Nottingham Forest vs. Fenerbahçe (Agg: 3-0)

The Vítor Pereira era at Nottingham Forest has begun with a flourish. Appointed just days before the first leg to replace Sean Dyche, Pereira masterminded a stunning 3-0 victory in Istanbul last week, with goals from Murillo, Igor Jesus, and Morgan Gibbs-White silencing the ?ükrü Saraco?lu Stadium.
Tonight, Forest defend that commanding lead at the City Ground. Fenerbahçe, managed by Domenico Tedesco (who replaced José Mourinho earlier this season), arrive in England with a depleted squad; key midfielders Fred and Jayden Oosterwolde are suspended, while injuries have sidelined Anderson Talisca. Pereira’s side needs only to avoid a catastrophic collapse to book their place in Friday’s Round of 16 draw, continuing what has been a dream start for the former Porto boss.
Viktoria Plze? vs. Panathinaikos (Agg: 2-2)
Doosan Arena, 17:45 GMT
Perhaps the most finely poised tie of the round takes place in the Czech Republic. Panathinaikos, led by the seasoned Rafa Benítez, travel to Plze? after a 2-2 draw in Athens last Thursday. Benítez, appointed in October 2025, is looking to restore the Greek giants to European relevance, but they face a stern test against Martin Hyský’s disciplined Viktoria Plze? side.
With the away goals rule long abolished, this is a winner-takes-all scenario. Plze? have been formidable at home, but Benítez’s tactical pedigree in knockout football is legendary. Expect a cagey, tactical battle that could go the distance.
VfB Stuttgart vs. Celtic (Agg: 4-1)
MHPArena, 17:45 GMT
It was meant to be a fairytale return for Martin O’Neill, but Celtic need a miracle in Germany tonight. In what will be O’Neill’s 1,000th game in professional management, his side must overturn a 4-1 deficit against a high-flying VfB Stuttgart.
Sebastian Hoeneß, who recently extended his contract with the Bundesliga club until 2028, has Stuttgart playing scintillating football. Their dominance at Celtic Park was absolute, and with home advantage, they are heavy favorites to finish the job. For Celtic, pride is the priority, though an early goal could test the Germans’ nerve.
Celta Vigo vs. PAOK (Agg: 2-1)
Balaídos, 20:00 GMT
Claudio Giráldez’s Celta Vigo hold a slender 2-1 advantage over Greek champions PAOK. The Galicians showed grit to win in Thessaloniki, but the job isn’t done. PAOK remain a dangerous counter-attacking unit, and Celta will need to manage the game carefully to ensure their European journey continues.
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UEFA Conference League: The Pressure Cooker
Crystal Palace vs. Zrinjski Mostar (Agg: 1-1)
Selhurst Park, 20:00 GMT
The spotlight at Selhurst Park tonight is glaring. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is under immense pressure following a dismal run of one win in 15 matches. The 1-1 draw in the first leg against Bosnian side Zrinjski Mostar—where Palace fans were heard chanting for the Austrian’s dismissal—did little to quell the unrest.
Glasner, who led Palace to FA Cup glory last season, admitted last week that recent performances were “not good enough.” A home exit to Zrinjski would likely be the final straw for chairman Steve Parish. Palace simply must win, not just to progress, but to save their manager’s job.
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Other Matches to Watch
Crvena Zvezda vs. Lille (Agg: 1-0): The Serbian champions bring a precious 1-0 lead back to the Marakana. Can the French side break down the red-and-white wall in one of Europe’s most hostile atmospheres?
Ferencváros vs. Ludogorets (Agg: 1-2): A tight affair in Budapest as the Hungarians look to overturn a narrow first-leg defeat.
Bologna vs. Brann (Agg: 1-0): The Italians are in the driving seat after a professional display in Norway.
Who Goes Through?
The winners of tonight’s ties will join the eight seeded teams (including the likes of Aston Villa and Lyon) in the Round of 16 draw, scheduled for Friday, February 27.
Kick-offs are split between 17:45 GMT and 20:00 GMT.
