Matchday 3 of the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League 2025/26 (played on 23 October 2025) offered a feast of drama, from surprise results to tactical shifts and individual brilliance. Across the 18 fixtures, away sides made their mark, underdogs triumphed and several teams either cemented their position or found themselves scrambling for salvage points.
Stand-out moments included Nottingham Forest’s breakthrough against Porto, Viktoria Plzeň’s composed defeat of Roma and Ferencváros’ thrilling turnaround in Salzburg. Many matches swung on tactical changes at half-time, lightning goal bursts, or late finishes that left fans stunned. Below is a match-by-match breakdown of every game, followed by a thematic summary, standings implications and a look ahead.
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Ferencváros’ rapid triple strike around the 55-63′ window changed the game. Once they took the lead, Salzburg struggled to impose the same tempo, and the Hungarian champions held firm under pressure. The momentum swing was decisive.
Stand-out player performances:
Ferencváros’ attacking unit deserves praise for their clinical burst; a midfielder-forward link was pivotal in turning the tide. Salzburg’s defence looked exposed during that eight-minute salvo.
Tactical insights:
Salzburg began with their usual high-press, but once undone by those quick goals they dropped deeper. Ferencváros exploited the space behind the pressing lines, and after taking the lead switched to a more conservative shape, inviting Salzburg on and countering.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
The Salzburg crowd seemed buoyant after the opening goal, but the swift reversal silenced them—and energized the travelling Ferencváros supporters, whose chants echoed in the closing minutes.
Post-Match Comments:
Ferencváros coach: “We believed when the chance came, we could strike quickly. That burst in eight minutes was the difference — the lads showed character.”
Salzburg’s boss: “It’s difficult to concede three in that short window. We lost our composure and then chasing the match took a toll.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Stuttgart pushed for an equaliser after falling behind, but Fenerbahçe’s organisation held firm. A late defensive block and calm finishing won the day.
Stand-out player performances:
Fenerbahçe’s keeper and back-line kept Stuttgart’s forwards largely quiet; the match-winner’s strike stood out for composure under pressure.
Tactical insights:
Fenerbahçe employed a compact 4-2-3-1, allowed Stuttgart possession in wide areas but funnelled attacks centrally. Stuttgart tried to exploit the flanks but found the transition routes cut off.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
The home crowd was tense through much of the game but erupted when the goal came—then they held their nerve until the final whistle
.Post-Match Comments:
Fenerbahçe manager: “A clean sheet and a win away in Europe are always valuable. We stayed disciplined.”
Stuttgart captain: “We created chances but lacked the final delivery. Frustrating to lose by one.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
The equaliser from FCSB seemed to lift the home side, but Bologna’s late composure sealed the away win. Key substitutions for Bologna made the difference.
Stand-out player performances:
A Bologna midfielder who came off the bench proved pivotal, driving forward at critical moments. For FCSB, the winger who scored looked lively but lacked support.
Tactical insights:
FCSB tried to play on the front foot but were vulnerable to Bologna’s counter-attacks. Bologna shifted from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 later, increasing width and forcing FCSB into deeper positions.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
FCSB fans backed their side strongly after the equaliser, but nerves returned when Bologna pressed for the decider.
Post-Match Comments:
Bologna coach: “We knew the away trip would be tough, but we stuck to our plan and got the win.”
FCSB player: “We’re disappointed – we had the chance to stay in control but let it slip.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
The Dutch side held composure after conceding. The winning goal arrived through a smart set-piece. Aston Villa, despite their pedigree, looked off-balance in defence.
Stand-out player performances:
Go Ahead Eagles’ full-back stood out both defensively and in attack. Aston Villa’s creative midfielder looked isolated at times.
Tactical insights:
Go Ahead Eagles did not sit back after taking the lead; they continued to press and kept Villa’s build-up under scrutiny. Villa attempted fluid attacking play but were undone by transitions.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
The home crowd were jubilant at full-time; the upset felt earned and resonated widely.
Post-Match Comments:
Go Ahead head coach: “The lads believed from the start. We executed our plan and the crowd pushed us on.”
Aston Villa captain: “It’s a tough one to take. We should have controlled the match better.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Betis had control but lacked a cutting edge; Genk defended well but rarely threatened. The match pivoted on a late Betis chance that hit the post.
Stand-out player performances:
Genk’s keeper made a couple of sharp saves. For Betis, their striker looked isolated and frustrated.
Tactical insights:
Genk parked a solid low block and tried to hit on the break. Betis dominated possession but found no space.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
A low-tempo game left home supporters restless; the away fans remained optimistic but silent as chances dried up.
