Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Legion on May 25, 2025, 07:29:40 PM

Title: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Legion on May 25, 2025, 07:29:40 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/5h4sMvHM/Screenshot-20250525-192808-Samsung-Internet.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5h4sMvHM)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 07:31:31 PM
Feyenoord and Porto so we can add to our list of European Champions played, please.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 25, 2025, 07:32:16 PM
Let’s pick out who we’re going to surprisingly bomb out too in the latter stages - I go with, Nice. That’ll have some symmetry.

Sorry pissed off right now, I’ll mellow.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV84 on May 25, 2025, 07:34:48 PM
Trying to be positive here. We missed out on CL again on goal difference, while making the CL QF and FA Cup SF. Hopefully the Europa League will be slightly less of a strain on the squad, and we'll finish higher in the league than we did this season.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Richard E on May 25, 2025, 07:36:10 PM
Let’s pick out who we’re going to surprisingly bomb out too in the latter stages - I go with, Nice. That’ll have some symmetry.

Sorry pissed off right now, I’ll mellow.

It’ll be to Palace in the Final, obviously.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 07:36:14 PM
The evidence based on how this season's English qualifiers finished doesn't suggest it will serve as a boost to our league position, though.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 25, 2025, 07:38:13 PM
Let’s pick out who we’re going to surprisingly bomb out too in the latter stages - I go with, Nice. That’ll have some symmetry.

Sorry pissed off right now, I’ll mellow.

It’ll be to Palace in the Final, obviously.

Of course, and we’ll set up as we always do.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 25, 2025, 07:39:35 PM
I assume we'll play Go Ahead Eagles, and lose.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aj2k77 on May 25, 2025, 07:42:12 PM
Tottenham and Man Utd are shit anyway. You can definitely get to the later stages without going full pelt and needing a squad as deep as the CL. We will still lose to someone like Zagreb though in a calamitous away performance.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 07:42:19 PM
Oh FFS, not more bloody Eagles.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Aldridge Villa on May 25, 2025, 07:44:31 PM
Legia Warsaw hovering in pot 3…..
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 25, 2025, 07:46:34 PM
At least we have a good record against Celta Vigo.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Paul.S on May 25, 2025, 07:49:39 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/5h4sMvHM/Screenshot-20250525-192808-Samsung-Internet.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5h4sMvHM)


Looking at a lot of those teams, if we don’t get to the final then it has to be a huge failure.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on May 25, 2025, 07:52:38 PM
Let’s pick out who we’re going to surprisingly bomb out too in the latter stages - I go with, Nice. That’ll have some symmetry.

Last minute Morgan Sanson winner.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 07:54:20 PM
Midtjylland feel like a nice 90s Villa defeat type team.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 25, 2025, 07:54:40 PM
Realised we played them before.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on May 25, 2025, 07:55:19 PM
Anderlecht in the semis please.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tony Daleys Shorts on May 25, 2025, 07:55:52 PM
Looks winnable based on those sides. Provided we avoid Palace of course.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 08:08:57 PM
Juventus have just dropped into the Europa League... still only in the first half though so they could still end up in either of the other two competitions.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 25, 2025, 08:10:34 PM
Assume we can't get drawn against Palace in the league phase, so the next worst thing would be Go Ahead Eagles.
Not sure what Turkish teams are in it yet, the final is in Istanbul.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025%E2%80%9326_UEFA_Europa_League
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 25, 2025, 08:14:13 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/5h4sMvHM/Screenshot-20250525-192808-Samsung-Internet.jpg) (https://ibb.co/5h4sMvHM)


There are an absurd amount of assumptions in this. Only the teams with ticks will definitely be in the league phase.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 08:16:32 PM
Yeah, it's more complicated trying to work out potential opponents than it was this season, as you need to keep an eye on two different competitions.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 25, 2025, 08:17:46 PM
Well let’s hope Unai can win Europa League number 5.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 08:22:49 PM
Juventus winning so Roma back in the Europa League.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 25, 2025, 08:24:25 PM
WMP would probably prefer if we didn't draw Rangers, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Legia Warsaw and Utrecht at home.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Legion on May 25, 2025, 08:49:41 PM
WMP would probably prefer if we didn't draw Rangers, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Legia Warsaw and Utrecht at home.

Especially not all at the same time.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Astnor on May 25, 2025, 08:56:14 PM
After all, last year it was Conference L (semis), this year CL (qf) and then it is logic that next year will be EL (reaching the final (should be the target)).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ez on May 25, 2025, 09:13:30 PM
Along with the fa cup it's another competition I've never seen us win so its a chance to add another trophy to the set.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: badminton on May 25, 2025, 09:36:02 PM
Another semi-final defeat to Palace beckons
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 25, 2025, 09:38:34 PM
Anyone know if the FA Cup final is being played the weekend before the Europa final next season?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 25, 2025, 09:41:13 PM
Another semi-final defeat to Palace beckons
Assuming Palace qualify as they have shit starts to the season normally. This season they were on 9 points after 13 games.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 09:41:36 PM
Anyone know if the FA Cup final is being played the weekend before the Europa final next season?

I think so, most sites online suggest 16th and 20th May, respectively.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on May 25, 2025, 09:43:35 PM
EuroCelta are back! Vigo'98 were the best.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 25, 2025, 09:45:13 PM
That is going to be tough for us next season then as I assume the moved league match will be the Tuesday/Wednesday before the FA Cup final so will have to play 5 matches in two weeks.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 09:46:30 PM
All over in Serie A. Juventus won in the end to take the final Champions League spot, so Roma take a Europa League place, along with cup winners Bologna.

I reckon it will be between Villa and Roma for who starts the tournament as favourites.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 25, 2025, 09:47:13 PM
Palace should just by virtue of the fact they have our number.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 09:48:18 PM
I think we are more likely to win the tournament if we don't meet, they're more likely to win it if we do. Hopefully some of their stars fuck off for pastures new in the summer.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ChicagoLion on May 25, 2025, 09:58:53 PM
Sadly this competition has been discredited by this years finalists,.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Toronto Villa on May 25, 2025, 10:01:43 PM
Palace are going to find their resources stretched being in a 4th competition. Of course if they find a way to get through the group stage and play us…well you know the rest.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Des Little on May 25, 2025, 10:42:16 PM
Let’s hope the home ticketing pricing is a tad less painful than this year’s ECL.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: andyh on May 25, 2025, 10:43:59 PM
Don’t fancy a visit from Rangers again
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 10:46:11 PM
Off the top of my head, can't really remember too many problems with their supporters at English away games in recent years. They acted like twats in Manchester when they made a final, but there were at least ten times as many of them there as there would be at Villa Park. Legia another issue. I hope we'd deny them any tickets and UEFA wouldn't stand in our way.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PaulWinch again on May 25, 2025, 10:49:07 PM
Moving onto more positive thoughts - if we tweak the squad well, we can balance our league campaign better in the front end, and there are some fun potential games there.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 25, 2025, 10:51:21 PM
Legia Warsaw have four qualifying rounds to get through. Which seems unlikely.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV84 on May 25, 2025, 10:54:23 PM
Moving onto more positive thoughts - if we tweak the squad well, we can balance our league campaign better in the front end, and there are some fun potential games there.

This was my take on Europa League too. I don't think we'll go as far as Chelsea and leave top players out of the European squad, but we should be able to use some players a little less, and maybe even bring in some of the younger players at times, build up their experience and playing time.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 10:58:30 PM
I think Chelsea have a lot more young players who are pretty close to being first team standard already. Even though we won the youth "treble" this year, I feel that our youngsters are mostly a loan or two away from being good enough to be options against decent European opposition.

We ran out of legs last year. If you take Disasi, Rashford and Asensio out of our current squad, it isn't much stronger than it was then. So whether we will have a strong enough squad to compete on all fronts will likely depend on how many players we are able to (re-)sign.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on May 25, 2025, 10:58:50 PM
Moving onto more positive thoughts - if we tweak the squad well, we can balance our league campaign better in the front end, and there are some fun potential games there.

This was my take on Europa League too. I don't think we'll go as far as Chelsea and leave top players out of the European squad, but we should be able to use some players a little less, and maybe even bring in some of the younger players at times, build up their experience and playing time.

