Both Braga and SC Freiburg finished the league phase of the Europa League with identical records: each won five matches, drew two, and lost one out of eight. This performance placed them sixth and seventh respectively.

Braga advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Real Betis with a total aggregate score of 5-3. Meanwhile, SC Freiburg showcased their strength by eliminating Celta Vigo with a commanding 6-1 aggregate victory.

This semi-final marks a significant moment for both teams. Braga last reached a European final in 2011, where they finished as runners-up. For SC Freiburg, this is their first appearance in a major European competition’s semi-final.

In terms of player availability, Braga faces challenges with Gabriel Moscardo suspended and several key players injured, including Diego Rodrigues and Sikou Niakate. Freiburg’s Jordy Makengo is also doubtful due to a thigh issue.

The odds favor Braga slightly at 7/5, while Freiburg’s chances stand at 11/5. A draw is priced at 21/10.

Key statistics:

• Braga has won seven and drawn one of their nine home games in the Europa League this season.
• Freiburg has conceded just three goals across their four knockout games so far.
• This match will be crucial for both teams as they aim to secure a place in the final.

Julian Schuster expressed confidence in his team’s preparation: “We enjoyed the moment, but we won’t stop working. It’s just the next step.” As both teams gear up for this pivotal match, fans eagerly await what promises to be an exciting showdown.

The post Braga vs sc freiburg appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Nottingham Forest has advanced to the quarter-finals of the Europa League after a dramatic penalty shoot-out against Midtjylland on March 19, 2026. The match ended 2-1 in favor of Forest, leveling the tie at 2-2 on aggregate.

In a tense shoot-out, Midtjylland missed all three of their penalties, while Nottingham Forest successfully converted three attempts. Morgan Gibbs-White, Ibrahim Sangaré, and Neco Williams were the players who secured the win for Forest.

Ryan Yates also made headlines during the match, scoring a stunning goal from 25 yards out. This victory marks a significant moment for Nottingham Forest, whose last European campaign was in the 1995-96 season when they reached the UEFA Cup quarter-finals.

Midtjylland’s Cho Gue-sung and Aral Simsir both struck the post during the penalty shoot-out, contributing to their elimination from the tournament. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for the Danish side, who had hoped to advance further.

Nottingham Forest will now face Porto in the quarter-finals, with the first legs scheduled for April 9 and the second legs on April 16. This matchup is highly anticipated, as Forest aims to make a deeper run in the competition.

Vítor Pereira, the manager of Porto, expressed his thoughts on the match, stating, “It’s important, the energy and spirit is different when we win.” His team will need to bring that energy into the upcoming clash against Forest.

Ryan Yates reflected on the victory, saying, “The journey’s not over yet – we’re still dreaming.” His sentiments capture the excitement surrounding Nottingham Forest’s return to European football.

With £140 million spent on four players, including a £31 million permanent option for Lorenzo Lucca, Nottingham Forest has invested heavily in their squad, aiming for success on the European stage.

As the quarter-finals approach, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Nottingham Forest performs against Porto. The stakes are high, and the anticipation is palpable.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further developments in the tournament, but the excitement surrounding the Europa League draw continues to grow.

The post Europa League Draw: Nottingham Forest Advances to Quarter-Finals appeared first on cottenhamnews.

The recent Europa League fixtures raised a significant question: which teams would advance to the quarter-finals? The answer revealed a mix of triumph and disappointment, with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest successfully progressing, while Lyon faced elimination.

Lyon’s defeat at home to Celta Vigo, with the match concluding at 6.45pm, marked a disappointing exit for the French side. In contrast, Nottingham Forest managed to secure their place in the next round after a tense penalty shootout against Midtjylland.

Other notable outcomes included Freiburg’s decisive victory over Genk and Betis’s comeback win against Panathinaikos, which took place at 9.00pm. Porto also had an easy win against Stuttgart, while Aston Villa eliminated Lille at Villa Park.

Aston Villa’s Unai Emery, known for his extensive experience in European competitions, has guided the team to face either Roma or Bologna in the quarter-finals. Crystal Palace is set to meet Fiorentina in their next match, while Nottingham Forest will challenge Porto.

As the second legs of the Europa League round of 16 concluded on March 19, 2026, the stakes are higher than ever. Aston Villa’s odds to win the tournament stand at 5/2, while Lyon’s odds have dropped to 6/1, reflecting their recent struggles.

