Latest news with #UnaiEmery
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
UEFA Europa League 2025/26: Key dates, match schedule & final
Following a successful launch in 2024/25, the UEFA Europa League gears up for its second season under the revamped format. In 2025/26, Europe's second-best competition returns for its 55th edition and its 17th since being rebranded from the UEFA Cup to the Europa League, with the final scheduled for May 20, 2026. UEFA has released the complete fixture schedule for the 2025/26 Europa League season, from the opening qualifying round to the title showpiece. Here's a look at all the key dates for the upcoming season of Europe's second-most prestigious club competition, along with details on how to watch the matches live. How to watch the 2025/26 Europa League season? All games in Europe's second-tier competition in the 2025/26 season will be available to watch online via Europa League live streams. When do Europa League qualifying fixtures start? A total of 53 teams will participate in Europa League qualifying, which consists of several rounds and a final play-off stage. Twelve teams will advance from the play-off round to the league phase, joining 13 clubs that enter directly into the main draw. Seven teams dropping out of the UEFA Champions League play-offs will also enter the competition – five from the Champions Path and two from the League Path. Four more teams will arrive from the Champions League third qualifying round, all from the League Path. When is the Europa League group stage draw? The 2025/26 UEFA Europa League group stage draw will take place on August 29, the day after the conclusion of the play-offs. When does the Europa League's league phase start? The 2025/26 Europa League group/league stage begins in late September, with the opening-day matches set for September 24 & 25. Pot 1 currently features five teams, including Roma, Porto, Dinamo Zagreb, Lille and Real Betis, with debutants Aston Villa seeded in Pot 2. Led by four-time Europa League winner Unai Emery, Villa are among the hottest candidates to lift the trophy despite lacking experience in the tournament. Bologna, Nottingham Forest and Go Ahead Eagles are the three remaining sides that will make their maiden Europa League appearances and will all be part of Pot 4. Last season's winners, Tottenham Hotspur, earned automatic Champions League qualification while beaten finalists, Manchester United, failed to qualify for European competitions. When does the knockout stage of the Europa League start? Similar to last season, the newly formatted knockout phase begins with a play-off round, which takes place in late February. It runs from February 19-26 before the 32 remaining teams trade tackles in the round of 16 on March 12 and 19. Teams will play the quarter-final first legs on April 9, followed by the return fixtures on April 16. The semi-finals kick off on April 30, with the second-leg clashes scheduled for May 7, 2026. When and where is the Europa League final in 2026? The 2025/26 Europa League showpiece, scheduled to take place at Besiktas Park in Istanbul on May 20, will be the first final held at the home of one of the best Turkish Super Lig clubs. Despite never hosting a major European final, the venue staged the 2019 UEFA Super Cup showdown between Liverpool and Chelsea, with the Reds winning the tie on penalties. Hoisting the trophy warrants a place in next season's Champions League if the winners have not qualified via their domestic competition. 2025/26 Europa League Schedule – In Summary Europa League Qualifying Fixtures First qualifying round: July 10 & 17, 2025 Second qualifying round: July 24 & 31, 2025 Third qualifying round: August 7 & 14, 2025 Play-offs: August 21 & 28, 2025 Europa League Opening Phase Matchday 1: September 24 & 25, 2025 Matchday 2: October 2, 2025 Matchday 3: October 23, 2025 Matchday 4: November 6, 2025 Matchday 5: November 27, 2025 Matchday 6: December 11, 2025 Matchday 7: January 22, 2026 Matchday 8: January 29, 2026 Knockout Stage Knockout phase play-offs: February 19 & 26, 2026 Round of 16: March 12 & 19, 2026 Quarter-finals: April 9 & 16, 2026 Semi-finals: April 30 & May 7, 2026 Final: May 20, 2026 (Istanbul) Europa League Draws First qualifying round: June 17, 2025 Second qualifying round: June 18, 2025 Third qualifying round: July 21, 2025 Play-offs: August 4, 2025 League phase: August 29, 2025 Knockout phase play-offs: January 30, 2026 Round of 16, quarter-final, semi-final and final: February 27, 2026 Europa League Final Venue: Besiktas Park in Istanbul, Turkey.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Aston Villa are set to offer new deal to key man - as Unai Emery fights off interest from Champions League giants
Lucas Digne is set to be offered a contract extension by Aston Villa following positive talks with the France international. The 32-year-old's current deal expires at the end of the season but boss Unai Emery remains a huge fan and is convinced Digne can remain a key player for Villa in the seasons ahead. Digne was on the radar of Atletico Madrid earlier in the summer and had been open to moving to a Champions League club, particularly with the World Cup taking place in the Americas next summer. Yet even though Digne's fellow left back Ian Maatsen was given increased playing time at the end of last season, Digne remains firmly part of Emery's plans as he tries to lead Villa back into Europe's main club competition. Villa reached the quarter-finals last term but had to settle for a place in the Europa League in the campaign ahead, after missing out by a whisker on a top-five finish. Digne made 32 Premier League appearances for the Villans in 2024-25, starting in 28 of those matches. Digne remains firmly part of Unai Emery's plans, despite fellow left back Ian Maatsen being given increased playing time at the end of last season Since signing from Everton for £25million in 2021, he has been a key player in Villa's defence, with his strong performances earning him regular call-ups to his national team. If Villa can – as expected – secure Digne, it would be another positive development after they also agreed a new deal with Boubacar Kamara on Thursday. The midfielder, who was signed on a free transfer from Marseille three years ago, has agreed a contract until summer 2030. Across three seasons with the Claret and Blue, Kamara has made 97 appearances.