All well and good but there’s still some decent teams in there and it’s not something UE has done too much in the past.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV84 on May 25, 2025, 11:24:06 PM
Again, not saying do a Chelsea on it, but maybe the likes of Barkley or Ramsey gets a full 90 midweek while Tielemans or Rogers gets a day off. Some of the squad played an awful lot of football this season, arguably unnecessarily. You'd like to think we're not fielding the same team against the likes of SK Sigma Olomouc as we would have against Bayern Munich, for example.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 11:43:03 PM
Yeah, sure. That seems entirely sensible.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Randy Gurner on May 25, 2025, 11:46:19 PM
Funny how the Europa League feels like the Zenith Data Systems Cup this evening.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 11:47:20 PM
Could be worse, I suppose. Thank fuck Wood decided to twat one over the bar with minutes left of the Forest game today.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on May 25, 2025, 11:47:44 PM
Our youths won three comps?! Wow, go on da boiz.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 25, 2025, 11:48:04 PM
Funny how the Europa League feels like the Zenith Data Systems Cup this evening.

Understandable really, with all the European trophies we've won.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tokyo Sexwhale on May 25, 2025, 11:49:53 PM
All over in Serie A. Juventus won in the end to take the final Champions League spot, so Roma take a Europa League place, along with cup winners Bologna.

I reckon it will be between Villa and Roma for who starts the tournament as favourites.

Lille will be tough too.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 25, 2025, 11:51:03 PM
French League (except for PSG) is in shit due to a TV deal falling through, I think. Maybe they'll be forced to sell players.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: SoccerHQ on May 25, 2025, 11:56:30 PM
Same as this season. Finish top 8, bypass last 32 and see who's left when we come into the last 16 in the March.

We can't be deriding Man. United/Spurs and then claiming this competition is beyond us with endless amazing teams.

Got to be looking to win this.

If someone streetwise could knock out Palace before we get to the last 16 then that would be ideal!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on May 25, 2025, 11:57:51 PM
French League (except for PSG) is in shit due to a TV deal falling through, I think. Maybe they'll be forced to sell players.

And losing two of their best players (David and Gomes) for nothing isn't going to help them rebuild much either.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: VillaTim on May 26, 2025, 12:00:20 AM
Too soon. Raw
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2025, 12:01:04 AM
Same as this season. Finish top 8, bypass last 32 and see who's left when we come into the last 16 in the March.

We can't be deriding Man. United/Spurs and then claiming this competition is beyond us with endless amazing teams.

Got to be looking to win this.

If someone streetwise could knock out Palace before we get to the last 16 then that would be ideal!

Please God/Allah/Brahma/Zeus/Baal/Ahura Mazda/Ra/Jove/Huitzilopochtli and all the lads, let someone (preferably foreign and not in the Europa League) sign Eze and Sarr this summer so we might actually have a chance against the bastards.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 26, 2025, 12:05:28 AM
Same as this season. Finish top 8, bypass last 32 and see who's left when we come into the last 16 in the March.

We can't be deriding Man. United/Spurs and then claiming this competition is beyond us with endless amazing teams.

Got to be looking to win this.

If someone streetwise could knock out Palace before we get to the last 16 then that would be ideal!

Please God/Allah/Brahma/Zeus/Baal/Ahura Mazda/Ra/Jove/Huitzilopochtli and all the lads, let someone (preferably foreign and not in the Europa League) sign Eze and Sarr this summer so we might actually have a chance against the bastards.

And Mateta, just to be safe.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2025, 12:06:35 AM
Same as this season. Finish top 8, bypass last 32 and see who's left when we come into the last 16 in the March.

We can't be deriding Man. United/Spurs and then claiming this competition is beyond us with endless amazing teams.

Got to be looking to win this.

If someone streetwise could knock out Palace before we get to the last 16 then that would be ideal!

Please God/Allah/Brahma/Zeus/Baal/Ahura Mazda/Ra/Jove/Huitzilopochtli and all the lads, let someone (preferably foreign and not in the Europa League) sign Eze and Sarr this summer so we might actually have a chance against the bastards.

And Mateta, just to be safe.

Good idea. We might need Odin on the case, too.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DC1874 on May 26, 2025, 12:20:15 AM
Win it or get someone else in Villa - especially if we lose to Palace again!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2025, 12:48:34 AM
Don't talk pish.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: usav on May 26, 2025, 02:20:13 AM
Europe 3 years in a row - unimaginable just a few short years ago. . 

Europa league is fine, we should embrace it and do our darnedest to win it and go for top 4 again.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: OzVilla on May 26, 2025, 02:23:04 AM
Looking at the Europa League sides there’s nothing scary in there. Other than Crystal Palace and Aston Villa on a big occasion.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: OCD on May 26, 2025, 11:48:18 AM
Same as this season. Finish top 8, bypass last 32 and see who's left when we come into the last 16 in the March.

We can't be deriding Man. United/Spurs and then claiming this competition is beyond us with endless amazing teams.

Got to be looking to win this.

If someone streetwise could knock out Palace before we get to the last 16 then that would be ideal!

Please God/Allah/Brahma/Zeus/Baal/Ahura Mazda/Ra/Jove/Huitzilopochtli and all the lads, let someone (preferably foreign and not in the Europa League) sign Eze and Sarr this summer so we might actually have a chance against the bastards.

And Mateta, just to be safe.

Wouldn't mind seeing us take Mateta tbh.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: VillaTim on May 26, 2025, 11:53:23 AM
WMP would probably prefer if we didn't draw Rangers, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Legia Warsaw and Utrecht at home.
Battle of the condiments 2.0
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 26, 2025, 11:58:46 AM
Palace are going to find their resources stretched being in a 4th competition. Of course if they find a way to get through the group stage and play us…well you know the rest.

Well it depends if they outscore us more at Selhurst then we do against them at Villa Park.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 26, 2025, 12:02:20 PM
Imagine we will take it pretty seriously. As well as an important competition, it's another route into the Champion's League.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: OCD on May 26, 2025, 12:06:20 PM
It's a great way to blood younger players, like he did at Arsenal with Saka and Martinelli. Given that we need to lower the wage to turnover ratio to comply with Uefa rules, it makes sense to bring in players like Nypan and Cherki.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on May 26, 2025, 01:20:50 PM
Can’t wait tbh. Will miss the first two match days as I’m away in the US but can’t wait to get the planning boots on for travel and hotels again. Watching the seeding pots fill up with some good names over the next few days/weeks should bring some excitement to the summer as well. Onwards….
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on May 26, 2025, 01:22:55 PM
I genuinely think the only that can beat Aston Villa in the Europa League is Aston Villa.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Rigadon on May 26, 2025, 01:28:17 PM
Europa is better, by a good way, than Conference.  So I'm happy we got this at least, and it's another chance to qualify for the CL, which is where we really ought to be. 

This isn't a competition for 'going far' in though, it's something we need to win. 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 26, 2025, 02:04:59 PM
Booked hotel room in Istanbul already. Anyone else?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on May 26, 2025, 02:41:57 PM
Best book an appointment with a carpet factory while you're there. Their rugs are to die for.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 26, 2025, 02:53:31 PM
Booked hotel room in Istanbul already. Anyone else?

Not yet. Are prices much above average for the final dates? For those that have been, where should be looking at staying?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 26, 2025, 03:06:32 PM
Booked hotel room in Istanbul already. Anyone else?

Not yet. Are prices much above average for the final dates? For those that have been, where should be looking at staying?

Constantinople.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on May 26, 2025, 03:45:23 PM
Let’s call the whole thing off!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 26, 2025, 03:45:50 PM
Typical the one year we qualify for this it's the season when the final is being played at a smaller ground than the Conference League final...
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Skerra on May 26, 2025, 03:48:05 PM
Booked hotel room in Istanbul already. Anyone else?
No Paulie, don’t fancy watching Viking Stavanger v Azerbaijani United in the final.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ez on May 26, 2025, 03:54:44 PM
Best book an appointment with a carpet factory while you're there. Their rugs are to die for.

Teeth whitening? Hair transplants anyone?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Stinkin_Thinkin on May 26, 2025, 04:19:59 PM
Not yet. Are prices much above average for the final dates? For those that have been, where should be looking at staying?

I visited last year and got a bestiktas game in, stayed in taxsim and walked to the stadium
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Mellin on May 26, 2025, 09:59:59 PM
I see Celta Vigo and Real Betis are the Spanish representatives. I they are in it every time we qualify.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: VillaTim on May 26, 2025, 10:03:32 PM
Two words.
Crystal Palace. .
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on May 26, 2025, 10:48:57 PM
Booked hotel room in Istanbul already. Anyone else?

Yes. In the Besiktas area, near the stadium.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 27, 2025, 09:18:04 AM
Two words.
Crystal Palace. .

Extra words. Lots of other teams, and HOME and away legs.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: tomd2103 on May 27, 2025, 09:22:33 AM
Europa is better, by a good way, than Conference.  So I'm happy we got this at least, and it's another chance to qualify for the CL, which is where we really ought to be. 

This isn't a competition for 'going far' in though, it's something we need to win.

