The UEFA Europa League 2025-26 season continues with key matchups on March 12, 2026. On that day, Europa League clubs will compete, with the result likely to have a key impact on their progress in the competition. Which club participating in the round of 16 of the Europa League will improve its performance based on upcoming rivalries?
League Situation
The Olympique Lyonnais are currently placed in the UEFA Europa League standings and are also performing well in the French league. Meanwhile, Aston Villa F.C. has earned five consecutive victories and sustained its position in the league. The Spanish side Real Betis remains one of the league’s dominant clubs. Porto qualified for the Europa League this season by winning the Liga Portugal.
Likewise, K.R.C. Genk is simultaneously competing in the Belgian Pro League and the Europa League. Bologna FC 1909 is contributing to the European race while maintaining its impressive position in the Italian league. Meanwhile, the Greek side, Panathinaikos F.C., which competes in the Super League Greece, continues in the Europa League.
Upcoming Matches Schedule
VfB Stuttgart vs. Porto
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:45 p.m. ET | 10:45 a.m. PT | 11:15 p.m. IST
Venue: MHP Arena in Stuttgart.
Bologna vs. Roma
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:45 p.m. ET | 10:45 a.m. PT | 11:15 p.m. IST
Venue: Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna.
Panathinaikos vs. Real Betis
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:45 p.m. ET | 10:45 a.m. PT | 11:15 p.m. IST
Venue: OACA in Marousi.
LOSC vs. Aston Villa
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:45 p.m. ET | 10:45 a.m. PT | 11:15 p.m. IST
Venue: Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq.
Nottingham Forest vs. Midtjylland
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 04:00 p.m. ET | 01:00 p.m. PT | 01:30 a.m. IST (next day)
Venue: City Ground in West Bridgford.
Genk vs. SC Freiburg
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 04:00 p.m. ET | 01:00 p.m. PT| 01:30 a.m. IST (next day)
Venue: Cegeka Arena in Genk.
Ferencváros vs. Braga
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 04:00 p.m. ET | 01:00 p.m. PT | 01:30 a.m. IST (next day)
Venue: Groupama Arena in Budapest.
Celta Vigo vs. Lyon
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 04:00 p.m. ET | 01:00 p.m. PT| 01:30 a.m. IST (next day)
Venue: Balaídos in Vigo.
Matchday Predictions
In the round of 16 first leg of the UEFA Europa League, the playing teams will battle for a crucial advantage in the two-legged tie. Several key clubs will be looking to bounce back from tough performances. They aim to reach the quarter-finals and strengthen their position in one of Europe’s most competitive tournaments.
VfB Stuttgart vs. Porto
Teams: VfB Stuttgart and Porto
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:45 p.m. ET | 10:45 a.m. PT | 11:15 p.m. IST
Venue: MHP Arena in Stuttgart.
Predicted Lineups for VfB Stuttgart
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeeper | Alexander Nübel |
| Backs | Lorenz Assignon, Luca Jaquez, Jeff Chabot, and Maximilian Mittelstaedt |
| Midfielders | Atakan Karazor, Angelo Stiller, and Deniz Undav, |
| Wingers | Jamie Leweling and Chris Führich |
| Striker | Ermedin Demirovic |
Predicted Lineups for Porto
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeeper | Diogo Costa |
| Backs | Martim Fernandes, Jakub Kiwior, Jan Bednarek, and Alberto Costa |
| Midfielders | Gabriel Veiga, Alan Varela, and Victor Froholdt |
| Wingers | Oskar Pietuszewski and Pepe |
| Striker | Deniz Gül |
Previous Rivalry
VfB Stuttgart shared a goal, 2-2, against 1. FSV Mainz 05 in their most recent match. Ermedin Demirović and Deniz Undav scored a goal for VfB Stuttgart. Meanwhile, Lee Jae-sung and Danny da Costa scored a goal for Mainz. VfB Stuttgart currently sits with 47 points in the Bundesliga standings. This team has home-field advantage and is expected to win its upcoming game.
In their most recent Liga Portugal game, FC Porto suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sporting CP, while Luis Suárez scored the goal for Sporting. Porto currently sits in first place in the Liga Portugal standings with 66 points. Porto will face a tough challenge against VfB Stuttgart, who have home-field advantage and are looking to extend their winning streak.
The Pick: VfB Stuttgart
LOSC vs. Aston Villa
Teams: LOSC and Aston Villa
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:45 p.m. ET | 10:45 a.m. PT | 11:15 p.m. IST
Venue: Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Villeneuve-d’Ascq.