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Aston Villa finalise new five-year contract for midfielder Boubacar Kamara
Aston Villa have finalised a new five-year contract with Boubacar Kamara, taking the midfielder through to 2030 at Villa Park. The Athletic reported on July 18 that Villa were optimistic the 25-year-old would sign a new deal, with two years left on his existing terms, after they had made a contract offer to him in April. Advertisement Kamara had been waiting to see if the Birmingham-based club would qualify for the Champions League but, despite missing out on the final qualifying spot last season, he has committed to a new deal regardless. The France international joined Villa from Marseille in the summer of 2022 and has made 97 appearances for them, scoring twice. He sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in February 2024 but since his return he has been a regular in head coach Unai Emery's side. Last season, the midfielder made 42 appearances for Villa, despite also picking up a hamstring issue which caused him to miss three games. Kamara has made five senior international appearances for France after playing in their youth sides. Analysis by Aston Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell There is a widely held school of thought that Kamara is Villa's most important player, which is why they are so determined to keep him. The midfielder had been keeping his options open at the end of last season, following Villa narrowly missing out on Champions League football, with several high-calibre clubs interested, as well as admiration from Saudi Arabia. The France international is the glue in Villa's midfield and has struck up an excellent partnership with Villa's best player last season, Youri Tielemans. Provided Kamara can stay fit for the duration of the campaign, having been out with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last summer, it should make a huge impact to how Villa's season unfolds.
New York Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Aston Villa finalise new contract for midfielder Boubacar Kamara
Aston Villa have finalised a new contract with midfielder Boubacar Kamara. The Athletic reported on July 18 that Villa were optimistic the 25-year-old would sign a new deal, with two years left on his existing terms, after they had made a contract offer to him in April. Kamara had been waiting to see if the Birmingham-based club would qualify for the Champions League but, despite missing out on the final qualifying spot last season, he has committed to a new deal regardless. Advertisement The France international joined Villa from Marseille in the summer of 2022 and has made 97 appearances for them, scoring twice. He sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in February 2024 but since his return he has been a regular in head coach Unai Emery's side. Last season, the midfielder made 42 appearances for Villa, despite also picking up a hamstring issue which caused him to miss three games. Kamara has made five senior international appearances for France after playing in their youth sides. Analysis by Aston Villa correspondent Jacob Tanswell There is a widely held school of thought that Kamara is Villa's most important player, which is why they are so determined to keep him. The midfielder had been keeping his options open at the end of last season, following Villa narrowly missing out on Champions League football, with several high-calibre clubs interested, as well as admiration from Saudi Arabia. The France international is the glue in Villa's midfield and has struck up an excellent partnership with Villa's best player last season, Youri Tielemans. Provided Kamara can stay fit for the duration of the campaign, having been out with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) last summer, it should make a huge impact to how Villa's season unfolds.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
🚨 BREAKING: Aston Villa make opening bid for Jaydee Canvot
Aston Villa have reportedly confirmed their interest in Toulouse's highly regarded defender Jaydee Canvot, with a bid rumoured to be on the table for the 18‑year‑old Frenchman. Villa have reportedly entered negotiations with Toulouse, who are understood to want in excess of €20 million – approximately £17m – for the versatile defender, whose contract extends until 2029. Despite his tender age, Canvot featured 18 times in Ligue 1 last season, showing impressive composure that convinced Sky Sports' Sacha Tavolieri that Villa are 'now convinced by his potential and ready to finalise a deal'. The youth international, comfortable both at centre‑back and in defensive midfield, has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Midlands club, and his move is now awaiting the agreement of the two clubs. According to French and UK reports, the key sticking point remains the fee - Toulouse appear determined to hold out for their valuation, while Villa's recruitment focus remains firmly on securing defensive reinforcements. At 18, Canvot has limited top-flight experience, making Villa's valuation a potential gamble. Nevertheless, sources indicate that Unai Emery and his backroom staff are preparing to incorporate him into first‑team plans, even if he initially features for the Under‑21s. Villa's summer activities have, to date, been selective. They recently completed the signing of goalkeeper Marco Bizot on a free transfer, but have otherwise remained quiet. With Champions League qualification again their primary objective, the club are combining short‑term solidity with long‑term potential – and Canvot is emblematic of that strategy. Should the deal be finalised, the teenager will become one of the most promising defensive acquisitions of the window, arriving at Villa Park with the ambition to break into Emery's first‑team and grow into a Premier League asset. 📸 LOIC VENANCE - AFP or licensors