I think it's a competition where we can field an almost second string side for many of the games, particularly in the league stage.  That means we can really prioritise the Premier League and pushing to get back into those Champions League places.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rooboy316 on May 27, 2025, 10:01:31 AM
Europa is better, by a good way, than Conference.  So I'm happy we got this at least, and it's another chance to qualify for the CL, which is where we really ought to be. 

This isn't a competition for 'going far' in though, it's something we need to win.

I think it's a competition where we can field an almost second string side for many of the games, particularly in the league stage.  That means we can really prioritise the Premier League and pushing to get back into those Champions League places.

Or take the Spurs route into CL football. Doesn't matter where we finish, as long as we win the Europa!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: manic-road on May 27, 2025, 10:08:33 AM
Now teams getting eliminated from the Champions league to the Europa league no longer exists, this should be a lot easier to win. Under the previous rules no way would Spurs have won it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 27, 2025, 10:17:42 AM
It's absolutely true it is an easier competition to win than the Champions' League but that doesn't mean that it's a cakewalk. Great to have another potential route to CL qualification though.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dante Lavelli on May 27, 2025, 10:17:55 AM
Now teams getting eliminated from the Champions league to the Europa league no longer exists, this should be a lot easier to win. Under the previous rules no way would Spurs have won it.

The rejigged format means the CL has eight extra teams, I think, so the overall quality is reduced too. 

All Sunday games are now televised, so with Thursday/Sunday football we will get more £900k lumps from Sky/TNT for each game.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chip Butty 111 on May 27, 2025, 10:30:15 AM
In our last two semi final appearances, Conference League and FA Cup, we have had our arses handed to us on a plate...so not overly confident of a trip to Istanbul if I'm honest.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ASHTONVILLA on May 27, 2025, 10:46:16 AM
I assume we'll play Go Ahead Eagles, and lose.

Doubt we would lose to Go Ahead, they are not very good. Hope we do play them, as Deventer is only 15 minutes drive from my Dutch office. I follow Zwolle as my Dutch team, so not a fan of Go Ahead.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Legion on May 27, 2025, 10:51:14 AM
I assume we'll play Go Ahead Eagles, and lose.

Doubt we would lose to Go Ahead, they are not very good. Hope we do play them, as Deventer is only 15 minutes drive from my Dutch office. I follow Zwolle as my Dutch team, so not a fan of Go Ahead.

Eagles.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 27, 2025, 10:56:40 AM
I assume we'll play Go Ahead Eagles, and lose.

Doubt we would lose to Go Ahead, they are not very good. Hope we do play them, as Deventer is only 15 minutes drive from my Dutch office. I follow Zwolle as my Dutch team, so not a fan of Go Ahead.

They have the same name as the Palace nick-name.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 27, 2025, 11:05:34 AM
Now teams getting eliminated from the Champions league to the Europa league no longer exists, this should be a lot easier to win. Under the previous rules no way would Spurs have won it.

The rejigged format means the CL has eight extra teams, I think, so the overall quality is reduced too. 

All Sunday games are now televised, so with Thursday/Sunday football we will get more £900k lumps from Sky/TNT for each game.

My Missus will be thrilled about all our extra TV games.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 27, 2025, 11:19:11 AM
Now teams getting eliminated from the Champions league to the Europa league no longer exists, this should be a lot easier to win. Under the previous rules no way would Spurs have won it.

Only 8 times has a CL drop out won the Europa in 20 odd years. I suspect normally those teams have either not been good enough, or had a high league position anyway so didn't need to push for Europa win for CL qualification

The rejigged format means the CL has eight extra teams, I think, so the overall quality is reduced too. 

All Sunday games are now televised, so with Thursday/Sunday football we will get more £900k lumps from Sky/TNT for each game.

Are they? Not seen that anywhere in announcements when checking. Noticed more midweek matches and Friday matches announced plus all games on the final day.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: VillaTim on May 27, 2025, 11:22:51 AM
At least Rapid Vienna aren't in this .
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Drummond on May 27, 2025, 11:25:55 AM
Now teams getting eliminated from the Champions league to the Europa league no longer exists, this should be a lot easier to win. Under the previous rules no way would Spurs have won it.

Only 8 times has a CL drop out won the Europa in 20 odd years. I suspect normally those teams have either not been good enough, or had a high league position anyway so didn't need to push for Europa win for CL qualification

The rejigged format means the CL has eight extra teams, I think, so the overall quality is reduced too. 

All Sunday games are now televised, so with Thursday/Sunday football we will get more £900k lumps from Sky/TNT for each game.

Are they? Not seen that anywhere in announcements when checking. Noticed more midweek matches and Friday matches announced plus all games on the final day.

Only 40%? That's really high isn't it?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 27, 2025, 11:47:53 AM
Now teams getting eliminated from the Champions league to the Europa league no longer exists, this should be a lot easier to win. Under the previous rules no way would Spurs have won it.

Only 8 times has a CL drop out won the Europa in 20 odd years. I suspect normally those teams have either not been good enough, or had a high league position anyway so didn't need to push for Europa win for CL qualification

Only 40%? That's really high isn't it?
Well it is less then that as it was 8 out of 25. But just stating the odds were not in favour of someone dropping down and stopping Spurs or Manure from reaching the final. Obviously the chance is now 0 of someone dropping down midway through from the CL so even better for us.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Richard E on May 27, 2025, 11:52:34 AM
At least Rapid Vienna aren't in this .

Unfortunately Crystal Bastard Palace are.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on May 27, 2025, 11:59:10 AM
At least Rapid Vienna aren't in this .

Unfortunately Crystal Bastard Palace are.
Wherever we go, we.......... :'(
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brown, Arce, Hole on May 27, 2025, 12:36:28 PM
At least Rapid Vienna aren't in this .
😃 I was just thinking the same thing! Am I right in thinking Forest will end up in this competition if Chelsea win tomorrow?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 27, 2025, 12:39:31 PM
Forest are already in the conference. The question seemed to be whether 8th would get a position if Chelsea won but only if they finished outside the CL places. So no, no changes whatever happens tomorrow in the Final.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Richard E on May 27, 2025, 12:44:13 PM
At least Rapid Vienna aren't in this .

Unfortunately Crystal Bastard Palace are.
Wherevewr we go, we.......... :'(
At least Rapid Vienna aren't in this .

Unfortunately Crystal Bastard Palace are.
Wherever we go, we.......... :'(

Ironically, if we play them in the final Istanbul will be easier to get to than Selhurst Park.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on May 27, 2025, 12:53:40 PM
Forest are already in the conference. The question seemed to be whether 8th would get a position if Chelsea won but only if they finished outside the CL places. So no, no changes whatever happens tomorrow in the Final.

At least Forest fans can wholeheartedly support Betis in the Final then, a small crumb of comfort.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 27, 2025, 02:00:47 PM
Forest are already in the conference. The question seemed to be whether 8th would get a position if Chelsea won but only if they finished outside the CL places. So no, no changes whatever happens tomorrow in the Final.

At least Forest fans can wholeheartedly support Betis in the Final then, a small crumb of comfort.

We are all Betis tomorrow night.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on May 27, 2025, 02:06:08 PM
Midtjylland feel like a nice 90s Villa defeat type team.

Yes in a sort of Banik Ostrava type way.  Edit...we beat them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Grande Pablo on May 27, 2025, 02:36:09 PM
Now teams getting eliminated from the Champions league to the Europa league no longer exists, this should be a lot easier to win. Under the previous rules no way would Spurs have won it.

Only 8 times has a CL drop out won the Europa in 20 odd years. I suspect normally those teams have either not been good enough, or had a high league position anyway so didn't need to push for Europa win for CL qualification

The rejigged format means the CL has eight extra teams, I think, so the overall quality is reduced too. 

All Sunday games are now televised, so with Thursday/Sunday football we will get more £900k lumps from Sky/TNT for each game.

Are they? Not seen that anywhere in announcements when checking. Noticed more midweek matches and Friday matches announced plus all games on the final day.

https://www.premierleague.com/news/3807882

They have the ability to show 'multiple' or the 'majority' of Sunday 1400 kick-off games, so there's a good chance we'll be shown in some shape or form more than not.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on May 27, 2025, 06:13:52 PM
I think it is that line that is key.

Quote
For the first time in the UK, all matches taking place outside of the Saturday 3pm "closed period", including those displaced to Sunday 2pm because of club participation in European competitions, will be broadcast live.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: OCD on May 27, 2025, 06:53:26 PM
Sky's adverts have focussed on there being 215 live games next year but I think their marketing department missed a trick. It's just a big number, and we're used to hearing that sort of thing every time there's a new deal coming in.

