Match News
Match previews and recaps
In-depth match previews and recaps for football matches from leagues around the world. Each preview includes team form analysis, key player insights, head-to-head records, and score predictions to help you stay ahead of the game.
Borussia M'gladbach vs St. Pauli
It doesn't get much bigger in a relegation fight. Borussia Mönchengladbach host St. Pauli on Friday night with just one point separating 12th from the playoff spot. Both sides sit on 24 and 25 points respectively — this is a genuine six-pointer at Borussia-Park. The hosts are in freefall, winning just once in nine league games after a 4-1 drubbing at Bayern. Striker Tim Kleindienst and winger Nathan N'Goumou are injured, while midfielder Rocco Reitz is suspended. Haris Tabakovic, with 11 goals this season, will need to carry the attacking burden alone. St. Pauli arrive in far better form, losing just once in five with wins over Stuttgart and Bremen. They even toppled Gladbach 2-1 at this very ground in the DFB-Pokal back in December, though injuries to James Sands and Manolis Saliakas take the shine off. Expect a nervy, tight affair where neither side can afford to slip. Gladbach's home record offers slim comfort, but St. Pauli's momentum is real. Our prediction: 1-1 — a tense draw that satisfies neither camp.
Marseille vs Auxerre
Marseille welcome struggling Auxerre to the Vélodrome on Friday night with third place on the line. The hosts sit on 46 points, level with Lyon, and need a win to solidify their Champions League push. For Auxerre, marooned in 16th on 19 points, this is pure survival football. New coach Habib Beye has made a strong start since replacing Roberto De Zerbi in February, winning two of three. Mason Greenwood is the dangerman — his 14 Ligue 1 goals make him joint-top scorer in the division. Auxerre are without suspended Lassine Sinayoko, while Romain Faivre and Oussama El Azzouzi are doubtful. The visitors have failed to score in seven of their last nine league games, netting just 19 all season — the worst in Ligue 1. Despite Auxerre winning two of the last three head-to-heads, the Vélodrome crowd should drive Marseille to a comfortable night. Our prediction: 2-0. Too much firepower from the hosts for a blunt Auxerre attack.
Gent vs Zulte Waregem
KAA Gent welcome Zulte Waregem to the Planet Group Arena on Friday evening with plenty at stake for both sides. Sixth-placed Gent are fighting to cement their championship playoff spot, while 12th-placed Waregem sit just a point above trouble after four straight defeats. The hosts bounced back from a 3-0 loss at Genk with a convincing 3-1 home win over KV Mechelen last weekend, with Max Dean, Leo Da Silva Lopes and Ibrahima Cissé all on the scoresheet. Waregem's slide continued as a late Lawrence goal sealed a 0-1 home defeat to Standard Liège. Top scorer Jeppe Erenbjerg (10 goals) desperately needs more support up front. Gent will be without the suspended Tiago Araujo, but Wilfried Kanga (8 goals) should lead the attack. The reverse fixture in October saw Waregem win 4-1, but current form tells a very different story. Waregem's leaky away defence should give Gent plenty of chances, though expect the visitors to nick one. Our prediction: 2-1
PEC Zwolle vs Groningen
PEC Zwolle welcome FC Groningen to the MAC³PARK Stadion on Friday night in a clash between two sides who can't afford to stand still. Zwolle sit 13th on 29 points — just five clear of the relegation zone — while Groningen are 10th on 34, hardly comfortable themselves. The hosts haven't won in five league games, drawing their last three, and their attack has lacked bite without the injured Jamiro Monteiro and Samir Lagsir. Top scorer Koen Kostons (10 goals, 6 assists) remains Zwolle's biggest threat. Groningen snapped a dire six-match losing streak with a thumping 3-1 win over Ajax last weekend, but their away record is dismal — just one road victory all season. Playmaker Younes Taha will need to deliver on his seven assists if the visitors want anything here. History favours a stalemate: four of the last five meetings ended level, and Zwolle are unbeaten in six home games against Groningen. With both sides short on confidence and carrying injuries — Groningen are without Oskar Zawada and Stije Resink (ACL) — expect a cagey, tight affair. Our prediction: 1-1.
Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland (0 - 1)
Nottingham Forest were left frustrated at the City Ground as FC Midtjylland snatched a 1-0 first-leg victory in the Europa League last 16. The hosts dominated possession and peppered the Danish side's goal with 18 shots, but it was the visitors who landed the knockout blow late on. Cho Gue-sung rose highest to power home a header in the 80th minute, converting a pinpoint cross from Ousmane Diao to silence the home crowd. It was a classic sucker punch — Forest had 54% possession and six shots on target, yet Midtjylland needed just two efforts on goal to take a precious away win. It marks another painful European night for Forest, who haven't tasted victory since late January and now face an uphill battle in Denmark for the second leg. For Midtjylland, unbeaten since mid-December, it continues a remarkable run — and puts them firmly in the driving seat to reach the quarter-finals.
Genk vs Freiburg (1 - 0)
Genk secured a crucial 1-0 first-leg victory over Freiburg in the Europa League Round of 16 at the Cegeka Arena on Thursday night. A sublime 24th-minute volley from Zakaria El Ouahdi proved the difference in a tight, cagey affair. VAR played a starring role early on as Freiburg's Johan Manzambi saw what he thought was the opener chalked off for offside inside the first ten minutes. Genk then had a penalty shout waved away after another review before El Ouahdi settled the nerves, finishing a slick one-two with Bryan Heynen with a clinical right-footed volley. Freiburg pushed hard after the break but couldn't convert their pressure into clear-cut chances. A towering header from Yuito Suzuki drew a stunning save, the closest the visitors came to levelling. Genk will head to Germany with a slender advantage, though they'll be without El Ouahdi after the goalscorer picked up a yellow card that triggers a suspension. It's all to play for in the second leg.
Ferencváros vs Sporting Braga (2 - 0)
Ferencvaros produced a ruthless counter-attacking display to beat Braga 2-0 in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie at the Groupama Arena. Despite holding just 30% possession, the Hungarian side struck twice to take a commanding lead into next week's second leg. Gavriel Kanichowsky opened the scoring on 32 minutes, firing into the corner after being teed up by Lenny Joseph on the edge of the box. Braga dominated the ball and racked up 11 corners but simply couldn't find a way through. Joseph then got on the scoresheet himself in the 68th minute, finishing powerfully after Cebrails Makreckis picked him out with a driving run down the right. A deserved reward for a player involved in both goals on the night. Ferencvaros carry a two-goal cushion to Portugal, leaving Braga with a mountain to climb in the return leg. A disciplined defensive showing and ruthless finishing could well see the Hungarians through to the quarter-finals.
Celta Vigo vs Lyon (1 - 1)
Endrick struck three minutes from time to earn Lyon a precious 1-1 draw at Celta Vigo in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie. The Brazilian's 87th-minute leveller — confirmed after a VAR review — ensured the visitors head home with a vital away goal. Javi Rueda had given the hosts the lead on 30 minutes, finishing off a slick counter-attack after a delivery from Williot Swedberg. Celta looked comfortable until Borja Iglesias was sent off on 55 minutes for a second bookable offence, catching Clinton Mata with an elbow. Down to ten men, the home side were forced deeper and deeper. Lyon pounced when Mata laid the ball back for Endrick to fire past Ionuț Radu and send the travelling fans wild. The draw hands Lyon a clear advantage ahead of next week's second leg at the Groupama Stadium, while Celta will rue Iglesias's dismissal and a missed opportunity to take a lead to France.
