Introduction

The Europa League 2025/26 kicked off in dramatic fashion with Round 1 delivering a blend of established powers asserting dominance and underdogs showing resilience. 

Roma edged past Nice in a close one, Dinamo Zagreb lit up their group with a 3-1 win, and Ludogorets stunned Malmö on the road. Braga held off Feyenoord, Midtjylland started strong, and Real Betis trailed yet salvaged a draw with Nottingham Forest. 

Meanwhile, tight affairs in Serbia, Greece, and Switzerland showed that nothing comes easy in the new expanded format. This round’s storylines include late equalizers, defensive lapses, and surprise away results. 

Below is the full Europa League Round 1 round-up with match reports, themes, and what’s next.

Match-by-Match Reports

Midtjylland vs Sturm Graz – 2-0

• Goals & Timeline:
  Midtjylland struck twice in the second half to seal a home win, after a tight first 45 minutes. 
• Key Moments & Turning Points:
  Sturm Graz defended well early, but fatigue and missed clearances in the 60s cost them as Midtjylland pressed with fresh legs. A clever attacking change unlocked the defense.
• Standout Players:
  Midtjylland’s wingers and fullbacks combined well to produce width overloads. The goalkeeper held firm on a few nervy moments.
• Tactical Insights:
  A 4-2-3-1 shifting to 4-3-3 in attack allowed Midtjylland to press higher in the last 30 minutes. Sturm Graz’s man-marking in midfield was overwhelmed by overloads on the flanks.
• Atmosphere & Reaction:
  Home crowd grew in belief with each push. Sturm fans perhaps disappointed to see control slip.
• Quote:
  Midtjylland coach: “We knew they’d weaken as the match progressed. Our substitutions and energy made the difference.”

PAOK vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv – 0-0

• Goals & Timeline:
  A goalless stalemate. PAOK had some pressure, Maccabi defended robustly. (UEFA schedule) 
• Key Moments & Turning Points:
  Maccabi withstood spells of pressure late; PAOK hit the crossbar and were denied by good saves. A VAR check nearly awarded PAOK, but the decision stood.
• Standout Players:
  Maccabi’s goalkeeper and center backs stood tall. PAOK’s creative midfielders struggled to penetrate.
• Tactical Insights:
  PAOK attempted to dominate possession with a 4-3-3, but Maccabi sat compact, used counterattacks carefully.
• Atmosphere & Reaction:
  Frustrated home supporters seeking a breakthrough. Maccabi fans relieved with a clean sheet away.
• Quote:
  Maccabi manager: “A strong defensive display away is always a result we take.”

Red Star Belgrade vs Celtic – 1-1

• Goals & Timeline:
  Celtic took the lead via Kelechi Iheanacho; Red Star equalized through Marko Arnautović in the second half.
• Key Moments & Turning Points:
  Iheanacho’s finish came after quick transition from a recycled set piece. Arnautović’s equalizer came from close range after pressure sustained in the box. Tensions flared late between Arnautović and a Celtic defender.
• Standout Players:
  Iheanacho with intelligent movement and finishing. Arnautović’s poacher instincts were decisive. Red Star’s defense showed courage under Celtic pressure.
• Tactical Insights:
  Celtic pressed high at times, trying to suffocate build from the back. Red Star dropped deeper, drawing Celtic forward and exploiting space in behind. Their use of direct balls and crosses into the box paid off.
• Atmosphere & Reaction:
  A charged atmosphere in Belgrade, classic European night. The equalizer lifted home fans; Celtic supporters aggrieved but saw positives.
• Quote:
  Marko Arnautović: “I knew the ball would come — in Europe you must be alert every second. To score here is special.”

GNK Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahçe – 3-1

• Goals & Timeline:
  Dinamo struck early, doubled their lead by halftime, and converted a third before Fenerbahçe pulled one back late. 
• Key Moments & Turning Points:
  A quick second goal before halftime shattered Fenerbahçe’s momentum. Dinamo’s third came from a swift counter when Fenerbahçe pushed forward.
• Standout Players:
  Dinamo’s creative midfield orchestrated much of the offense; strikers finished clinically. Fenerbahçe’s forwards had flashes but lacked support.
• Tactical Insights:
  Dinamo balanced pressing and control, often outnumbering Fener in midfield. Their transitions were sharp, especially after turnovers. Fenerbahçe tried to maintain ball dominance but were exposed on breaks.
• Atmosphere & Reaction:
  Croatian fans delighted by assertive attacking approach. Fenerbahçe fans frustrated by lack of defensive stability.
• Quote:
  Dinamo coach: “We told the players to be fearless tonight. The result proves belief in our strategy.”

Malmö FF vs Ludogorets – 1-2

• Goals & Timeline:
  Ludogorets opened via penalty, extended lead with a second, then Malmö scored a late consolation.
• Key Moments & Turning Points:
  Malmö’s defense erred in penalty incident; the second goal came from a transitional play when Ludogorets caught Malmö off balance. The late goal gave hope but came too late to change outcome.
• Standout Players:
  Ludogorets’ penalty taker was composed. The goalie made smart saves. Malmö’s late scorer showed persistence.
• Tactical Insights:
  Ludogorets deployed a compact defensive block, then struck on the break. Malmö tried to dominate possession but lacked cutting edge in the final third.
• Atmosphere & Reaction:
  Malmo crowd restless; after going down two, their push in late stages cheered players. Ludogorets fans traveling were jubilant.
• Quote:
  Ludogorets manager: “We knew Malmö would come at us — we stayed disciplined and waited for our chances.”