It sounds more impressive you think there must be 380 games a season. And there's even more context when you know that's 56% of all league games.

But it means more when you know that for each matchday weekend, they'll be showing 5 or 6 of the possible 10 games.

And that's just Sky. There will probably only be 3 Saturday 3pm games that aren't televised most weekends.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on May 27, 2025, 06:58:48 PM
Sky's adverts have focussed on there being 215 live games next year but I think their marketing department missed a trick.

By not having more Villa in it.

*If it's the same ad I'm thinking of.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: OCD on May 27, 2025, 07:05:16 PM
I don't even remember anything they showed in the ad other than their big claim about the number of games they're showing.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on May 27, 2025, 07:42:17 PM
Forest are already in the conference. The question seemed to be whether 8th would get a position if Chelsea won but only if they finished outside the CL places. So no, no changes whatever happens tomorrow in the Final.

At least Forest fans can wholeheartedly support Betis in the Final then, a small crumb of comfort.

We are all Betis tomorrow night.

We are all bourgeois now (McCarthy*, 1986) 

*Not Mick, he's a thick fucker from Barnsley as Roy Keane might have put it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: usav on May 27, 2025, 09:53:37 PM
Now the dust has settled, I'm actually more than OK with us playing in the Europa League.  Let's be realistic, we aren't going to win the Champions League, but this is a trophy we can and probably should win on paper based on the teams that are in it.  Having said that, we need to be competing for those top 4 spots each season now.  That's the standard we have set ourselves and to not be competitive in each competition should be seen as falling short.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: andyh on May 27, 2025, 10:10:21 PM
I know the potential to win a trophy is nice, but the CL is the only place to be.
The prestige, the kudos, the occasion of every single game.

And as someone said about the CL, the first season in it is for the benefit of the fans, subsequent years are for the benefit of the club.

I’ll miss it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: tomd2103 on May 27, 2025, 10:16:40 PM
Now the dust has settled, I'm actually more than OK with us playing in the Europa League.  Let's be realistic, we aren't going to win the Champions League, but this is a trophy we can and probably should win on paper based on the teams that are in it.  Having said that, we need to be competing for those top 4 spots each season now.  That's the standard we have set ourselves and to not be competitive in each competition should be seen as falling short.

I think the Europa League gives us the opportunity to have a shot at winning it without having to field a full strength side in every game.  Means we can really prioritise the Premier League and try and finish in the top 4/5.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: usav on May 27, 2025, 10:24:55 PM
Now the dust has settled, I'm actually more than OK with us playing in the Europa League.  Let's be realistic, we aren't going to win the Champions League, but this is a trophy we can and probably should win on paper based on the teams that are in it.  Having said that, we need to be competing for those top 4 spots each season now.  That's the standard we have set ourselves and to not be competitive in each competition should be seen as falling short.

I think the Europa League gives us the opportunity to have a shot at winning it without having to field a full strength side in every game.  Means we can really prioritise the Premier League and try and finish in the top 4/5.

Exactly.  Keeping players fit would be nice too….fewer long-term injuries is crucial.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 27, 2025, 10:32:54 PM
Midtjylland feel like a nice 90s Villa defeat type team.

Yes in a sort of Banik Ostrava type way.  Edit...we beat them.

Trabzonspor and Helsingborgs were our epic (away goals) fails in the 90s.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on May 27, 2025, 10:42:47 PM
Midtjylland feel like a nice 90s Villa defeat type team.

Yes in a sort of Banik Ostrava type way.  Edit...we beat them.

Trabzonspor and Helsingborgs were our epic (away goals) fails in the 90s.

You missed out Varteks which was even worse.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 27, 2025, 10:53:09 PM
Midtjylland feel like a nice 90s Villa defeat type team.

Yes in a sort of Banik Ostrava type way.  Edit...we beat them.

Trabzonspor and Helsingborgs were our epic (away goals) fails in the 90s.

You missed out Varteks which was even worse.

In the 00s but definitely of the same ilk. We beat better quality teams to win the Intertoto.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: trinityoap on May 27, 2025, 11:41:05 PM
I got fed up with losing to sides I had never heard of.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: johnc on May 28, 2025, 11:19:35 AM
Varteks had a row of Leylandia behind one of the goals
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on May 28, 2025, 11:24:10 AM
Midtjylland feel like a nice 90s Villa defeat type team.

Yes in a sort of Banik Ostrava type way.  Edit...we beat them.

Trabzonspor and Helsingborgs were our epic (away goals) fails in the 90s.

You missed out Varteks which was even worse.

In the 00s but definitely of the same ilk. We beat better quality teams to win the Intertoto.

Sorry missed the 90s reference. I remember my now ex wife having to come into the room to stop me swearing at the TV watching that Varteks away performance. It was an absolute disgrace. I’d just about forgiven Gregory for the Atleti Qtr final performance and then he served that up.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dcdavecollett on May 30, 2025, 01:01:51 AM
In the early 70s, Bristol Rovers had a bed of flowers behind each goal at Eastville.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pete3206 on May 30, 2025, 07:59:11 PM
Midtjylland feel like a nice 90s Villa defeat type team.

Yes in a sort of Banik Ostrava type way.  Edit...we beat them.

Trabzonspor and Helsingborgs were our epic (away goals) fails in the 90s.

Falling to Trabzonspor after the epic against Inter Milan was so Aston Villa.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on May 30, 2025, 08:18:02 PM
In the early 70s, Bristol Rovers had a bed of flowers behind each goal at Eastville.

Kents Canterbury ground had a Lime tree within the boundary rope until it blew down in 2005.


(https://i.ibb.co/kgzJF2R1/Lime-Tree-Spitfire-Ground-kent-cricket-kcht-tours-jpg-opt583x354o0-0s583x354.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kgzJF2R1)


(https://i.ibb.co/wNpdWqnm/Old-Lime-Tree-fallen-Spitfire-Ground-Kent-Cricket.jpg) (https://ibb.co/wNpdWqnm)

 (https://imgbb.com/)


https://www.kentcricket.co.uk/news/kent-crickets-lime-tree-legend/
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on May 30, 2025, 08:42:27 PM
I used to like that. They had to have it especially written into the rules that it was four if it hit the tree at Canterbury. I like weird quirks like that. I'm also a fan of that Portuguese ground where one of the ends is a quarry (Braga?).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on May 31, 2025, 09:56:41 AM
Dinamo Zagreb confirmed in league stage. They took Conference League winners spot by virtue of having highest UEFA coefficient out of teams in qualifiers.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on June 01, 2025, 07:28:43 PM
Samsunspor are in the playoff round having scored twice in injury time to win 2-1. Besiktas enter in the first qualifying round.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 01, 2025, 07:30:06 PM
I think that's all the qualifiers confirmed now (excluding the teams that drop from Champions League qualifying rounds).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on June 01, 2025, 07:41:59 PM
I visited St Lawrence's ground once just to see the old tree in 2001. I am so glad that a replacement tree was planted in 2005.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on June 01, 2025, 07:43:21 PM
Aye, 11 from CL qualifiers, 12 from EL qualifiers so we're going to be none the wiser for some time.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dante Lavelli on June 01, 2025, 07:55:01 PM
Long shot, but the first round proper is over two days, the 24 or 25 September.

Anyone know how the dates are chosen?  Looking to do a long weekend away arranged around a Thursday game (25th) so a clue on who has a 50/50 chance of playing that day would be great.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 01, 2025, 07:57:52 PM
I don't think we know anything.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on June 01, 2025, 08:00:15 PM
At least it wasn't that pair of cvnts who chainsaw'd down the famous Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian's Wall.

If it was Mother Nature herself, well, you just gotta let her do her thing, I guess.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on June 01, 2025, 08:25:35 PM
Looking to do a long weekend away arranged around a Thursday game (25th) so a clue on who has a 50/50 chance of playing that day would be great.

The draw's on Aug. 29th so we'll know then. That still gives you almost 4 weeks to book something nice.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on June 01, 2025, 09:11:56 PM
Looking to do a long weekend away arranged around a Thursday game (25th) so a clue on who has a 50/50 chance of playing that day would be great.

The draw's on Aug. 29th so we'll know then. That still gives you almost 4 weeks to book something nice.

Sorry to be that pedantic twat but didn’t we find out the day afterwards what order and where we played our games? Or was it that evening?