Quotes from players highlight the competitive spirit of the tournament. Nottingham Forest’s Ryan Yates expressed his relief, stating, “I’m buzzing we’re through. Penalties are always nervy, always tough, but the lads stepped up, and we’re really pleased.” Meanwhile, Adam Wharton emphasized the significance of reaching the quarter-finals, calling it a “massive thing.”

Looking ahead, the excitement builds as teams prepare for the quarter-finals. The matchups promise to deliver thrilling football, with fans eagerly anticipating the outcomes. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact dates and venues for these upcoming fixtures.

The post Europa League Fixtures: Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest Advance appeared first on cottenhamnews.

“Ferencváros are very aggressive in dead-ball situations and that Braga must pay particular attention to that phase,” warned Braga FC coach Nuno Campos ahead of their Europa League match.

This encounter at Ferencváros Stadion marks the first time Braga FC and Ferencváros have faced each other in European competition. Historically, Braga’s only previous meeting with a Hungarian team was in the last 16 of the 1966-67 Cup Winners’ Cup.

Braga, who secured fourth place in the Primeira Liga after a 2-2 draw with Sporting, enters this match with a solid defensive record. The team has only conceded two goals in seven away European games this season, maintaining five clean sheets.

In contrast, Ferencváros has struggled in recent European knockout ties, winning the first leg in just one of their last seven attempts. They finished their league phase with 15 points, which is less than Braga’s 17 points, but they remain a formidable opponent, particularly at home.

Gustaf Lagerbielke, a key player for Braga, emphasized the importance of focus, stating, “Every competition is important and that the team wants to win; he called for focus on this first leg and insisted the group’s aim is to progress in the Europa League.” Lagerbielke, aged 25, has been instrumental in the team’s success, scoring four goals and participating in all eight group-stage matches this season.

The match is set to kick off at 3:00 pm ET, and both teams are eager to secure an advantage in this knockout phase. With Braga’s strong defensive record and Ferencváros’ aggressive set-piece tactics, the match promises to be a compelling contest.

As the teams prepare for this significant clash, the outcome could set the tone for the remainder of the tournament. Braga’s focus on maintaining their defensive solidity will be crucial against a team known for its attacking prowess, especially in dead-ball situations.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final line-ups, but both teams are expected to field their strongest squads as they aim for a successful start in the Europa League knockout stage.

The post Braga FC Prepares for Europa League Clash Against Ferencváros appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Real Betis, currently positioned fifth in LaLiga, has had a commendable season, with only six losses in the league during the 2025/26 campaign. Their home form has been particularly strong, remaining unbeaten since a defeat to Barcelona on December 6th. However, their record in the UEFA Europa League has been less favorable, especially in Greece, where they have played two away matches without scoring or winning.

Upcoming Match Details

The upcoming match against Panathinaikos on March 12, 2026, marks a significant moment as it will be the first meeting between the two clubs in any European competition. This adds an intriguing layer to the match, as both teams will be eager to make a mark in this encounter.

Panathinaikos’ Recent Performance

Panathinaikos has struggled in their recent UEFA Europa League outings, managing to draw their last five matches. This run of form highlights their difficulties in securing victories, which could play a crucial role in their strategy against Real Betis. Historically, Panathinaikos has faced Spanish teams 18 times, but their performance in these encounters has been mixed.

Real Betis’ Away Record

Despite their struggles in Greece, Real Betis has been resilient in major European knockout matches, losing only one of their last 12 away games. This statistic provides them with a psychological edge as they prepare to face Panathinaikos. The team’s ability to perform under pressure will be tested as they aim to break their scoring drought in Greece.

Key Player: Antony

One of the standout players for Real Betis this season has been Antony, who has made a significant impact in the UEFA Europa League. With four goals and three assists in six appearances, he has proven to be a vital asset for the team. His performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match against Panathinaikos.

Looking Ahead

As the match approaches, both teams are preparing for what promises to be a competitive fixture. Observers are keen to see if Real Betis can overcome their historical challenges in Greece and if Panathinaikos can turn their recent draws into a decisive victory. The stakes are high, and both clubs will be aiming to secure a favorable result in this pivotal encounter.

With the match set to unfold in Greece, the anticipation builds for this historic clash between Real Betis and Panathinaikos. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how both teams adapt to the pressures of European competition.

