The Europa League 2025–26 opened with Matchday 1 in September, featuring fixtures across Europe on both Wednesday and Thursday, a rare scheduling twist. Early victories provided momentum for ambitious clubs, while others were left needing quick recovery in October. From debut appearances like Go Ahead Eagles to heavyweight clashes such as Nice vs Roma and Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest, the first week of action showcased the blend of tradition and fresh narratives that defines the Europa League. September’s matches were a crucial foundation — shaping expectations, standings, and storylines for the months ahead.
Tournament Format
The tournament format for the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League (new “league phase” system):
League Phase
- 36 clubs participate (instead of traditional groups).
- Each team plays 8 matches (4 home, 4 away) against 8 different opponents.
- Opponents are determined by a seeding draw (no two teams play each other twice).
Qualification from League Phase
- Top 8 teams advance directly to the Round of 16.
- 9th–24th placed teams enter the knockout round play-offs.
- These 16 teams are paired, with winners joining the top 8 in the Round of 16.
- 25th–36th placed teams are eliminated (no drop to Conference League).
Knockout Stage
1. Knockout round play-offs (16 teams → 8 winners).
2. Round of 16 (16 teams).
3. Quarter-finals (8 teams).
4. Semi-finals (4 teams).
5. Final – one match at a neutral venue.
Key Notes
• This “Swiss-style league phase” is new (same as Champions League format from 2024/25).
• Adds variety because clubs face more different opponents.
• Emphasis on performance across the 8 league matches instead of small groups.
Match Details: September Fixtures
The detailed Europa League (2025-26) fixtures for September (Matchdays 1):
Matchday 1 (24-25 Sept)
24 September
• Midtjylland vs Sturm Graz
• PAOK vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv
• Crvena Zvezda vs Celtic
• Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahçe
• Malmö vs Ludogorets
• Nice vs Roma
• Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest
• Braga vs Feyenoord
• Freiburg vs Basel
25 September
• Go Ahead Eagles vs FCSB
• Lille vs Brann
• Aston Villa vs Bologna
• Young Boys vs Panathinaikos
• Salzburg vs Porto
• Utrecht vs Lyon
• Ferencváros vs Viktoria Plzeň
• Rangers vs Genk
• Stuttgart vs Celta
Importance of Matchday 1 of Europa League
The details why Matchday 1 of the Europa League (24–25 September 2025) is especially important:
1. The Beginning of the League Phase
• It’s the first round of the new Swiss-style league format (36 teams, 8 games each).
• Clubs set the tone for their entire campaign — a winning start can give momentum, while a poor opening result can make qualification more difficult.
2. First Impressions in Europe
• For debutants like Go Ahead Eagles (Netherlands), Matchday 1 is historic — their first ever Europa League league-phase appearance at De Adelaarshorst.
• Returning giants (e.g., Roma, Celtic, Fenerbahçe) aim to show strength immediately.
3. Early Standings Impact
• With only 8 matches in total, every point counts more compared to the old group stage.
• Securing 3 points early means less pressure later, especially when facing tougher opponents.
4. Showcase Games
• Fixtures like Nice vs Roma and Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest are already eye-catching ties that could influence the seeding perception and confidence.
• These matches attract big attention and highlight the competitive balance of the new format.
5. Exclusive Match Week
• Matchday 1 is unique: played on both Wednesday (24 Sept) and Thursday (25 Sept), unlike most weeks which are Thursday-only.
• This gives wider exposure and marks the official “kick-off” of European football’s second-tier competition.
Conclusion
Matchday 1 of the Europa League 2025–26, played on 24–25 September, was more than just the opening round — it was the launch of a new era under the Swiss-style format. With every club facing fresh opponents and only eight league-phase games in total, these first results carried significant weight. For newcomers, it was a chance to make history on European soil, while experienced teams sought to impose their authority early. The September kick-off highlighted the competition’s diversity, energy, and unpredictability, setting the stage for an exciting campaign on the road to Istanbul.
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