Nice vs Roma – 1-2

• Goals & Timeline:
  Roma scored two second-half goals through defenders Evan N’Dicka and Gianluca Mancini. Nice had earlier reduced via penalty.
• Key Moments & Turning Points:
  Nice’s penalty gave hope, but Roma control after that was decisive. Their defensive goals underlined set piece strength. The match-defining moment was Roma absorbing late pressure.
• Standout Players:
  N’Dicka and Mancini—both defenders—contributed decisive goals. Roma’s backline stood firm under Nice pressure. Nice’s penalty taker composed, but team lacked follow-up.
• Tactical Insights:
  Roma switched to a more cautious setup after going ahead, managing the clock and forcing Nice wide. Nice attempted high press, but Roma broke lines centrally.
• Atmosphere & Reaction:
  Nice fans passionate, especially when their team equalized. Roma supporters held breath late but celebrated grit.
• Quote:
  Gian Piero Gasperini (Roma): “We knew it would be tough — to win away, you need good structure and to take your chances. These two goals from defenders show our identity.”

Real Betis vs Nottingham Forest – 2-2

• Goals & Timeline:
  Betis led via Bakambu; Forest responded with two first-half goals by Igor Jesus. Betis equalized late through Antony.
• Key Moments & Turning Points:
  Forest’s double came from swift transitions, catching Betis in disarray. Betis’ late goal underlines their persistence and perhaps Forest’s lapse in concentration.
• Standout Players:
  Igor Jesus was the spark for Forest. Betis’ Antony showed poise with the equalizer. Defenders on both sides had mixed nights.
• Tactical Insights:
  Forest looked to counterattack quickly; Betis tried to dominate possession, but their transitions were vulnerable. Forest’s shape stretched late when protecting lead.
• Atmosphere & Reaction:
  Betis supporters grew restless after conceding two; joy when equalizer came. Forest fans energized by their comeback.
• Quote:
  Antony (Betis): “We never stopped believing. To draw against a tenacious Forest side is a point earned.”

Braga vs Feyenoord – 1-0

• Goals & Timeline:
  Braga scored a tight lone goal to win at home.
• Key Moments & Turning Points:
  Feyenoord pressed often but couldn’t break Braga’s disciplined structure. Braga seized on a moment of hesitation to score.
• Standout Players:
  Braga’s defense and midfield were compact and coordinated. Their goalscorer showed composure. Feyenoord’s forwards had few clear chances.
• Tactical Insights:
  Braga used a solid low block, hitting on counters. Feyenoord persisted with a 4-3-3 but lacked creativity in tight spaces.
• Atmosphere & Reaction:
  Braga home fans ecstatic with a vital early win. Feyenoord fans quieted by missed opportunities.
• Quote:
  Braga coach: “A clean sheet and three points — that’s how we start. We knew it would be tight, and our defensive plan worked.”

Freiburg vs Basel – 2-1

• Goals & Timeline:
  Freiburg scored twice, Basel pulled one back but couldn’t complete comeback.
• Key Moments & Turning Points:
  The second goal from Freiburg came when Basel pushed forward aggressively, leaving gaps. Basel converted a set piece late but lacked time.
• Standout Players:
  Freiburg’s forwards efficient, midfielders connected play. Basel’s goal came from quality delivery under pressure.
• Tactical Insights:
  Freiburg balanced possession and press; Basel attempted to stifle in midfield but were exposed when overcommitting.
• Atmosphere & Reaction:
  Home fans pleased with discipline. Basel supporters hopeful after their goal but frustrated by inability to force more.
• Quote:
  Freiburg manager: “We defended our home well and punished them when they came forward. It was a full team effort.”

Round Highlights & Themes

• Away Sides Making Impressions: Dinamo Zagreb, Roma, Ludogorets claimed strong road results; Forest showed resilience in draw away.
• Late Drama & Equalizers: Antony’s late Betis goal and Arnautović’s leveller at Red Star showed that matches aren’t won until final whistles.
• Set Pieces & Defensive Goals Matter: Roma’s defenders scoring, Braga’s disciplined defence holding firm, and Basel’s set piece goal all underline the value of dead ball situations.
• Missed Penalties & Missed Chances: Malmö’s concession via penalty and Nice’s inability to finish showed a thin margin between win and draw/loss.
• Compact Defense + Transition Attack Wins Games: Many winners were built on tight defensive shape and swift counterattacks.

Standings & Implications

After Round 1, some clubs sit favourably at the top of their groups with 3 points and positive goal difference (e.g. Dinamo Zagreb, Midtjylland, Roma, Braga). 

Others—Forest, Celtic, Betis, Red Star—draw and will need to chase consistency. The points table is nascent but every win and goal will likely matter in this league-phase format.

For teams like Ludogorets, an opening away win is a statement in a tougher bracket. 

For Braga and Freiburg, home wins lay early foundations. For the ones drawing, the need to find wins soon is pressing.

Conclusion

Round 1 of the Europa League 2025/26 delivered the kind of unpredictability Europeans expect: tactical grit, late swings, and surprise results. 

The headline? Perhaps Dinamo Zagreb’s confident win and Roma’s narrow but meaningful victory. 

But standout are the moments of resilience—Forest, Red Star, and Braga all showed heart.

🔜 Next up: Matchday 2 looms with high stakes — will Braga hold form? Can Feyenoord respond? Will the drawn teams push for breakthrough wins? 

The groups are wide open now, and the road to May’s Istanbul final is just beginning.