Europa League draw live: Nottingham Forest and Celtic to learn knockout play-off opponents
The Europa League reaches the knockout phase, with Aston Villa safely through to the last 16 and Nottingham Forest tasked with a play-off tie
The Europa League knockout phase play-offs are here with Nottingham Forest and Celtic waiting to discover their next opponents.
Celtic got the result they needed to avoid elimination from the competition in Thursday’s league-phase finale as they staved off a comeback to beat Utrecht at Parkhead, ensuring them a play-off tie with either Bundesliga side Stuttgart or Robbie Keane’s Ferencvaros.
They join Forest in the hat, who thrashed Ferencvaros 4-0 on the final matchday in the knowledge that they had already mathematically qualified for the next stage. Sean Dyche’s side will drawn against one of Turkish giants Fenerbahce or Greek side Panathinaikos in the play-offs.
Aston Villa were the only side from the British contingent to finish in the top eight, earning a bye to the last 16 where they will face one of Red Star Belgrade, Celta Viga, PAOK or Lille.
Follow along for all the results from the draw, the schedule and reaction to the draw in Nyon, Switzerland
