Europa League draw: Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest learn fixtures for League Phase

Nottingham Forest have been handed a showdown with Portuguese giants Porto as part of their schedule for the League Phase of the Europa League.

For the first time in 30 years, the East Midlands outfit are participating in continental competition, also benefitting from Crystal Palace being demoted to the Conference League for breaching multi-ownership regulations.

As reward, Nuno Espirito Santo - whose future as head coach remains in doubt - and his players have been handed a showdown with one of their Portuguese's former clubs from his playing days.

Another Portuguese side in the form of Braga are on the schedule, while Forest will also travel to Spanish side Real Betis.

The remainder of the draw was relatively kind to the Premier League club who will play Ferencvaros, FC Midtjylland, Sturm Graz, Malmo and FC Utrecht.

Our #UEL league phase opponents! ? pic.twitter.com/J0SCKvzOtf

— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) August 29, 2025

Aston Villa given two games with familiar foes

Meanwhile, Aston Villa can count Bologna and Young Boys - two teams who that faced in last season's Champions League - among their eight opponents.

Unai Emery's side also play the likes of Feyenoord and Fenerbahce, who parted ways with Jose Mourinho on Friday morning.

Red Bull Salzburg, Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Basel and Go Ahead Eagles complete the list, Villa being handed two trips to the Netherlands to face Feyenoord and the latter.

Their other two away fixtures are Fenerbahce and Basel respectively.