Europa League Wednesday: Drama Awaits Across Europe

The Europa League returns this Wednesday with some fascinating clashes. From France to Spain, Portugal to Serbia, the stage is set for drama, goals, and maybe even a few surprises. Here’s your full preview of the biggest games.

Nice vs AS Roma

Roma arrive in France full of confidence after their derby win against Lazio, a result that pushed them into Serie A’s top four. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have been grinding out results, often by the narrowest of margins, but victories against Bologna, Pisa, and Lazio show they know how to get the job done. Paulo Dybala could return, giving them an extra spark in attack.

Nice, on the other hand, have struggled badly in Ligue 1. Their heavy 4–1 defeat to Brest summed up a poor start, with three losses in five games. Injuries to veterans like Dante and long-term absentees such as Tanguy Ndombele leave Franck Haise’s squad stretched.

With Roma’s discipline and European experience, they look favourites to edge this opener.
Prediction: Nice 1–2 Roma

Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest

This one could be a thriller. Betis are coming off a strong 3–1 win against Real Sociedad, with Cucho Hernández leading the attack and Pablo Fornals looking sharp in midfield. The concern? Their defence — Betis have conceded in five of their last six games, often leaving the back door open.

Nottingham Forest, under Ange Postecoglou, have been inconsistent. A 1–1 draw with Burnley showed their ability to dominate possession but also their weakness at the back. Injuries to Nicolás Domínguez and Ola Aina limit their options, but Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi could cause problems going forward.

This could be close, but home advantage may swing it.
Prediction: Betis 2–1 Nottingham Forest

Braga vs Feyenoord

Expect goals in Portugal. Braga matches have been full of them recently — 21 goals in their last six. Fran Navarro has been a reliable scorer, and Ricardo Horta remains their creative heartbeat.

Feyenoord, led by Robin van Persie, are also in fine attacking form, scoring three in a draw with AZ last weekend. Young stars like Sem Steijn and Anis Hadj Moussa are making a name for themselves, and Ayase Ueda leads the line with energy.

This feels like the kind of game that could swing either way, but Braga’s home edge might make the difference.
Prediction: Braga 2–1 Feyenoord

Celtic vs Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)

Celtic’s away record in Europe is miserable — no wins in 13 attempts, stretching back to 2021. Brendan Rodgers’s men often struggle to translate domestic dominance into continental results.

Crvena Zvezda, meanwhile, are flying. They just beat rivals Partizan in the Eternal Derby and smashed seven past Zeleznicar Pancevo. Aleksandar Katai is in red-hot form after a weekend hat-trick, and the Belgrade crowd will create an intimidating atmosphere.

This could be another long night on the road for Celtic.
Prediction: Crvena Zvezda 2–1 Celtic

Quick Predictions – Other Matches

• PAOK vs Maccabi Haifa: Tight contest, call it a 1–1 draw.
  
• Midtjylland vs Sturm Graz: Danish side to edge it 2–1.
  
• Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahce: Fenerbahce to grab a 2–0 away win.
  
• Malmö vs Ludogorets: Malmö to win 2–1 at home.
  
• Freiburg vs Basel: Freiburg too strong, 3–1 win.
  

The Bottom Line

Wednesday’s Europa League card is loaded with storylines: Roma’s push for silverware, Betis’s leaky defence, Braga vs Feyenoord fireworks, and Celtic’s away-day curse. Expect drama, goals, and the unexpected — because that’s what European nights are all about.