Sigma Olomouc vs Mainz (0 - 0)
Sigma Olomouc held Mainz to a goalless draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League round of 16 tie at Andrův stadion. A frustrating night for the Bundesliga visitors, who were caught offside six times and failed to convert several clear-cut opportunities. Mainz were the guiltier party in front of goal. Danny da Costa missed a sitter in the 54th minute before heading wide from close range just five minutes later. Nelson Weiper then thought he had the breakthrough on 78 minutes, but Olomouc keeper Jan Koutny produced a crucial save to keep the scores level. The hosts had their own late chance when Péter Baráth unleashed a long-range effort in the 88th minute, only for Daniel Batz to tip it away. Jan Kliment (52') and Stefan Posch (83') picked up the only yellow cards in a scrappy but goalless affair. With everything still to play for in the second leg, Mainz will feel they should have taken an away goal back to Germany, while Sigma Olomouc — the lowest-ranked side left in the competition — will fancy their chances of another European upset.
Fiorentina vs Rakow Czestochowa (2 - 1)
Fiorentina snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory over Rakow Czestochowa in the Conference League Round of 16 first leg, with Albert Gudmundsson converting a stoppage-time penalty at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Rakow stunned the home crowd when Jonatan Braut Brunes broke the deadlock on 60 minutes, capitalising on slack defending from the hosts. Fiorentina hit back almost instantly through Cher Ndour (62'), who unleashed a spectacular volley with the outside of his right boot after a clever flick from Rolando Mandragora. The game looked destined for a draw until a handball by Ameyaw inside the area in the 90th minute handed the Viola a lifeline. Gudmundsson stepped up and coolly slotted home from the spot in the 93rd minute to send the Franchi into raptures. The result gives Fiorentina a slender advantage heading into the second leg in Poland, while Rakow will rue a late collapse after an otherwise gutsy away display.
Crystal Palace vs AEK Larnaca (0 - 0)
Crystal Palace were held to a goalless draw by AEK Larnaca in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League Round of 16 tie at Selhurst Park on Thursday night. Despite dominating possession with over 66%, the Eagles could not find a way past a disciplined Cypriot defence. Jørgen Strand Larsen went closest for Palace, forcing a good save from the AEK Larnaca goalkeeper with a right-footed effort from inside the box. Ismaïla Sarr also threatened with a dangerous run into the area, but the visitors scrambled clear. Adam Wharton picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge as Palace's frustration grew. The Cypriot side were content to sit deep and hit on the break, limiting Crystal Palace to just three shots on target while registering none of their own. It was a backs-to-the-wall display that mirrored their shock 1-0 win at Selhurst Park in October's league phase. With the tie still level, everything is to play for in next week's second leg at the AEK Arena. Oliver Glasner's side will need to find their cutting edge in Larnaca to avoid another European upset at the hands of AEK Larnaca.
Celje vs AEK Athens (0 - 4)
AEK Athens tore Celje apart with a devastating four-goal display in their Europa Conference League round of 16 first leg on Thursday night. The Greek side raced into a 3-0 lead before half-time, leaving the Slovenian hosts shell-shocked at Stadion Z'dežele. Barnabás Varga set the tone with a third-minute header from a Răzvan Marin corner, and AEK never looked back. Aboubakary Koita doubled the lead on 33 minutes after a slick pass from Luka Jović, before Mijat Gacinovic made it three just three minutes later. Harold Moukoudi added a fourth early in the second half to complete the rout. Celje dominated possession but managed just one shot on target all evening, while AEK were ruthlessly clinical with 11 efforts on target from 20 attempts. The comprehensive away victory gives AEK Athens one foot firmly in the quarter-finals ahead of next week's second leg in Greece. For Celje, overturning a four-goal deficit will take something truly miraculous.
