Europa League Live Updates: Forest, Villa, Celtic
Tonight’s Europa League action delivers a night of drama across several fronts, with Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Celtic and more in the thick of the action. From early-set-piece goals to VAR checks and late twists, supporters are getting a quintessential European spectacle as teams bid to advance in a packed timetable of fixtures. Managers have spoken about the challenge ahead, emphasising energy, discipline and the importance of set plays on a big stage.
Nottingham Forest v Midtjylland: early shocks and a tight affair
Nottingham Forest pinned their hopes on a confident home performance at the City Ground, but Midtjylland struck first with a well-worked free-kick routine that produced Ousmane Diao’s opener in the 18th minute. Forest’s reply came quickly as Dan Ndoye swept home a composed finish from a well-worked team move in the 21st minute, restoring parity and lifting the tempo. The Danish visitors weren’t deterred, however, as Sorensen pounced from a corner to put Midtjylland back in front just after the half-hour mark, testing Forest’s resolve at every turn. A late reshuffle for Forest followed Murillo’s injury, while the crowd’s mood swung between anxious and hopeful as the clock wound down. The City Ground drama underlined how finely balanced this group remains, with both sides still searching for a foothold in a pulsating contest.
Sturm Graz v Rangers: a nightmare start beckons for Rangers
In Graz, Rangers faced a tough assignment as Sturm Graz forged ahead early. A diagonal pass unsettled the visitors’ defence, and Tomi Horvat’s shot deflected in off a knee to give Sturm an advantage in the opening minutes. The hosts extended their lead with a second goal from Kiteishvili midway through the first half, slamming home a loose-ball finish after a high line exposed a defensive lapse. The mood inside the stadium was buoyant as Sturm’s pressing game forced errors, leaving Rangers with work to do to salvage the tie in Austria.
Celtic v Braga: a tough night at Celtic Park
Braga took the lead late in the game at Celtic Park, with Gabri Martínez’s shot finding a way through after a parried initial effort. Despite Celtic’s best efforts to spark a comeback, Braga held firm and sealed the win with a late strike, leaving the hosts with a bittersweet night in front of their own supporters. The night reinforced the challenge of European competition and the need for precision in both boxes, particularly when facing a compact and well-organised opponent in Braga.
Feyenoord v Aston Villa: early team news and a high-stakes test
In Rotterdam, Feyenoord lined up in a conventional 4-3-3, while Aston Villa also set out in a 4-3-3, seeking cohesion under pressure. The headline from the build-up was the updated lineup decisions: Villa captaincy changes and a new approach in goal. The match also featured notable disciplinary moments, including a booking for Anel Ahmedhodzic noted by officials for a last-man foul on Ollie Watkins, a decision that VAR reviewed but ultimately allowed. The tactical duel between Postecoglou’s and Emery’s squads promised a strategic battle as the visitors aimed to keep their European momentum intact.
Aberdeen v Shakhtar Donetsk: penalties and late twists
At Pittodrie, Aberdeen took the lead from the spot as Jesper Karlsson converted a penalty in the 9th minute, giving the home side an early psychological edge. Shakhtar answered with an equaliser through Yehor Nazaryna in the 39th minute, turning the fixture into a tight encounter. The match steadily developed into a test of resilience, with both sides pushing for the decisive moment before half-time.
Other notable results and context
Across the evening, the wider Europa League slate featured Roma’s defensible lead against Lille, and several domestic giants hunting for crucial away wins. The night’s narrative is shaped by the interplay of high-intensity pressing, set-piece deliveries and the occasional VAR interruption that keeps managers and fans on edge. As Ange Postecoglou noted ahead of kick-off, it’s an exciting night for a club with a storied European history, but one that demands energy and a relentless focus on set plays to maximise the home advantage. Russell Martin added that his Rangers side must “run together, work together, fight to the end,” acknowledging Sturm Graz’s well-organised approach. Unai Emery emphasised the need for focus and consistency in Europe as part of a longer process of integration for his squad.
What’s next
With the night still unfolding, supporters will be awaiting late twists and potential appearances from key players as teams push for precious points. The Europa League group stage is famous for its volatility, and each passing moment can redefine expectations. Stay with us for live updates as goals, cards and substitutes continue to shape the outcomes of these high-stakes fixtures.
Key quotes
“It’s an exciting night… energy tonight, they’ve got a big focus on set plays, we’ve done our work to be ready. But ultimately we’re at home, and we should be able to put the pressure on them.” — Ange Postecoglou
“We have to run together, work together, fight to the end. [Sturm Graz] are very good at what they do, so we have to try and utilise our strengths and hurt them if we can, by playing the way we want to.” — Russell Martin
“We are in a process but I am seeing an improvement… Europe is always very difficult and we have our own experience with this. It’s a very good test for us today.” — Unai Emery
