Aston Villa will face Lille for the second time in three seasons after the two sides were paired together in Friday’s Europa League last-16 draw, while Nottingham Forest were handed a rematch against Denmark’s Midtjylland.
The draw, which mapped out the competition all the way to the final, has opened the door to a potential all-English semi-final, should both Villa and Forest progress deep into the tournament.
Aston Villa vs Lille: Familiar European Rivals
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, will travel to northern France for the first leg on March 12 before hosting the return leg in Birmingham on March 19.
Villa finished second in the league phase of this season’s competition, behind another French side, Lyon, and will be hoping to use home advantage to their benefit in the second leg.
The tie revives recent European history between the clubs. Villa defeated Lille on penalties in the quarter-finals of the Conference League in 2024. However, the English side also carry memories of European disappointment, having been knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain in last season’s Champions League quarter-finals.
If Villa overcome Lille, they already know what lies ahead — a quarter-final clash against the winner of the all-Italian showdown between Bologna and Roma.
Nottingham Forest Set for Midtjylland Rematch
Nottingham Forest will face Midtjylland in another intriguing last-16 encounter.
Forest booked their place in the round by eliminating Fenerbahce in the knockout phase play-offs, but they will be wary of their Danish opponents. During the league phase, Forest suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Midtjylland, who are currently second in the Danish top flight and finished third in the 36-team league phase.
Victory for Forest would set up a quarter-final against either German Cup holders VfB Stuttgart or two-time Europa League winners FC Porto.
Path to a Possible All-English Semi-Final
With the bracket now fully laid out, there is a realistic possibility of an all-English semi-final. Forest and Villa are scheduled to meet in the last four if both navigate their way through the last 16 and quarter-finals.
Such a scenario would mark a significant moment for English clubs in the Europa League, underlining the Premier League’s growing strength in European competitions beyond the Champions League.
Other Key Europa League Last-16 Ties
Elsewhere in the draw, Lyon face a challenging tie against La Liga side Celta Vigo.
In another notable matchup, Panathinaikos boss Rafael Benitez will return to Spain as the Greek club take on Real Betis.
Meanwhile, Ferencvaros, managed by former Ireland striker Robbie Keane, will play Braga, while Freiburg face Belgian side Genk.
Europa League Final in Istanbul
This season’s Europa League final will be staged in Istanbul, at the home of Besiktas, on Wednesday, May 20. The venue adds extra intrigue to a competition that continues to deliver high-stakes drama across Europe.
Europa League Last-16 Draw (Selected Ties)
- Lille (FRA) vs Aston Villa (ENG)
- Nottingham Forest (ENG) vs Midtjylland (DEN)
- Bologna (ITA) vs Roma (ITA)
- Stuttgart (GER) vs Porto (POR)
- Celta Vigo (ESP) vs Lyon (FRA)
- Panathinaikos (GRE) vs Real Betis (ESP)
- Ferencvaros (HUN) vs Braga (POR)
- Genk (BEL) vs Freiburg (GER)
First legs: March 12
Second legs: March 19
With clear routes to the final now defined, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest will be eyeing not just progression, but a genuine shot at Europa League glory as the competition intensifies.