That said as BV says you’ll have about 4 weeks to do something. I’m hoping for 2 really shit games for the first two match days as I’m in the US.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on June 01, 2025, 09:23:28 PM
On the day of the draw we knew who we were playing, it was the next day that we knew times due to security induced changes.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on June 01, 2025, 10:56:53 PM
Is it true that we've been fucked into Pot 2 so we're not a top seed?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 01, 2025, 11:00:03 PM
We don't know yet. There will be nine top seeds. Five teams that are definitely in the League Stage are ranked above us. If fewer than four more teams that are seeded above us end up in the League Stage, either by progressing from the Europa League Qualifiers or dropping from the Champions League Qualifiers, we will be top seeds. If four or more better-ranked teams qualify, we will be among the second seeds. Not that it really matters. We still play two teams from each seeding pot, anyway.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on June 01, 2025, 11:05:45 PM
Yep we were in pot 4 in the Champs League and it didn’t seem to do us much harm.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on June 02, 2025, 07:37:56 AM
All seeding is in the current competition is a method of sorting. You are no more likely to get a harder draw in any of the pots. Also, any "projected seedings" are bullshit at this stage. Nearly 2/3rds of our potential opponents aren't known yet so they're just guessing.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on June 02, 2025, 08:27:05 AM
For anyone who wants to check, we are 45th at the moment.
https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/uefarankings/club/?year=2025

Of the teams above us, most are guaranteed CL or aren't in Europe at all. Some will be dropping in qualifiers.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: algy on June 02, 2025, 12:03:18 PM
All seeding is in the current competition is a method of sorting. You are no more likely to get a harder draw in any of the pots. Also, any "projected seedings" are bullshit at this stage. Nearly 2/3rds of our potential opponents aren't known yet so they're just guessing.
Yeah, you're getting 2 clubs from each of the brackets anyway so there's no disadvantage to being seeded lower.  I can't think of a way you could game having an artificially higher/lower seeding either, really - it's as likely to work against you as it is to go in your favour.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: chrisw1 on June 02, 2025, 02:11:05 PM
I think the Europa League is a decent tournament and a proper trophy if we manage to win it.

Gutted we didn't make the CL, but hopefully the players will see it as an opportunity.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Toronto Villa on June 02, 2025, 08:58:19 PM
It gives us two paths into the CL also. Shit as it is to miss out next season we can get back into it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ChicagoLion on June 03, 2025, 05:36:54 AM
It will feel like after the Lord Mayors show.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Rigadon on June 03, 2025, 06:41:38 AM
It will feel like after the Lord Mayors show.

It depends how we do in the domestic league to some extent.  Had spurs finished 3rd or 4th and won the europa it would be one of their best ever seasons. 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ChicagoLion on June 03, 2025, 07:48:56 AM
It will feel like after the Lord Mayors show.

It depends how we do in the domestic league to some extent.  Had spurs finished 3rd or 4th and won the europa it would be one of their best ever seasons.
The respective league positions of the finalists significantly undermines the prestige of this competition.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dorsetvillian on June 03, 2025, 07:52:32 AM
Apart from the loss of CL revenue, I'm looking forward to the Europa League because we have a good chance of winning it. We need to win a cup and then move forward, hopefully using that experience in the Champions League. 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on June 03, 2025, 08:13:09 AM
It will feel like after the Lord Mayors show.

It depends how we do in the domestic league to some extent.  Had spurs finished 3rd or 4th and won the europa it would be one of their best ever seasons.
The respective league positions of the finalists significantly undermines the prestige of this competition.

Does it really matter where they are in the league? They qualified by their league position but once you’re in it, you’re in it. I think people are conflating their distaste for all things Man U and Spuds with distaste for the secondary UEFA competition which is on a par with the FA Cup which was won by Crystal Sodding Palace who finished <checks notes> 12th.

I just don’t get the sniffy attitude of so many on here to European Qualification. It should be the bare minimum we accept for a club of our size.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on June 03, 2025, 08:16:02 AM
1 final, 2 semi finals, 5 quarter finals. 1 trophy. Not a record that speaks to a snobbish attitude to Europe.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on June 03, 2025, 08:25:44 AM
1 final, 2 semi finals, 5 quarter finals. 1 trophy. Not a record that speaks to a snobbish attitude to Europe.

I agree that it’s pretty meagre fare Ads but since Emery arrived there’s been a distinct undercurrent on here of “we can’t be doing with this Europe nonsense”, “it’s a distraction we don’t need”, “focus on something else” etc etc. if we’re aiming to be the club we want us to be then qualifying for Europe each season is one of the benchmarks I’d put on us achieving each season.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on June 03, 2025, 08:56:16 AM
The only thing that bothers me is we were one of the favourites for the Conference League, even more so after West Ham won it and it’ll be the same in next seasons Europa especially with our managers record. Can we live up to the expectations?!

I’d obviously rather be in the biggie but I’m quite looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Drummond on June 03, 2025, 08:56:27 AM
It will feel like after the Lord Mayors show.

It depends how we do in the domestic league to some extent.  Had spurs finished 3rd or 4th and won the europa it would be one of their best ever seasons.
The respective league positions of the finalists significantly undermines the prestige of this competition.

You're right, the European Cup was a pointless trophy when we entered it. Forest only finished 7th in the league when they won it. And 12th the season after.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on June 03, 2025, 10:33:10 AM
Here's a question, would you accept a season like Spurs had just had?  I.e. win the Europa League but finish 17th?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 03, 2025, 10:33:32 AM
Yep. I wonder if Unai would still be here for the final if we did, though.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on June 03, 2025, 10:36:29 AM
The only thing that bothers me is we were one of the favourites for the Conference League, even more so after West Ham won it and it’ll be the same in next seasons Europa especially with our managers record. Can we live up to the expectations?!

I’d obviously rather be in the biggie but I’m quite looking forward to it.

I suspect if we had concentrated on one competition (Conference) at the expense of the league, we would have won it. But as we had the opportunity of 3rd/ 4th and a solid try at the league win up until Jan, the expenditure of energy cost us in Europe and almost in the league as well.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on June 03, 2025, 10:36:37 AM
Here's a question, would you accept a season like Spurs had just had?  I.e. win the Europa League but finish 17th?

Yes.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on June 03, 2025, 10:53:04 AM
Here's a question, would you accept a season like Spurs had just had?  I.e. win the Europa League but finish 17th?

No, the league form would have too much of an impact on Unai and 'the project'.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 03, 2025, 11:05:59 AM
No agreed - 17th would be utterly unacceptable, and it should be for Spurs.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdward on June 03, 2025, 11:11:29 AM
Financially, qualifying for and playing in the CL is regarded as a more successful season than winning the Europa.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: The Edge on June 03, 2025, 11:34:02 AM
Financially, qualifying for and playing in the CL is regarded as a more successful season than winning the Europa.
Fair point but you don't get a trophy for finances. If we could win the Europa Cup it would be massive. It would smash that glass ceiling that seems to be affecting our players and hopefully push us on to the next level. Winning breeds winners.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PaulWinch again on June 03, 2025, 11:38:37 AM
I don’t think it does if you completely fail in the league at the same time. If you perform well in the league AND win the Europa league then absolutely.

Also, can you imagine how awful the feeling around the club would be if we were getting turned over every week? Spurs got lucky they were the least bad team, but it’s not a model to follow.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: The Edge on June 03, 2025, 11:57:22 AM
I don’t think it does if you completely fail in the league at the same time. If you perform well in the league AND win the Europa league then absolutely.

Also, can you imagine how awful the feeling around the club would be if we were getting turned over every week? Spurs got lucky they were the least bad team, but it’s not a model to follow.
Spurs is not a model to follow and that's not what I'm saying. Pushing for top 4 is where we expect to be now. Winning a cup be it Europa or otherwise would hopefully be a catalyst for further success.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dante Lavelli on June 03, 2025, 12:01:44 PM
Here's a question, would you accept a season like Spurs had just had?  I.e. win the Europa League but finish 17th?

Usually I’d put a trophy above finishing 4th, however “the journey” must’ve been horrid with 80% of weekends ruined.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: baddowvillans on June 03, 2025, 01:11:20 PM
Same as this season. Finish top 8, bypass last 32 and see who's left when we come into the last 16 in the March.

We can't be deriding Man. United/Spurs and then claiming this competition is beyond us with endless amazing teams.

Got to be looking to win this.

If someone streetwise could knock out Palace before we get to the last 16 then that would be ideal!

Please God/Allah/Brahma/Zeus/Baal/Ahura Mazda/Ra/Jove/Huitzilopochtli and all the lads, let someone (preferably foreign and not in the Europa League) sign Eze and Sarr this summer so we might actually have a chance against the bastards.

And Mateta, just to be safe.

Maybe we could sign Mateta?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ChicagoLion on June 03, 2025, 01:56:48 PM
It will feel like after the Lord Mayors show.