Post-Match Comments:
Genk coach: “A clean sheet away from home is a decent result.”
Real Betis forward: “We had the opportunities but today we lacked the killer pass.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Lyon’s opening goal settled them early. Basel tried to respond but couldn’t break the backline. The second goal killed off the contest.
Stand-out player performances:
Lyon’s central midfielder dominated the tempo; Basel’s frontline struggled to connect.
Tactical insights:
Lyon showed a balanced 4-3-3, combining control with quick transitions. Basel lacked cohesion and width.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
Lyon fans were buoyant; Basel’s travelling support applauded the effort but left disappointed.
Post-Match Comments:
Lyon coach: “We stayed patient, got our moments and took them.”
Basel defender: “Lyon were better today and deserved to win.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
The opening goal in the first half gave Braga breathing space; Crvena Zvezda pushed after the break but conceded just as they were growing into the game.
Stand-out player performances:
Braga’s winger caused problems all night; Crvena Zvezda’s defence looked shaky under pressure.
Tactical insights:
Braga employed a high line and pressing; they forced the Serbian side into mistakes. Crvena Zvezda tried to build from the back but were caught out.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
The Braga supporters got their reward; home advantage played its part.
Post-Match Comments:
Braga manager: “We knew our crowd and our style would make a difference.”
Crvena Zvezda striker: “We lacked composure. When you go behind here, it becomes very difficult.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Brann struck early, giving them confidence; Rangers never really recovered. The second goal shortly after the break put the game beyond reach.
Stand-out player performances:
Brann’s forward line looked sharp and ruthless. Rangers’ defence was disjointed.
Tactical insights:
Brann attacked with intensity, forcing turnovers high up. Rangers’ often-used shape lacked balance and were punished on the break.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
Euphoria among home fans; the result will rank as one of Brann’s memorable European nights.
Post-Match Comments:
Brann coach: “The lads believed and we executed from first minute to last.”
Rangers manager: “We’re very disappointed. This is not the standard we set for ourselves.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Plzeň’s first goal forced Roma to play with urgency, which exposed gaps. The decisive second goal came after Roma had committed men forward.
Stand-out player performances:
Plzeň’s defensive unit backed by a composed goalkeeper. Roma’s attacking players lacked cohesion.Tactical insights:
Plzeň sat deep once ahead, used disciplined defending and sharp counters. Roma attempted to dominate possession but lacked depth and penetration.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
Mixed feelings in the Roma stadium: expectation high, but frustration visible when the underdogs held firm. Plzeň fans erupted at full-time.
Post-Match Comments:
Plzeň coach: “We came prepared, stayed organised and exploited our chances.”
Roma captain: “We didn’t take our chances and got punished for it. Tough night.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Ludogorets equalised to level the contest, but Young Boys’ stamina and late pressure won out. The winner came in the final quarter.
Stand-out player performances:
Young Boys’ wingers stood out in stretch runs; Ludogorets’ midfield fought hard but were undone late.
Tactical insights:
Young Boys used width, stretching Ludogorets’ backline. Ludogorets switched to a 4-3-3 chasing the game, which opened up space for the hosts.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
Thrilling end-to-end drama got the crowd on their feet. The travelling Bulgarian fans were vocal until the final whistle but saw their side edged out.
Post-Match Comments:
Young Boys manager: “We showed character and belief, even when under pressure.”
Ludogorets coach: “We gave ourselves chances but lost momentum. We’ll learn from this.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Sturm Graz threatened after their goal but Celtic regained control. A late tactical substitution paid off with the winner.
Stand-out player performances:
Celtic’s full-back joined attacks effectively; Sturm Graz’s forward looked lively but isolated.
Tactical insights:
Celtic opened with a 4-2-3-1 focusing on width; Sturm Graz attempted to sit back after going a goal down but were eventually pulled out of shape.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
Traditional Celtic home support roaring; every twist and turn met with passionate response.
Post-Match Comments:
Celtic coach: “It wasn’t perfect but we showed grit and got the three points at home.”
Sturm Graz midfielder: “We competed but didn’t have the quality to finish our chances.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
The momentum shifted multiple times, but PAOK’s bench and attacking fluidity made the difference. Lille’s defensive lapses cost them.
Stand-out player performances:
PAOK’s striker bagged a brace. Lille’s defenders were overrun at key moments.
Tactical insights:
Both sides committed to attack; Lille’s high line left space in behind. PAOK targeted those gaps and exploited transitions.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
Spectacular for neutral fans; home supporters alternated between hope and frustration as goals flew in.
Post-Match Comments:
PAOK manager: “What a side of football—full of risks but also full of rewards.”