Stuttgart vs Porto (1 - 2)
FC Porto seized a commanding first-leg advantage in the Europa League last 16 with a 2-1 victory at a stunned MHPArena. A devastating six-minute blitz in the first half proved the difference as the visitors raced into a two-goal lead before Stuttgart could settle. Terem Moffi opened the scoring on 20 minutes, finishing coolly after being teed up by Borja Sainz. Just six minutes later, Rodrigo Mora doubled the advantage with a right-footed strike from Zaidu Sanusi's cross. Deniz Undav pulled one back before half-time with a left-footed effort in the 39th minute, giving the hosts a lifeline. The home side thought they had levelled when Angelo Stiller found the net on 69 minutes, but VAR intervened to chalk the goal off for offside — a cruel blow for the German side. Porto take a slender 2-1 lead back to the Estádio do Dragão on March 19, leaving Stuttgart with it all to do in Portugal to keep their European campaign alive.
Panathinaikos vs Real Betis (1 - 0)
Panathinaikos pulled off a stunning smash-and-grab in Athens, beating Real Betis 1-0 in the Europa League Round of 16 first leg thanks to an 88th-minute penalty from Vicente Taborda. A crowd of over 27,000 at the Olympic Stadium erupted as the hosts snatched victory against the run of play. It looked bleak for the Greeks when Anass Zaroury was sent off for a second yellow on 59 minutes, leaving them a man down for the final half-hour. Betis dominated with 69% possession and six saves from Alban Lafont kept the visitors at bay. The decisive moment arrived when Diego Llorente fouled substitute Karol Swiderski in the box. VAR confirmed the penalty and Llorente saw a second yellow, before Taborda stepped up to calmly slot home from the spot. Panathinaikos carry a precious lead to Seville for the second leg, where Betis must overturn the deficit without the suspended Llorente.
Lille vs Aston Villa (0 - 1)
Ollie Watkins rose highest to nod Aston Villa to a hard-fought 1-0 first-leg victory over Lille in the Europa League Round of 16 on Thursday night. His looping header from Emi Buendia's clever flick-on in the 61st minute was the decisive moment in an otherwise cagey affair at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy. The first half was a scrappy, forgettable watch — neither side managed a shot on target. Olivier Giroud came closest for the hosts with a near-miss from close range just before the break, but clear-cut chances were scarce. Once Watkins broke the deadlock, Villa smelled blood. Amadou Onana rattled the crossbar from distance moments later, and Watkins himself squandered a one-on-one before Buendia fired an acrobatic effort just wide. Lille pushed late but found Emi Martinez in resolute form. The result ends a difficult run for Watkins, who had managed just one goal in his previous 12 outings. Villa take a precious lead back to Villa Park for the second leg on March 19, with a quarter-final against Bologna or Roma awaiting the winners.
Bologna vs Roma (1 - 1)
Bologna and AS Roma played out a tense 1-1 draw at the Stadio Renato Dall'Ara in the first leg of their Europa League Round of 16 tie. Lorenzo Pellegrini's second-half equaliser kept the Giallorossi firmly in contention. The hosts struck first five minutes into the second half when Federico Bernardeschi finished coolly from Jonathan Rowe's assist in the 50th minute. Bologna were the better side on the night, outshooting Roma 13 to eight and shading possession. Roma hit back in the 71st minute as Pellegrini fired home from inside the box to restore parity. The visitors pushed for a winner late on but couldn't break through a stubborn Bologna rearguard. With the tie locked at 1-1, everything will be decided at the Stadio Olimpico on March 19. Both sides will fancy their chances of progressing, but Bologna know they must find the net in Rome to keep their European adventure alive.
Samsunspor vs Rayo Vallecano (1 - 3)
Rayo Vallecano seized control of their Conference League Round of 16 tie with a clinical 3-1 win away at Samsunspor. Alemão's brace was the headline act as the Spanish side took a commanding first-leg lead in front of around 20,000 fans at the Yeni 19 Mayıs Stadyumu. Alemão opened the scoring on 15 minutes, but Samsunspor hit back quickly through Marius Mouandilmadji just six minutes later to level at 1-1. Álvaro García restored Rayo's lead before the break with a well-taken 40th-minute goal that sent the visitors into half-time ahead. Despite dominating possession at over 62%, Samsunspor couldn't turn pressure into chances after the interval. Alemão punished them with his second of the night on 78 minutes to make it 1-3, as the hosts picked up four yellow cards in a frustrated display. Rayo Vallecano head back to Spain in pole position ahead of the second leg on March 19. Samsunspor's thrilling European adventure now hangs by a thread.