It depends how we do in the domestic league to some extent.  Had spurs finished 3rd or 4th and won the europa it would be one of their best ever seasons.
The respective league positions of the finalists significantly undermines the prestige of this competition.

You're right, the European Cup was a pointless trophy when we entered it. Forest only finished 7th in the league when they won it. And 12th the season after.
Fantastic comparison, spot on.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Drummond on June 03, 2025, 02:17:58 PM
It will feel like after the Lord Mayors show.

It depends how we do in the domestic league to some extent.  Had spurs finished 3rd or 4th and won the europa it would be one of their best ever seasons.
The respective league positions of the finalists significantly undermines the prestige of this competition.

You're right, the European Cup was a pointless trophy when we entered it. Forest only finished 7th in the league when they won it. And 12th the season after.
Fantastic comparison, spot on.

Thanks, though it was your point that really did all the work.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: JUAN PABLO on June 04, 2025, 03:10:27 PM
Two words.
Crystal Palace. .

might  be kicked out of Europa yet ?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Mellin on June 04, 2025, 09:31:23 PM
No. Not worth the misery and league form is a reflection of where you are.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Jon Crofts on June 04, 2025, 10:36:21 PM
Two words.
Crystal Palace. .

might  be kicked out of Europa yet ?

Should be expelled from the Premier League, Football League and UEFA just for the fact they have a twat with a drum.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on June 04, 2025, 11:01:17 PM
Here's a question, would you accept a season like Spurs had just had?  I.e. win the Europa League but finish 17th?

Usually I’d put a trophy above finishing 4th, however “the journey” must’ve been horrid with 80% of weekends ruined.

My thoughts too. Although Spurs fans seem to be pretty happy about things at the moment.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: robleflaneur on June 05, 2025, 10:59:19 PM
EUFA have rejected Crystal Palace's owners plans to put their shares into a 'blind' trust,don't ask,as they missed the deadline. One owner owns shares in Lyon also in the Europa League,.Lyon's league position was higher than Palace's,so it's Palace who have to miss out.
They can't be relegated to the Conference as the other owner holds shares in Brondby.


Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 05, 2025, 11:09:00 PM
It is starting to sound like they might actually be banned from Europe. Does seem a bit daft that you have to do the blind trust thing two months before most teams know if they're in Europe.

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/jun/05/crystal-palace-europe-place-uefa-rejects-owners-blind-trust-move
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: robleflaneur on June 05, 2025, 11:41:20 PM
Their owners have been stupid.Having shares in Lyon and Brondby who are no strangers to European football and Palace finished last season strongly.So a top 7 finish or a League Cup win not outlandish.
A FA Cup win somewhat remote as teams in the CL like Villa take it more serious,oh...
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 05, 2025, 11:55:06 PM
Maybe, it's a shame for their supporters though. Even more so if it means Brighton qualify, bit of a kick in the teeth.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on June 06, 2025, 12:02:47 AM
Maguire dismissed this possibility out of hand on his podcast, which I listened to yesterday (don’t know when it came out).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Matt C on June 06, 2025, 12:31:21 AM
They’ll be fine and UEFA will help them navigate it. We had similar issues lest we forget.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 06, 2025, 12:32:00 AM
We had more time to deal with the issues.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 17, 2025, 09:51:28 AM
Draw for the First Qualifying Round made today at 1400. There is also the draw for the First Qualifying Round of the Champions League at 1300... doesn't affect us yet, but from the Second Qualifying round onwards the losers will drop straight into the Europa League (either into the qualifying rounds or straight into the group stage, depending on the round of elimination).

Preliminary Europa League pairings here...

https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3lrrv75fs2p2a

Champions League pairings here...

https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3lrrv5npp5p2y

Hopefully Legia get twatted.

Draws for all the Second Qualifying Rounds are tomorrow.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 17, 2025, 02:08:49 PM
Shelbourne vs Linfield in Champions League Qualifier, so one of them will enter the Europa League (assuming they don't make it all the way to the CL League stage).

https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3lrshzdebsd24
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on June 17, 2025, 02:10:20 PM
You’re having a typo nightmare cd!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 17, 2025, 02:25:49 PM
I even went back and amended it to a different wrong spelling!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 17, 2025, 02:41:49 PM
There's the Europa League First Qualifying Round:

https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3lrsl3sorx72v

Back tomorrow with even more fun!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Demitri_C on June 17, 2025, 06:51:28 PM
AEK larnaca please 😃
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on June 17, 2025, 08:16:23 PM
I had a look and by my reckoning one team from this round got through to the league stage last season so someone would have to have a good run to make it. Hopefully Legia Bellends get knocked out nice and early.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on June 17, 2025, 08:32:07 PM
Maguire dismissed this possibility out of hand on his podcast, which I listened to yesterday (don’t know when it came out).

Kieron's gone to shit during the same time that his big-head cousin Harry has fought back from the brink. Families, eh?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Small Rodent on June 17, 2025, 09:03:35 PM
I want Legia through or Poznan for a Polish visit.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Demitri_C on June 18, 2025, 07:38:08 AM
I want Legia through or Poznan for a Polish visit.

Polands a wonderful  place bud just ashame about the football fans. I would wantvto avoid legia at all costs aftee what happened a few seasons  ago. There is bad blood with their  fans
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 18, 2025, 01:44:30 PM
Here's the Second Qualifying Round draw for the Europa League. Winners from this round go into the Third Qualifying Round which is the penultimate set of qualifying ties before we enter in the League Stage.

https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3lruuy62klq25

Here's the Second Qualifying Round of the Champions League, split into two sections. The losers from this round will drop into the Third Qualifying Round of the Europa League. Winners will still drop into the Europa League if they lose in either of the remaining Champions League qualifying rounds.

https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3lrusg6clcx2v

https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3lrushncnpy25
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on June 18, 2025, 05:44:08 PM
Winners in the Champions path could still end up in Conference League if they lose CL 3QR and EL playoff round.

Winners of the main path drop straight into league stage from CL 3QR.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: algy on June 18, 2025, 06:48:31 PM
Winners in the Champions path could still end up in Conference League if they lose CL 3QR and EL playoff round.

Winners of the main path drop straight into league stage from CL 3QR.
That’s yer hope for the likes of TNS, win the first round qualifier for the Champions League and then you only have to win 1 more game to qualify for the Conference League and bank a load of money from that. Guess the same would be true for the Irish sides
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 18, 2025, 06:56:27 PM
Yeah, I think The New Saints and Shamrock Rovers both played in all three competitions last season.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on June 18, 2025, 07:07:44 PM
Yeah, I think The New Saints and Shamrock Rovers both played in all three competitions last season.

Shelbourne should beat Linfield and have a chance to do the same.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on June 18, 2025, 07:43:44 PM
Qarabag (Azerbaijan) in 2QR if they get through.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on June 18, 2025, 09:01:05 PM
I worry Damien Duff wil do something silly at Windsor Park, like stick a tricolour flag in the centre-circle.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: johnc on June 20, 2025, 06:31:43 AM
EUFA have rejected Crystal Palace's owners plans to put their shares into a 'blind' trust,don't ask,as they missed the deadline. One owner owns shares in Lyon also in the Europa League,.Lyon's league position was higher than Palace's,so it's Palace who have to miss out.
They can't be relegated to the Conference as the other owner holds shares in Brondby.
Drogheda have been kicked out of the Conference League due to multi club ownership rules. Will cost them at least €500K which is big money for LOI clubs
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ChicagoLion on June 20, 2025, 08:04:13 AM
I worry Damien Duff wil do something silly at Windsor Park, like stick a tricolour flag up his arse.
Ftfy
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on June 30, 2025, 10:34:15 AM
Palace decision delayed again.

Edit: Awaiting Lyon appeal on relegation.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rob_bridge on June 30, 2025, 01:27:28 PM
Palace decision delayed again.

Edit: Awaiting Lyon appeal on relegation.

