Europa League & Conference League Round of 16: Draw & Potential Matchups 2025-2026

Lille overcame a first-leg deficit to defeat Red Star Belgrade 2-0 in extra time on Thursday, securing their place in the Europa League round of 16. The victory, achieved in a hard-fought match in the Serbian capital, reverses their 1-0 loss at home last week and marks a potential turning point for the struggling French club.

The match was leveled early on with a goal from Olivier Giroud in the 5th minute, heading in a cross from captain Benjamin André. According to La Croix, this was a significant moment for Lille, who had been in a crisis since the start of the year.

Lille’s progression means they join fellow French side Olympique Lyonnais in the knockout stages. The draw for the round of 16 will grab place on Friday, with Lille potentially facing either Lyon or Aston Villa. Ouest-France reports that this sets up the possibility of an all-Ligue 1 clash in the next round.

The win in Belgrade is particularly notable given Lille’s recent form, having suffered seven defeats in eleven matches prior to Thursday’s encounter. La Voix du Nord described the performance as “heroic,” highlighting the team’s resilience and mental fortitude. The article also noted the importance of veteran players André and Giroud in guiding the team to victory.

The first leg at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium saw Red Star Belgrade secure a narrow 1-0 victory, putting Lille under pressure heading into the return leg. L’Equipe described Lille’s performance in that match as “disappointing,” noting their inability to break down a well-organized Serbian defense.

Elsewhere in the Europa League, Strasbourg, having topped their group, await their opponents in the Conference League knockout stages. They will face either Fiorentina or Rijeka. If Strasbourg progresses, they could potentially face Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals, though a match against Rijeka would be a more favorable outcome, according to reports.

The round of 16 pairings are as follows: Ferencvaros (HON) – Porto (POR) or Braga (POR); Panathinaïkos (GRE) – Midtjylland (DAN) or Betis Séville (ESP); Genk (BEL) or Zagreb (CRO) – Fribourg (ALL) or AS Roma (ITA); Celta Vigo (ESP) – Lyon (FRA) or Aston Villa (ANG); Stuttgart (ALL) – Porto (POR) or Braga (POR); Nottingham Forest (ANG) – Midtjylland (DAN) or Betis Séville (ESP); Bologna (ITA) – Fribourg (ALL) or AS Roma (ITA); Lille (FRA) – Lyon (FRA) or Aston Villa (ANG).