The post Real Betis Set to Face Panathinaikos in UEFA Europa League Clash appeared first on cottenhamnews.

In a significant matchup, Panathinaikos is set to face Real Betis for the first time in any European competition at the Spyros Louis Stadium. This encounter marks a pivotal moment for both teams as they navigate their respective challenges in the UEFA Europa League.

Immediate Circumstances

Panathinaikos enters this match with a troubling record, having secured just one win in their last 18 games against Spanish teams. In contrast, Real Betis has shown resilience, losing only one of their last 12 away major European knockout matches. The stakes are high, especially considering Panathinaikos’ recent performance, where they drew their last five UEFA Europa League matches.

During the Europa League league phase, Panathinaikos finished with 12 points from eight matches, scoring 11 goals while conceding nine. Real Betis, on the other hand, performed strongly, accumulating 17 points and winning four of their last five matches in the tournament.

Historically, Panathinaikos has struggled against Spanish teams in European competitions, which adds pressure to their current campaign. The team recently faced a challenging two-match showdown with Viktoria Plzen, ultimately winning through a penalty shootout. However, they are currently dealing with significant losses due to injuries and suspensions, which could impact their performance.

Real Betis has also faced challenges in Greece, having played two away UEFA Europa League matches without a win or a goal. This adds an interesting dynamic to their upcoming match against Panathinaikos.

As the match approaches, both teams are preparing to address their respective weaknesses. Panathinaikos has notably won in the first half in five consecutive matches, showcasing their potential to start strong. Meanwhile, Real Betis aims to break their streak of poor performances in Greece.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineups and strategies both teams will employ, but the anticipation for this historic clash continues to build.

The post Panathinaikos vs real betis appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Match Overview

In the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie, Aston Villa secured a narrow 1-0 victory over LOSC Lille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. The match took place on March 12, 2026, with kick-off at 5:45 PM GMT.

Ollie Watkins was the standout performer, scoring the only goal of the match with a header. This victory was particularly significant for Aston Villa, who had been struggling with a winless streak of four matches prior to this encounter.

Key Moments

Lille’s best opportunity to score came from veteran striker Olivier Giroud before the break, but he was unable to find the back of the net. Despite their efforts, Lille finished the match without scoring.

After the match, Lille manager Bruno Genesio expressed his respect for Aston Villa’s coach Unai Emery, highlighting his extensive experience and success in European competitions. Genesio stated, “I remember my clash with Lyon against Unai Emery’s PSG very well. He inspires a lot of respect in me; he has a lot of experience, has won 4 Europa Leagues with 2 different teams, and he always coaches big teams.”

Unai Emery acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “Of course, it’s a massive test tomorrow. Two matches, two legs, the second leg as well, of course, we will play at home, but my expectation is very difficult and my expectation, before the matches, of course, be so focused and be trying to build our structure strong and try to feel comfortable and try to respect them.”

Looking Ahead

The second leg of the tie will be played in the West Midlands, where Aston Villa will aim to secure their place in the next round of the competition. Observers are keenly awaiting how both teams will adjust their strategies following this initial encounter.

The post Losc vs aston villa appeared first on cottenhamnews.

The stakes are high as Nottingham Forest prepares to host FC Midtjylland at the City Ground on March 12, 2026, in a pivotal UEFA Europa League match. Following a narrow 3-2 defeat to Midtjylland in their previous encounter, Nottingham Forest is under pressure to turn their fortunes around. The recent loss has highlighted the team’s struggles, as they have only managed to secure one victory in their last eight matches.

FC Midtjylland, on the other hand, comes into this match with a strong record, having won 11 of their last 13 matches in European competition. Their impressive form includes a notable achievement of winning four out of nine matches against English teams across all European competitions. This success has positioned them as formidable opponents for Nottingham Forest, who will need to elevate their performance significantly.

Historically, Nottingham Forest has a commendable 65% win ratio in the first legs of major European knockout ties, which provides a glimmer of hope for their supporters. However, the team’s recent performance has raised concerns, especially as they have struggled to find consistency. The decision to reduce ticket prices for the upcoming match indicates the club’s efforts to rally support during this challenging period.

Midtjylland’s unbeaten streak of eight matches adds to the challenge for Nottingham Forest. The Danish side’s ability to score four goals in their last league phase away games demonstrates their attacking prowess. Igor Jesus, who has emerged as the joint-top scorer in the Europa League with seven goals, poses a significant threat to the Forest defense.

