Europa League Showdown: Can Forest Outsmart Fenerbahce in a Clash of Giants?

Well, folks, the Europa League draw just dropped and, let me tell you, Nottingham Forest didn’t exactly catch a break. They’re set to clash with Fenerbahce in what’s shaping up to be a brutal test right out the gate. First stop: Istanbul, where the atmosphere’s gonna be electric – no easy ride there – before heading back to the City Ground a week later to try and turn things around. Meanwhile, Martin O’Neill’s Celtic squad aren’t slipping by either, tangled up with Bundesliga’s Stuttgart in a tie that’s got me on the edge of my seat. The knockout round play-offs are packed with intriguing matchups, and if you’re a Europa League fan, you know these February fixtures are going to be something special. Curious for the full rundown? LEARN MORE

Nottingham Forest were today handed a difficult route to the round of 16 in the Europa League after being paired with Fenerbahce in the play-offs.

Forest will travel to Istanbul for the first leg before the return at the City Ground a week later.

Martin O’Neill’s Celtic also have a tricky tie against Bundesliga side Stuttgart.

The draw for the Europa League knockout round play-off is:

Ludogorets v Ferencvaros

Dinamo Zagreb v Genk

Celtic v Stuttgart

Brann v Bologna

Panathinaikos v Viktoria Plzen

PAOK v Celta Vigo

Fenerbahce v Nottingham Forest

Lille v Red Star Belgrade

The first legs will be played on February 18-19 and the second legs a week later on February 25-26.