UEFA Europa League 2025/26: Today 9 matches of the I round: "Aston Villa" against "Bologna" and other intrigues of the group stage

Today, September 25, 2025, marks the start of Matchday 1 of the league phase of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – one of the most anticipated events of the season. In 9 matches, European giants will clash in the battle for points that will determine the leaders in the table of 36 teams.

According to the official UEFA website, matches will be held in a "Swiss system" format, where each team will play 8 games, and the top 8 will directly advance to the round of 16. Two matches will start at 20:45 Baku time, the rest – at 23:00. This is the beginning of the journey to the final in Istanbul on May 20, 2026, at Besiktas Park Stadium. Fans are waiting for bright moments from Aston Villa and Porto, as well as debuts of newcomers like Go Ahead Eagles.

Matchday 1 of the league phase of UEFA Europa League 2025/26

20:45. Go Ahead Eagles (Netherlands) – FCSB (Romania)

In the first match, Go Ahead Eagles (Netherlands) will host FCSB (Romania) at De Adelaar Stadium. The Dutch, debutants in European cups, count on home support, but the Romanians with Champions League experience are the favorites.

20:45. Lille (France) - Brann (Norway)

Lille (France) will meet Brann (Norway): the French, led by Jonathan David, want to avenge last year's failures, while the Norwegians aim for a sensation.

23:00. Aston Villa (England) - Bologna (Italy)

The evening block will open with a top match between Aston Villa (England) and Bologna (Italy). Aston Villa, under Unai Emery's guidance, strengthened during the off-season and are aiming for the playoffs, but the Italians with Teun Koopmeiners are a tough nut to crack.

23:00. Young Boys (Switzerland) – Panathinaikos (Greece)

Young Boys (Switzerland) versus Panathinaikos (Greece) promises a goal extravaganza: the Swiss are masters of home battles, the Greeks are on a high after qualification.

23:00. Salzburg (Austria) – Porto (Portugal)

A duel of champions: Austrians with Oscar Gloukh against the Portuguese with Pepe, a veteran of the elite.

23:00. Utrecht (Netherlands) – Lyon (France)

Utrecht (Netherlands) will host Lyon (France): the Dutch want to surprise, but the "weavers" with Alexander Lacazette are the favorites.

23:00. Ferencvaros (Hungary) – Viktoria (Czech Republic)

Ferencvaros (Hungary) – Viktoria (Czech Republic) – a Central European derby with a Czech accent.

23:00. Rangers (Scotland) – Genk (Belgium)

Rangers (Scotland) versus Genk (Belgium) – a battle for leadership in the group, where the Scots with Filip Helander dominate at home.

23:00. Stuttgart (Germany) – Celta (Spain)

The program will be completed by Stuttgart (Germany) – Celta (Spain): the German debutants against the Spaniards with Borja Iglesias.

UEFA emphasizes: the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 is the innovation of the season, with 36 teams and 8 games for dynamics.