Lille coach: “We can’t concede four at home. Plenty to work on.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Once Midtjylland struck the opener, they took full control. Maccabi couldn’t build meaningful attacks.
Stand-out player performances:
Midtjylland’s front-line worked relentlessly. Maccabi’s defence lacked organisation.
Tactical insights:
Midtjylland used a compact midfield but fast wing play to unbalance their hosts. Maccabi attempted to press but were bypassed repeatedly.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
Relatively quiet for large stretches; frustration grew as Maccabi’s hopes faded.
Post-Match Comments:
Midtjylland coach: “We traveled well and executed our plan.”
Maccabi captain: “We didn’t show up tonight. Credit to them.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Dinamo’s goal forced Malmö into attacking mode; Malmö pushed and earned their draw late.
Stand-out player performances:
Dinamo’s defender who scored looked composed. Malmö’s striker pressed but lacked the finish.
Tactical insights:
Dinamo sat deeper after going ahead; Malmö tried to stretch play down the flanks but were caught out once.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
Home crowd hopeful; the eventual draw felt like one point gained rather than two dropped.
Post-Match Comments:
Malmö coach: “We wanted more but at least we didn’t lose.”
Dinamo midfielder: “A good away point. We defended well.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Nice had chances to equalise but Celta held on and struck last to snatch the win.
Stand-out player performances:
Celta’s winger looked dangerous all night. Nice’s defence vulnerable in crucial moments.
Tactical insights:
Celta played a 4-3-3 with width, Nice used a back-three but struggled in transitional moments.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
Great energy in the home stands; the final goal sparked celebrations.
Post-Match Comments:
Celta coach: “We showed fight and got the reward.”
Nice defender: “We’re frustrated – we had enough chances.”
Goals & Timeline:
Key moments & turning points:
Utrecht looked comfortable for much of the first half, but Freiburg stepped up after the break and got their goals.
Stand-out player performances:
Freiburg’s full-back who scored and assisted was a standout. Utrecht’s attack lacked rhythm.
Tactical insights:
Freiburg used a double pivot to control midfield and exploited overlaps down the flanks; Utrecht struggled to adapt.
Fan reactions & stadium atmosphere:
Home fans upbeat as the match turned; Utrecht fans more muted as hopes faded.
Post-Match Comments:
Freiburg coach: “Our second half showed the quality and belief in the squad.”
Utrecht midfielder: “We had chances but couldn’t convert.”
Report:
Panathinaikos silenced De Kuip early through Karol Świderski’s smart finish, but Arne Slot’s side recovered swiftly. Givairo Read’s equaliser before half-time shifted the momentum. In the second half, Feyenoord’s pressing suffocated the Greek visitors, with Hadj Moussa and Larin sealing a deserved comeback.
Stand-out performers: Read and Hadj Moussa were relentless, while Larin’s energy off the bench proved decisive
.Post-Match Comments:
Arne Slot: “After the first goal we showed courage and patience; that’s how you win in Europe.”
Świderski: “We started brilliantly but couldn’t handle their press later — tough place to play.”
Goals & Timeline:
Report:
At a raucous City Ground, Nottingham Forest earned their first European win since 1996. Porto’s early composure was undone by two handball penalties converted by Gibbs-White and Igor Jesus. Sean Dyche’s men combined Premier League discipline with Europa League grit, frustrating Sérgio Conceição’s side throughout.
Stand-out performers: Gibbs-White dictated tempo, goalkeeper Vlachodimos commanded his area, and full-backs handled Porto’s wide threats.
Atmosphere: A classic European night in Nottingham — flares, noise, belief.
Post-Match Comments:
Sean Dyche: “This was about organisation and belief. We’ve set a standard tonight.”
Gibbs-White: “We owed the fans that performance. It’s massive for us.”
With three rounds played, the results are beginning to shape group-phase dynamics:
Specifically:
Matchday 3 of the Europa League 2025/26 delivered drama, upsets and tactical narratives in equal measure.
The biggest storyline: the rise of the underdog and the increasing potency of away performance. Teams that arrived organised, flexible and mentally ready seized the moment.
As we move into Matchday 4, the pressure intensifies. Those early wins provide breathing space, but complacency will be punished. For clubs still seeking momentum, the next fixture is pivotal. Expect the battles to be sharper, the tactics more pointed—and for the narrative arcs of this season’s Europa League to deepen.
Matchday 4 will see teams either consolidate their advantage or fight desperately to stay in contention. Keep an eye on how the “big clubs” respond to their scares, and whether the rising challengers can maintain their momentum.