I missed this - what happens if they get expelled. Does another English team take their place?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on June 30, 2025, 01:47:06 PM
Forest would move up from Conference League to Europa League, Brighton would take Forest's Conference League spot. Just as well Forest didn't get a late goal on the final day of the season or we wouldn't know which competition we were in and would be getting very pissed off with these delays.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Demitri_C on June 30, 2025, 06:46:01 PM
If i was a betting man i think palace will be allowed  to stay in europa
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 01, 2025, 01:30:36 PM
You would have thought that it would have been announced that they were fine no matter what happens with Lyon. But it still seems to be hanging on that decision. Maybe they want an easier justification in case of others complaining (Drogheda?) so if Lyon lose their position, Palace are in, no lawsuits. If Lyon win and they still allow Palace in, they have to justify the difference being as plans needed to be in place by 1st March.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 09, 2025, 03:13:01 PM
Lyon have been reinstated to Ligue One so a decision on Palace should be this week.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 10, 2025, 02:01:20 PM
Top 2 in the leagues have constant home second legs all the way to the Semi final in the new rules. Not sure what happens if, like this year, Liverpool get knocked out by a lower team placed team in the R16. I'm assuming PSG would still be playing all the second legs away.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: exigo on July 10, 2025, 09:21:31 PM
The lower placed team takes the second leg home advantage, if they beat one of the top group finishers
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 10, 2025, 11:56:05 PM
So PSG would have still been home 2nd leg of the semi (and against us) if the rules were in place last season. Just pointing out because it was one of the moans Arse had "Mwah, we finished third and should have had home advantage as they finished 15th. We also beat them anyway because of XG".
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Karlos96 on July 11, 2025, 04:25:04 PM
Well we don’t have to worry about Palace they’ve been demoted to the conference league.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Matt C on July 11, 2025, 04:26:15 PM
Palace demoted. Europa League - it’s on.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Toronto Villa on July 11, 2025, 04:31:18 PM
And Forest selling their best players also won’t help. Of course I’ve jinxed us now and Emi, Kamara, Ollie and Konsa will be sold this week.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 11, 2025, 04:51:20 PM
Oh great so Palace game will be moved... again. To a shitey Sunday, that's even worse than a Friday game.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: London Villan on July 11, 2025, 04:57:17 PM
How come it will be moved?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 11, 2025, 04:58:54 PM
They'll have a Conference League Play-Off game the day before. International week afterwards so assuming it can't be on the Monday so will almost certainly be on Sunday. Boooo.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on July 11, 2025, 04:59:37 PM
Palace demoted. Europa League - it’s on.

Oh that's a shame. Not to worry. Nevermind.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DB on July 11, 2025, 05:04:26 PM
Joking aside, Palace fans don't deserve that....will they appeal?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Rudy Can't Fail on July 11, 2025, 05:05:47 PM
There's nothing wrong with the Conference League - just ask West Ham.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Drummond on July 11, 2025, 05:06:35 PM
I was just about to book train and hotel for that Friday night! FFS
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Mister E on July 11, 2025, 05:06:57 PM
Joking aside, Palace fans don't deserve that....will they appeal?
Yes.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brend'Watkins on July 11, 2025, 05:12:24 PM
The reporter on Sky is apoplectic in his reporting of the demotion, embarrassing himself greatly in the process. Talking like a fan, “ would this happen to Real Madrid etc. suck it up Palace, you’ve had enough time to get your shit in place.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 11, 2025, 05:16:28 PM
They haven't really. They changed the rules at the end of February to be effective 1st March. By all means change the rules but give teams some time to comply with them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Hookeysmith on July 11, 2025, 05:18:06 PM
If i have read it correctly it was down to the owners having shares in both teams? So why did they not dump / sell shares like we did in the Portuguese team?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 11, 2025, 05:19:32 PM
If i have read it correctly it was down to the owners having shares in both teams? So why did they not dump / sell shares like we did in the Portuguese team?
I think they tried but didn’t pull it off in time .
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: colin69 on July 11, 2025, 05:23:29 PM
You have to feel sorry for the Palace fans,players and manager etc.
Not as if they are queuing up to play in Europe every year.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on July 11, 2025, 05:47:00 PM
You have to feel sorry for the Palace fans,players and manager etc.
Not as if they are queuing up to play in Europe every year.

I get that but the demotion will probably see them as favourites for the trophy, just as every English club is.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 11, 2025, 06:01:01 PM
If i have read it correctly it was down to the owners having shares in both teams? So why did they not dump / sell shares like we did in the Portuguese team?

They have, but haven't satisfied UEFA that they don't having ruling interest in each. I think.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Rigadon on July 11, 2025, 06:29:43 PM
You have to feel sorry for the Palace fans,players and manager etc.
Not as if they are queuing up to play in Europe every year.

I get that but the demotion will probably see them as favourites for the trophy, just as every English club is.

I am sorry, but given recent history, while not revelling in this news, I am less than gutted for them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: LeeB on July 11, 2025, 06:31:39 PM
You have to feel sorry for the Palace fans,players and manager etc.
Not as if they are queuing up to play in Europe every year.

I get that but the demotion will probably see them as favourites for the trophy, just as every English club is.

I am sorry, but given recent history, while not revelling in this news, I am less than gutted for them.

Just messaged my brother in law "Don't worry, we'll win it for you"
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Rigadon on July 11, 2025, 06:32:19 PM
You have to feel sorry for the Palace fans,players and manager etc.
Not as if they are queuing up to play in Europe every year.

I get that but the demotion will probably see them as favourites for the trophy, just as every English club is.

I am sorry, but given recent history, while not revelling in this news, I am less than gutted for them.

Just messaged my brother in law "Don't worry, we'll win it for you"

Haha - nice work. 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on July 11, 2025, 06:41:38 PM
You have to feel sorry for the Palace fans,players and manager etc.
Not as if they are queuing up to play in Europe every year.

I get that but the demotion will probably see them as favourites for the trophy, just as every English club is.

I am sorry, but given recent history, while not revelling in this news, I am less than gutted for them.

Oh I agree but from their point of view, every cloud…
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on July 11, 2025, 07:14:56 PM
Fuck 'em, just for the drums and the ground being in Narnia.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 11, 2025, 07:15:03 PM
They haven't promoted Forest to Europa have they? Thought they might have.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: john2710 on July 11, 2025, 10:35:13 PM
They haven't promoted Forest to Europa have they? Thought they might have.
It's all pending an appeal by Palace.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: mrfuse on July 12, 2025, 09:34:22 AM
Crystal Palace was required to place its shares in a blind trust. However, the club did not do so before the deadline, as it did not believe its association with the Eagle Group constituted a case of multi-club ownership. This was based on the assessment that John Textor did not exert significant influence over Palace’s strategic decisions.

In contrast, RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg are legally independent entities with separate ownership structures. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Girona were initially flagged for multi-club ownership concerns, but they restructured their holdings to comply with UEFA guidelines. This involved transferring ownership stakes into a blind trust, which is now overseen by UEFA’s financial control body.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: IFWaters on July 12, 2025, 11:39:34 AM
Crystal Palace was required to place its shares in a blind trust. However, the club did not do so before the deadline, as it did not believe its association with the Eagle Group constituted a case of multi-club ownership. This was based on the assessment that John Textor did not exert significant influence over Palace’s strategic decisions.

In contrast, RB Leipzig and RB Salzburg are legally independent entities with separate ownership structures. Meanwhile, Manchester City and Girona were initially flagged for multi-club ownership concerns, but they restructured their holdings to comply with UEFA guidelines. This involved transferring ownership stakes into a blind trust, which is now overseen by UEFA’s financial control body.
I'm amazed that Manchester City weren't caught in the same way. I'm glad the rules have been applied to them and everyone else in a completely fair and consistent manner.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 12, 2025, 09:41:20 PM
Deadline dates changed between last season and this season for one. But they did put the shares in a blind trust where it seems Palace refused to. I suspect at the deadline, and whilst still being in the cup, UEFA qualification was far from guaranteed.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 12, 2025, 09:47:04 PM
Palace missed the deadline for putting shares in a blind trust. Because the date was brought forward to start of March, but the change was only announced two days before the end of February. Something like that, anyway.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 12, 2025, 10:09:02 PM
The deadline changes might be their defence but they also seem to be using the "we didn't need to because although Eagle Holdings own a greater amount then UEFA would accept, they have no say in the club." They could always have put a blind trust plan in place back at the deadline just in case of the 1-in 15 chance they had to win the cup at that point. Then they enact the plans if required. But from the outside, they didn't put any plans in place until after they won the cup.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 12, 2025, 10:12:55 PM
Maybe. But you make a big rule change, give people more than a couple of days to read the new rule and act accordingly.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: WassallVillain on July 12, 2025, 10:21:45 PM
I thought it was a structural issue with the eagle holdings which meant that utilising the blind trust process was not possible.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris Smith on July 13, 2025, 11:58:43 AM
Does anyone know when we will know the dates for our home fixtures?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on July 13, 2025, 11:59:39 AM
I think the draw is on the 29th of August.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris Smith on July 13, 2025, 12:09:13 PM
I think the draw is on the 29th of August.

Cheers.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 17, 2025, 10:46:39 PM
Winners of first Europa qualifers.

