaster for both the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League in the UK. This coverage will include all 342 matches over a four-year period, enhancing football viewership throughout the week.
As the competitions progress, fans will eagerly track their teams’ performances, hoping for glorious knockout stage appearances.