In contrast, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White has been a standout player, contributing ten goals and five assists in all competitions. His performance will be crucial as the team seeks to regain momentum and secure a vital win against Midtjylland.

As the match approaches, the uncertainty surrounding Nottingham Forest’s ability to bounce back from their recent form remains a concern. Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential tactical changes or player fitness that could impact the outcome of the match. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Nottingham Forest can leverage their historical success in European competitions to overcome the challenges posed by FC Midtjylland.

With both teams eager to secure a place in the next round of the UEFA Europa League, the upcoming clash promises to be an exciting encounter. Nottingham Forest will need to harness the support of their home crowd and deliver a performance that reflects their potential, while Midtjylland will aim to continue their impressive run in European football.

The post Nottm forest vs midtjylland appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Bodo Glimt has emerged as a surprise package in the ongoing UEFA Champions League season. Their remarkable journey reached a new milestone on March 11, 2026, when they secured a convincing win against Sporting in the first leg of the last 16.

The match, which took place on Bodo Glimt’s 3G pitch, showcased the team’s resilience and skill, further solidifying their reputation in European football. Bodo Glimt’s fairytale continues as they aim to replicate their previous success, reminiscent of their famous two-legged victory over Inter.

Sporting, on the other hand, arrived at this stage after finishing above notable teams such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, PSG, and Atletico Madrid in the group stage. Their performance has been commendable, with Luis Suárez leading the charge, having scored 31 goals in 39 games this season.

As the teams prepare for the second leg, Sporting faces the challenge of adapting to the colder climate of Bodo, which contrasts sharply with their usual conditions in Lisbon. The match is set to be played in negative degree temperatures, adding another layer of complexity to the encounter.

Fans can catch the action live on TNT Sports 4 in the UK, while viewers in the US can stream the match on Paramount+. Australian fans will also have the opportunity to watch the game live through Stan Sport.

Despite Sporting’s strong league performance, having only lost once when Luis Suárez has played this season, the upcoming match is expected to be fiercely contested. FourFourTwo predicts a draw, suggesting that Sporting may take an early lead before Bodo Glimt fights back.

As the clock ticks down to the match, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting clash. The outcome of this match could significantly impact the trajectory of both clubs in this prestigious tournament.

With Bodo Glimt’s impressive track record and Sporting’s formidable lineup, fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this thrilling Champions League saga.

The post Bodo Glimt Continues Champions League Journey with Sporting Clash appeared first on cottenhamnews.

Bayern Munich enters their matchup against Atalanta with a formidable record in the UEFA Champions League. Having won seven of their eight games this season, Bayern has demonstrated their dominance in the tournament. Historically, they have only lost one of their last twelve games in the round of 16, a statistic that underscores their strength in knockout stages.

In contrast, Atalanta has struggled in the knockout phases, losing six of their last seven games in the UEFA Champions League. This matchup marks the first time these two teams have faced each other in European competition, adding an intriguing layer to the encounter.

Key Players and Performances

Harry Kane has been a standout performer for Bayern, directly involved in 33 goals across 33 UEFA Champions League games. His contributions have been pivotal in Bayern’s offensive strategy, which boasts the highest goals per game ratio of 1.9 among teams in the knockout stages.

Atalanta will look to Charles De Ketelaere, who has been instrumental in their attack, averaging 1.57 goals from open play per game when he starts. However, Atalanta has not kept a clean sheet in any of their nine knockout stage games, raising concerns about their defensive capabilities against a potent Bayern offense.

Recent Developments

In a recent match, Bayern Munich showcased their attacking prowess with Michael Olise scoring a stunning goal, doubling their lead over Atalanta. This performance reflects Bayern’s current form and their intent to advance further in the competition.

As the match progresses, observers note that Bayern’s historical success in the knockout stages, coupled with Atalanta’s recent struggles, may heavily influence the outcome. Bayern Munich lost their last knockout stage tie against Italian opposition, which adds a layer of pressure as they aim to avoid a repeat scenario.

Looking Ahead

With the match underway, fans and analysts alike are keen to see if Bayern can maintain their strong performance and capitalize on Atalanta’s defensive vulnerabilities. The outcome of this encounter could set the tone for both teams in the ongoing UEFA Champions League campaign.

The post Bayern Munich Advances Against Atalanta in UEFA Champions League Showdown appeared first on cottenhamnews.