The first legs of the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 concluded Friday, March 13, 2026, with a series of compelling matches that saw several teams position themselves favorably ahead of next week’s return fixtures. From dramatic wins to hard-fought draws, the competition is shaping up for a thrilling conclusion. Aston Villa’s away victory and FC Porto’s triumph were among the standout results.
Porto Edge Past Stuttgart in Germany
FC Porto secured a 2-1 victory over VfB Stuttgart in Germany, giving the Portuguese side a slight advantage heading into the second leg. The match saw two red cards issued, adding to the drama of the contest. Whereas specific details regarding the goals and sending-offs weren’t immediately available, the result demonstrates Porto’s ability to perform on the road in a challenging European environment.
Panathinaikos Stun Real Betis
In a match marked by disciplinary issues, Panathinaikos defeated Real Betis 1-0. Two red cards were shown during the game, contributing to a tense atmosphere. This result provides Panathinaikos with a valuable lead as they prepare to host Betis for the return leg.
Aston Villa Claim Away Win Against Lille
Aston Villa continued their impressive form in the Europa League, securing a 1-0 victory against Lille in France. The winning goal came courtesy of Ollie Watkins, proving to be the difference in a closely contested match. The Villans now return to Villa Park with a narrow lead, aiming to finish the job and advance to the quarter-finals.
Midtjylland Triumph Over Nottingham Forest
Danish side Midtjylland achieved a positive result on their travels, defeating Nottingham Forest 1-0 at City Ground. This victory gives Midtjylland a crucial advantage as they appear to defend their lead in the second leg.
Genk and Ferencvaros Secure Home Wins
Racing Genk and Ferencvaros both secured victories in their respective home matches. Genk defeated SC Freiburg 1-0, while Ferencvaros convincingly beat Braga 2-0. These results place both teams in a strong position to progress to the next round.
Bologna and Roma Draw, Celta Vigo and Lyon Share Points
The Italian clash between Bologna and AS Roma ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the tie wide open for the return leg in Rome. Similarly, Celta Vigo and Olympique Lyon played out a 2-2 draw, setting the stage for an intriguing second encounter.
Looking Ahead to the Second Legs
The second legs of these Round of 16 ties are scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026. These matches promise to be filled with excitement and drama as teams battle for a place in the quarter-finals. The stakes are high, and every goal will be crucial as the competition intensifies.
Results from the Leg First of the Europa League 2025/2026 Round of 16:
- VfB Stuttgart 1-2 FC Porto
- Bologna 1-1 AS Roma
- Panathinaikos 1-0 Real Betis
- Lille 0-1 Aston Villa
- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Midtjylland
- Genk 1-0 SC Freiburg
- Ferencvaros 2-0 Braga
- Celta Vigo 2-2 Olympique Lyon
The Europa League continues to deliver captivating football, and the upcoming second legs are sure to provide more memorable moments. Fans can expect fierce competition and tactical battles as teams vie for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals. The competition is wide open, and any team could emerge victorious.
The next round of matches will undoubtedly provide further insight into which teams have the quality and resilience to go all the way in this prestigious European competition. Keep an eye on Archysport for continued coverage and analysis of the UEFA Europa League.