Predicted Lineups for LOSC
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeeper | Berke Özer |
| Backs | Tiago Santos, Nathan Ngoy, Aissa Mandi, and Romain Perraud |
| Midfielders | Ayyoub Bouaddi, Nabil Bentaleb, Benjamin André, Hákon Arnar Haraldsson, and Gaëtan Perrin |
| Wingers | Matias Fernandez-Pardo |
Predicted Lineups for Aston Villa
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martinez |
| Backs | Ian Maatsen, Tyrone Mings, Ezri Konsa, and Matty Cash |
| Midfielders | Douglas Luiz, Amadou Onana, and Morgan Rogers |
| Wingers | Emiliano Buendia and Leon Bailey |
| Striker | Ollie Watkins |
Previous Rivalry
LOSC Lille has a dual performer in this season, balancing in both domestic and European tournaments. However, the squad has been affected by several injuries. Ethan Mbappé is out with a dead leg, and Nabil Bentaleb is struggling with fitness problems. Ousmane Touré and Hamza Igamane have cruciate ligament injuries, and Marc-Aurèle Caillard is out with an elbow injury. More players are unavailable, and the growing injury list could prove to be a key disadvantage for Lille.
Conversely, Aston Villa F.C. has competed in both the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League. Aston Villa have played eight games, recording seven wins, no draws, and one loss in the Europa League matches. They currently sit in second place in the Europa League standings with 21 points. However, the squad is dealing with a few injury concerns. Boubacar Kamara has a knee injury, and Harvey Elliott is out with a muscle problem. Youri Tielemans is recovering from an ankle injury for Aston Villa. They remain strong contenders to extend their winning streak.
The Pick: Aston Villa
Bologna vs. Roma
Teams: Bologna and Roma
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 01:45 p.m. ET | 10:45 a.m. PT | 11:15 p.m. IST
Venue: Renato Dall’Ara in Bologna.
Predicted Lineups for Bologna
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeeper | Lukasz Skorupski |
| Backs | Nadir Zortea, Martin Vitik, and Jhon Lucumi |
| Midfielders | Joao Mario, Nikola Moro, Lewis Ferguson, and Jens Odgaard |
| Wingers | Riccardo Orsolini and Jonathan Rowe |
| Striker | Santiago Castro |
Predicted Lineups for Roma
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeeper | Mile Svilar |
| Backs | Mehmet Zeki Celik, Evan N’Dicka, Gianluca Mancini, Konstantinos Tsimikas, and Lorenzo Venturino |
| Midfielders | Kouadio Koné, Niccolò Pisilli, and Lorenzo Pellegrini |
| Winger | Devyne Rensch |
| Striker | Donyell Malen |
Previous Rivalry
Bologna FC 1909 beat Pisa SC 1-0 in their latest results, while Jens Odgaard scored for Bologna. Bologna currently sits in 8th position in the Serie A standings with 39 points. Over their last five games, Bologna have earned three consecutive wins and two losses. They are competing in the UEFA Europa League this season. They have a home advantage and will take the win.
AS Roma suffered a 1-0 defeat to Udinese Calcio in their most recent game, with Jurrien Ekkelenkamp scoring the goal. Roma has performed moderately throughout the Europa League this season. In the Serie A standings, Roma currently sits in 5th place with 51 points. In their last five games, Roma have registered two consecutive wins, two draws, and one loss. Compared to Bologna, FC 1909 may have a slightly lower chance of winning, given Roma’s somewhat inconsistent form.
The Pick: Bologna
Celta Vigo vs. Lyon
Teams: Celta Vigo and Lyon
Date: March 12, 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 04:00 p.m. ET | 01:00 p.m. PT | 01:30 a.m. IST (next day)
Venue: Balaídos in Vigo.
Predicted Lineups for Celta Vigo
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeeper | Ionut Andrei Radu |
| Backs | Javi Rodriguez, Carl Starfelt, and Marcos Alonso |
| Midfielders | Sergio Carreira, Miguel Román, Ilaix Moriba, and Oscar Mingueza |
| Wingers | Ferrán Jutglà and Williot Swedberg |
| Striker | Borja Iglesias |
Predicted Lineups for Lyon
| Position | Players |
| Goalkeeper | Dominik Greif |
| Backs | Nicolás Tagliafico, Moussa Niakhaté, Clinton Mata, Hans Hateboer, and Abner |
| Midfielders | Tyler Morton, Khalis Merah, and Tanner Tessmann |
| Wingers | Adam Karabec and Remi Himbert |
Previous Rivalry
RC Celta de Vigo has delivered inconsistent performances in domestic competition this season. RC Celta de Vigo currently sits in sixth place in the La Liga standings with 40 points. In their last five games, they have earned two straight wins, two wins, and one loss. Overall, the team has struggled to maintain consistency throughout the season.
By contrast, Olympique Lyonnais has demonstrated resilience and determination in the Europa League this season. Their away record is particularly impressive, with three victories from four matches and only one defeat. This victory form will continue their winning streak throughout the season. Olympique Lyonnais currently sits at the top of the Europa League standings with 21 points.
The Pick: Lyon
Conclusion
Clubs competing in the UEFA Europa League are also balancing their promises in their domestic leagues. The RC Celta Vigo and Olympique Lyonnais will clash on March 12, 2026, and the outcome will be crucial for which team triumphs.
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