Rijeka vs Strasbourg (1 - 2)
Strasbourg seized control of their Conference League Round of 16 tie with a 2-1 victory away to Rijeka, thanks to a lightning-fast opener from Joaquín Panichelli. The Argentine striker needed just 73 seconds to fire the visitors ahead after a slick pass from Sebastian Nanasi, setting the tone for a dominant first-half display. Panichelli continued to torment the Rijeka defence before the break, hitting the woodwork and forcing saves from Martin Zlomislić. Martial Godo then doubled the lead in the 72nd minute, pouncing on a rebound after Guela Doue's initial effort was saved. Rijeka pulled one back almost immediately through Ante Majstorović, who powered home a header from a Tiago Dantas free kick in the 76th minute, but the hosts couldn't find an equaliser despite late pressure. Strasbourg take a valuable away advantage into next week's second leg in France, while Rijeka — playing in their first-ever UEFA knockout round — will need a historic result in Alsace to keep their European dream alive.
Lech Poznań vs Shakhtar Donetsk (1 - 3)
Shakhtar Donetsk seized control of their Europa Conference League round-of-16 tie with a commanding 3-1 first-leg victory away to Lech Poznan. Marlon Gomes broke the deadlock on 36 minutes, and the visitors wasted no time after the break as Newertton doubled the lead just three minutes into the second half. Lech briefly rallied when veteran striker Mikael Ishak pulled one back on 70 minutes, injecting life into the home crowd at the Municipal Stadium. But any hopes of a comeback were snuffed out by Isaque, who restored the two-goal cushion with a clinical finish five minutes from time. Shakhtar dominated throughout, enjoying 56% possession and outshooting their hosts 16 to 8. It was a feisty affair too, with six yellow cards dished out across both sides. The Ukrainians now take a hefty advantage into next week's second leg, leaving Lech with a mountain to climb if they are to stay in the competition.
AZ vs Sparta Prague (2 - 1)
Troy Parrott was the hero in Alkmaar, netting twice to hand AZ Alkmaar a 2-1 first-leg victory over Sparta Prague in the Conference League round of 16. His 87th-minute winner sent the AFAS Stadion into raptures on a pulsating Thursday night. Parrott opened the scoring on 29 minutes with a clinical left-footed finish, Ro-Zangelo Daal providing the assist. Sparta hit back early in the second half when Matyas Vojta struck on 50 minutes, set up by Andrew Irving, to level the tie. With the match drifting towards a draw, Parrott pounced again in the 87th minute — Daal once more the provider — to restore AZ's lead and spark wild celebrations among the home faithful. AZ Alkmaar take a precious 2-1 advantage to Prague for the second leg on March 19. Sparta have it all to do but will fancy their chances with home support behind them.
Nottingham Forest vs Midtjylland
Nottingham Forest host FC Midtjylland at the City Ground on Thursday in the Europa League last-16 first leg. The Danes won 3-2 at this very ground back in October, so Forest are out for revenge with a quarter-final place at stake. Forest's domestic form is shaky — one win in five and hovering near the Premier League drop zone. Elliot Anderson's equaliser in a 2-2 draw at Manchester City last week was a morale boost, but striker Chris Wood remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury. Lorenzo Lucca could return from an ankle problem to lead the line. Midtjylland arrive in fine form, unbeaten in eight and sitting second in the Danish Superliga. However, they'll be without top scorer Franculino (21 goals this season) through injury and winger Dario Osorio through suspension — significant losses for the visitors. Seven of Forest's Europa League games this season have produced three-plus goals, so expect fireworks. Both sides carry attacking quality despite missing key men. Our prediction: 2-1 — Forest nick a narrow first-leg advantage but this tie is far from over.
