Key Storylines to Watch in Europa League Matchday 7
As the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League approaches Matchday 7, several teams find themselves in crucial positions. Here’s a breakdown of key storylines, standout fixtures, and relevant statistics as the league phase enters its penultimate round.
Key Matchups in the Europa League
Early Kick-offs (18:45 CET)
- Feyenoord vs Sturm Graz
- Fenerbahçe vs Aston Villa
- PAOK vs Real Betis
- Viktoria Plzeň vs Porto
- Young Boys vs Lyon
- Freiburg vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv
- Bologna vs Celtic
- Malmö vs Crvena Zvezda
- Brann vs Midtjylland
Late Kick-offs (21:00 CET)
- Roma vs Stuttgart
- Utrecht vs Genk
- Salzburg vs Basel
- Ferencváros vs Panathinaikos
- GNK Dinamo vs FCSB
- Nice vs Go Ahead Eagles
- Rangers vs Ludogorets
- Celta vs Lille
- Braga vs Nottingham Forest
Standout Fixtures
Feyenoord vs Sturm Graz
This match is critical for both Feyenoord and Sturm Graz. Feyenoord, currently sitting 30th with three points, and Sturm Graz, at 29th with four points, must secure a victory to keep their knockout stage hopes alive. The Dutch side previously thrashed Sturm 6-0 at home during the 2022/23 group stage and will look to their passionate fanbase in De Kuip for motivation.
Sturm Graz has struggled with form, losing their last eight away matches in European competitions.
Fenerbahçe vs Aston Villa
Fenerbahçe aims to extend their positive run after an initial setback against GNK Dinamo. With three wins and two draws since, they are positioned well for a top-24 finish. Meanwhile, Aston Villa has already qualified for the knockout phase with a victory over Basel and now seeks an automatic advancement to the round of 16. The teams’ last confrontation was in 1977 when Villa triumphed 6-0 on aggregate.
Kerem Aktürkoğlu from Fenerbahçe has been a standout player, scoring four goals in six matches this season.
Roma vs Stuttgart
Both Roma and Stuttgart have won four and drawn two matches, making this encounter vital as they vie for the top eight. Stuttgart comes off recent losses at the Stadio Olimpico, hoping for a better outcome tonight. Notably, this matchup marks their first competitive clash.
Braga vs Nottingham Forest
Braga started strong with three wins but recently faced a tough 4-3 defeat to Genk. They need a solid performance against Nottingham Forest, who previously defeated Portuguese teams like Porto in this phase. Despite a shaky start, Nottingham Forest’s recent form sees them climb up to 11th position.
Braga’s defeat to Genk remains their only loss in the last 13 European games.
Other Highlights
In individual performances, Ludogorets’ Petar Stanić leads as the top scorer with six goals, including four in his last two games. His team will face Rangers, who are struggling this season.
In another matchup, Danish club Midtjylland faces off against Brann from Norway. Midtjylland has qualified for the knockout phase, while Brann seeks their first points of the campaign.
Nice, already eliminated from the tournament, looks to salvage pride against Go Ahead Eagles, also struggling in the standings.
