Europa League League Phase Concludes, Knockout Playoff Draw Set
NYON, January 29, 2026 – The league phase of the revamped 2025/26 UEFA Europa League concluded this week, setting the stage for the knockout playoff round. Under the new format mirroring the Champions League, the top eight teams have earned automatic passage to the Round of 16, while those finishing 9th to 24th will contest a two-legged playoff for the remaining eight spots.
Final League Phase Standings & Key Results
The final matchday saw several teams secure their fate. Aston Villa edged Fenerbahçe 1-0 to solidify a top-eight position, while Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt confirmed their qualification for the last 16. Other notable results included Roma’s 2-0 win over Stuttgart and Feyenoord’s convincing 3-0 defeat of Sturm Graz. Olympique Lyonnais finished atop the league phase table.
Key Facts & Upcoming Schedule
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Knockout Playoff Draw | Scheduled for January 30, 2026. Will pair the 16 teams that finished 9th-24th in the league phase. |
| Automatic Qualifiers | Teams finishing 1st-8th (e.g., Lyon, Aston Villa) advance directly to the Round of 16. |
| Format Change | A key rule change for 2025/26: teams can no longer drop into the Europa League from the Champions League. |
| Playoff Qualification Scenarios | Intricate permutations decided the final playoff spots. For example, Go Ahead Eagles needed a win over Braga and specific results elsewhere to qualify. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Europa League Round of 16 draw?
The draw for the Round of 16 will take place after the conclusion of the knockout playoff round. The eight winners from the playoffs will be drawn against the eight teams that finished in the top eight of the league phase.
What is the new Europa League format?
The 2025/26 season introduced a single league phase of 36 teams, similar to the Champions League. After eight matchdays, the top eight qualify directly for the Round of 16. Teams placed 9th to 24th enter a two-legged knockout playoff, with the eight winners joining them in the last 16. Teams finishing 25th to 36th are eliminated.
Can teams still drop from the Champions League to the Europa League?
No. Under the revised competition rules for the 2025/26 season, there is no longer a provision for teams to be transferred from the Champions League to the Europa League after the group or league phase.