Genk vs Freiburg
Genk welcome Freiburg to the Cegeka Arena for the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. Just one point separated these sides in the league phase — Freiburg seventh on 17, Genk ninth on 16 — so expect a closely fought contest. Neither team is flying right now. Genk fell 2-1 to Union Saint-Gilloise last Friday, while Freiburg were involved in a wild 3-3 draw with Bayer Leverkusen. The Germans' away record is alarming — scoreless in their last five road trips with five defeats in their last seven on the road. Freiburg will be without suspended midfielder Maximilian Eggestein, plus injured defenders Max Rosenfelder and Lukas Kubler. For the hosts, Konstantinos Karetsas pulls the strings in midfield, while forward Robin Mirisola spearheads an attack that has netted two or more in four consecutive European outings. Freiburg's woeful away form tips this one toward the Belgians. Our prediction: 2-1 to Genk, who should carry a narrow lead into the second leg.
Ferencváros vs Sporting Braga
Ferencvaros host Braga at the Groupama Arena in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie — a first-ever competitive meeting between the Hungarian champions and the Portuguese side. Both clubs impressed during the league phase and will fancy their chances of going deep. Ferencvaros are flying, riding a five-match winning streak capped by a gutsy aggregate comeback against Ludogorets in the playoffs. Barnabas Varga, with 20 goals this season, spearheads a potent attack. Braga finished sixth in the league phase, qualifying directly, and remain unbeaten on the road in this competition. Braga will be without suspended right-back Victor Gomez and injured defender Adrian Barisic, stretching their backline options. Veteran Ricardo Horta and creative spark Rodrigo Zalazar carry the visitors' biggest threat, while Mohammed Abu Fani anchors the Ferencvaros midfield. The hosts' fortress record — seven wins from nine Europa League home games — makes them dangerous, but Braga's composure on the road should keep this one tight. Our prediction: 1-1
Celta Vigo vs Lyon
Celta Vigo host Lyon at Balaídos in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie. Lyon topped the league phase with seven wins from eight, but arrive in Galicia winless in four — including a wild 7-6 Coupe de France defeat to Lens. The hosts have been quietly effective, seeing off PAOK with consecutive 1-0 wins and maintaining a perfect record against French clubs this season, beating both Lille and Nice 2-1 at home. Williot Swedberg is in fine form with two goals and two assists in his last four outings, while 38-year-old Iago Aspas continues to make an impact off the bench. Lyon's injury list is brutal. Ernest Nuamah is out long-term with a cruciate ligament injury, Malick Fofana and Ainsley Maitland-Niles are sidelined, and with backup right-back unregistered for Europe, a makeshift defence looks inevitable. Corentin Tolisso, scorer in four of his last five, must carry the creative burden. Celta's European home record and Lyon's mounting crisis tip the balance. Our prediction: 2-1 to the hosts in a tight but lively first leg.
Sigma Olomouc vs Mainz
Sigma Olomouc welcome Mainz to the Andrův stadion for the first leg of their Conference League last-16 tie — a historic night for both clubs. The Czech underdogs were the lowest-ranked side to advance from the league phase, finishing 24th, while Mainz are back in European knockout football for the first time since 2017. Sigma arrive in fine form, unbeaten in five with four straight wins, and striker Jan Kliment will spearhead their attack. Mainz have stuttered recently with three consecutive draws, though their strong seventh-place Conference League finish earned them a bye past the playoff round. The hosts lose suspended midfielder Abdoulaye Sylla and face a lengthy injury list, while Mainz will be without in-form midfielder Nadiem Amiri, who has been nursing a heel problem. Silas Katompa Mvumpa and Phillip Tietz carry the attacking burden for the visitors. With everything riding on two legs, expect both sides to prioritise caution in a cagey first leg. Our prediction: 1-1 — a tight, tactical affair with everything still to play for in the return leg.