Aston Villa drawn against former Champions League opponents in league phase of Europa League
Aston Villa will face two familiar teams in the league phase of the 2025/26 Europa League after UEFA’s ludicrous draw in Nice.
Villa were handed home fixtures against Young Boys and Bologna, both of whom were among their opponents in last season’s Champions League campaign.
The draw itself took about two seconds because it was carried out by ‘software’ according to the fella who conducted the draw who looks a bit like Claudio Ranieri. To do away with the traditional pots and balls, a magic trick was performed that felt longer than Almaty, never mind longer than the draw itself.
Anyway, Jürgen Klinsmann was on hand to repeatedly and once prematurely press a big Hankook-coloured button to trigger and then reveal the draw, which produced Red Bull Salzburg – sorry, FC Salzburg – and Eredivisie giants Feyenoord as Villa’s two opponents from Pot 1, of which Villa was also a component.
Unai Emery’s men will also play two opponents each from Pot 2, Pot 3 and Pot 4. They’ll take on one team from each pot at home and one away. The actual order and dates of fixtures will be confirmed between now and Sunday.
I’d say the draw was a mixed bag but they don’t use a bag anymore either.
Villa’s home fixtures
Red Bull Salzburg
After meeting RB Leipzig in the Champions League last season, Villa will welcome Salzburg to Birmingham in the league phase of the Europa League in 2025/26.
Maccabi Tel-Aviv
The visit of Israeli opposition to Villa Park in the Europa League is bound to be a focal point for ferocious debate and protest off the pitch. An unwelcome distraction for a must-win tie.
Young Boys
Villa’s first-ever Champions League opponents will be heading for B6 in the Europa League for a return match after Emery led his team to a win in Bern last season.
Bologna
Bologna came to Villa Park in the Champions League in 2024/25 and they’ll be back again this season. Villa won 2-0 last time out thanks to goals from John McGinn and Jhon Durán.
Villa’s away fixtures
Feyenoord
Villa have been given some spicy away fixtures in the Europa League draw and will take on Feyenoord at De Kuip in this season’s league phase.
Fenerbahçe
The Istanbul club’s decision to sack Jose Mourinho today has robbed Villa of yet another win over the Special One, who finds it especially difficult to beat them.
Basel
Switzerland is back on the travel itinerary in 2025/26 and this time Villa will be off to Basel to face the 21-time and reigning Swiss champions.
Go Ahead Eagles
There will be two trips to the Netherlands in the Europa League. As well as Rotterdam, Villa will fly to Deventer, where they’ll play Go Ahead Eagles at De Adelaarshorst.
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