The first matches in the intermediate round of the Europe and Conference League were completed on Thursday evening. For Celtic FC, elimination beckons after a match in which two old JPL acquaintances claimed a leading role. Lille OSC will have to work hard again in the return.
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Europa League
After a miserable first half of the season, Celtic has recovered in recent weeks. But the Europa League campaign seems to be over after next week. For example, the Scots lost 1-4 in their first match against VfB Stuttgart. For the Germans, El Khannouss (ex-KRC Genk) crowned himself the star on duty with two goals. On the other side, former Anderlecht goalie Schmeichel made another bad turn. With at least two goals conceded, the Dane should have done much better.
El Khannouss 🆚 Schmeichel: 1️⃣-0️⃣! ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/lkNhF7Rf3Y
— Play Sports (@playsports) February 19, 2026
But not only Celtic stumbled at home. Lille, with Ngoy but without the injured Meunier, was surprised by Red Star Belgrade. The French did have the necessary opportunities. However, a fortunate goal just before half-time was enough for the Serbs to return home with a small bonus: 0-1. Ludogorets narrowly won against Ferencvaros (2-1), while Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzen kept it at a 2-2 draw.
This is what they call a Pietgoal! 😅 pic.twitter.com/GwUnyULMgb
— Play Sports (@playsports) February 19, 2026
Conference League
In the early evening, AZ and Crystal Palace made unexpected mistakes. Later in the evening there were far fewer surprises. In this way, ACF Fiorentina managed to take a new step towards its third UECL final. The Italians seem to have their sheep on dry land after a 0-3 win over Jagiellonia Bialystok.
Oh mama! 🤌🟣 pic.twitter.com/cvcLFoP4fL
— Play Sports (@playsports) February 19, 2026
Samsunspor achieved its first European success under head coach Fink. The Turks won 0-1 against FK Shkendija. The Croatian defending champion HNK Rijeka also recorded a 0-1 victory. Omonia Nicosia was the victim on duty. In FC Drita-NK Celje, everything is still possible in the return after a 2-2 draw.