Legia Warszawa
Shakhtar Donetsk
Häcken
CFR Cluj
Celje
Levski Sofia
Sheriff
Not sure what is happening between Partizan and AEL Larnaca as BEEB as 1-1 FT and nothing about pens.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on July 17, 2025, 11:07:30 PM
AEK Larnaca won 6-5 on pens.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 17, 2025, 11:11:48 PM
Must have been a very late finish.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on July 17, 2025, 11:27:41 PM
Yep particularly with the punch up after the last penalty, 4 sent off and 1 booked.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on July 17, 2025, 11:30:04 PM
Does anyone know when we will know the dates for our home fixtures?
These are the general fixture dates:
(https://i.ibb.co/2Y8J58sC/IMG-4665.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2Y8J58sC)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on July 17, 2025, 11:35:28 PM
Does anyone know when we will know the dates for our home fixtures?
These are the general fixture dates:
(https://i.ibb.co/2Y8J58sC/IMG-4665.jpg) (https://ibb.co/2Y8J58sC)

The draw is on the 29 August and once we know our 8 opponents the H/A and KO times are usually confirmed that night or the day after.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on July 18, 2025, 07:33:34 AM
On to our old friends Banik Ostrava to knock out our old enemies Legia Warsaw
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Exeter 77 on July 18, 2025, 07:48:16 AM
Winners of first Europa qualifers.

Legia Warszawa
Shakhtar Donetsk
Häcken
CFR Cluj
Celje
Levski Sofia
Sheriff
Not sure what is happening between Partizan and AEL Larnaca as BEEB as 1-1 FT and nothing about pens.
What I saw showed two players from each side being sent off after 137 minutes so I have no idea what happened.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Lsvilla on July 20, 2025, 12:56:10 PM
On to our old friends Banik Ostrava to knock out our old enemies Legia Warsaw
Was looking earlier at who Warsaw had next and when I spotted that came out in a cold sweat. Had forgotten about their existence.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: adrenachrome on July 22, 2025, 04:09:37 PM
Palace have submitted an appeal to UEFA against their demotion. Whoda funk it?

Decision expected by the 11th of August.

Three ring bullshit circus sideshow.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: fredm on July 22, 2025, 05:11:45 PM
Do people think that Unai will really go for this competition and if necessary drop off the Premier League?  By winning this we would get Champions League next season by only having fewer important games than League games. He could keep the top players fully available to win this and get us back to where they want to be.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: itbrvilla on July 22, 2025, 05:24:58 PM
Do people think that Unai will really go for this competition and if necessary drop off the Premier League?  By winning this we would get Champions League next season by only having fewer important games than League games. He could keep the top players fully available to win this and get us back to where they want to be.
We still need to aim for top 6. Although I can't see it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: VinnieChase84 on July 22, 2025, 05:45:19 PM
Palace have submitted an appeal to UEFA against their demotion. Whoda funk it?

Decision expected by the 11th of August.

Three ring bullshit circus sideshow.

Which will then have an impact on our game v palace. Cause if they are In Europa conf then the newly moved Friday night game end of August will have to move again as they would have a conf game the day before
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on July 22, 2025, 06:02:16 PM
Do people think that Unai will really go for this competition and if necessary drop off the Premier League?  By winning this we would get Champions League next season by only having fewer important games than League games. He could keep the top players fully available to win this and get us back to where they want to be.
We still need to aim for top 6. Although I can't see it.

We'll definitely be aiming for top 6. You only focus on Europa when you're in the quarter/semi finals and it's almost impossible to qualify through your league position.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: nigel on July 23, 2025, 08:27:32 AM
Palace have submitted an appeal to UEFA against their demotion. Whoda funk it?

Decision expected by the 11th of August.

Three ring bullshit circus sideshow.

Which will then have an impact on our game v palace. Cause if they are In Europa conf then the newly moved Friday night game end of August will have to move again as they would have a conf game the day before

They’d still manage to turn us over 😂
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: LeeS on July 26, 2025, 07:41:14 AM
Just reading that each time we play on a Sunday it will be televised and each time we will get nearly a million pounds in TV money. That’s nice compensation for the faff of Thursday-Sunday each week.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Drummond on July 26, 2025, 08:45:27 AM
Just reading that each time we play on a Sunday it will be televised and each time we will get nearly a million pounds in TV money. That’s nice compensation for the faff of Thursday-Sunday each week.

And yet we pay more for the privilege of the disruption. It stinks.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ChicagoLion on July 26, 2025, 03:44:29 PM
Just reading that each time we play on a Sunday it will be televised and each time we will get nearly a million pounds in TV money. That’s nice compensation for the faff of Thursday-Sunday each week.
Yes, it makes me feel lots better.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 26, 2025, 03:52:21 PM
After this weeks 1st leg matches, it looks like Hamrun, RFS, Zerinjski, Breiðablik, Brann and Shlebourne are dropping to Europa. Might be Panathinaikos as well. In Europa qualifying, only Utrecht and Shaktar Donetsk seem to be through to the next round.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on July 26, 2025, 07:47:16 PM
I'd look forward to seeing Max from Villa On Tour's vlog of an away leg in Donetsk.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on July 26, 2025, 08:45:53 PM
I'd look forward to seeing Max from Villa On Tour's vlog of an away leg in Donetsk.

Don't they play their "home" games at Schalke? (Sorry to be boring)

Though they seem to be on tour for their qualifiers as they've been at home in Ljubljana and Krakow so far.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 26, 2025, 09:16:13 PM
I'd look forward to seeing Max from Villa On Tour's vlog of an away leg in Donetsk.
I saw him in Kidderminster.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: N'ZMAV on July 26, 2025, 09:17:07 PM
Do people think that Unai will really go for this competition and if necessary drop off the Premier League?  By winning this we would get Champions League next season by only having fewer important games than League games. He could keep the top players fully available to win this and get us back to where they want to be.
yes because this gives us a second way into the Champions League.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on July 26, 2025, 09:30:44 PM
I'd look forward to seeing Max from Villa On Tour's vlog of an away leg in Donetsk.
I saw him in Kidderminster.

He’ll be well prepared for Donetsk then.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on July 26, 2025, 09:32:22 PM
I'd look forward to seeing Max from Villa On Tour's vlog of an away leg in Donetsk.
I saw him in Kidderminster.

One of them was at the Villa sale earlier.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: VillaTim on July 26, 2025, 09:34:20 PM
Do people think that Unai will really go for this competition and if necessary drop off the Premier League?  By winning this we would get Champions League next season by only having fewer important games than League games. He could keep the top players fully available to win this and get us back to where they want to be.
Risky strategy but a good concept and idea. We won't be competing top 5 this season based on whats happened so far this window.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Demitri_C on July 26, 2025, 09:44:36 PM
Do people think that Unai will really go for this competition and if necessary drop off the Premier League?  By winning this we would get Champions League next season by only having fewer important games than League games. He could keep the top players fully available to win this and get us back to where they want to be.

As it stands we have to as i dont believe the team is strong enough and has enough goals in it to finish top 5
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eye digress on July 27, 2025, 09:03:21 PM
Maybe. But you make a big rule change, give people more than a couple of days to read the new rule and act accordingly.
Can't have been that opaque - Forest twigged on and sorted themselves out. More likely that Palace didn't really think they'd qualify, in my view, and so did ot act.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 27, 2025, 10:02:17 PM
Regardless, there is no real need to introduce a rule change and only let people know a couple of days in advance.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on July 29, 2025, 10:06:53 PM
Our old pals Zrinjski drop into Europa League third qualifying round
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 29, 2025, 10:22:05 PM
So has Red Imps, KuPS and Hanrun.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Demitri_C on July 30, 2025, 07:40:42 AM
Our old pals Zrinjski drop into Europa League third qualifying round
I would be ok playjng them. We made hard work of it but they are not good at all
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: darren woolley on July 30, 2025, 12:03:52 PM
Be good to draw Roma and Porto at Villa Park two massive names in European football for big European nights.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on July 30, 2025, 12:20:54 PM
Be good to draw Roma and Porto at Villa Park two massive names in European football for big European nights.

I’m going for one of those away Darren. Actually they’re both in Pot 1 so we can’t have both at home in the League stage anyway.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 30, 2025, 12:22:35 PM
I'd like us to have played all the European Cup Winners in competitive games as that seems the sort of thing a "big club" should do. We only managed to add Celtic last year, and then PSG added themselves after our season was over.

So, list as below (haven't included English clubs as they're too easy):

GOT

Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Celtic, Hamburg, Inter Milan, Juventus, PSG, Steaua Bucharest

NEED

Benfica**, Borussia Dortmund, Feyenoord**, Marseille, Milan, Porto*, PSV, Real Madrid, Red Star Belgrade**

* team in Europa League Group Stage
** team in Champions League qualifying rounds, could drop into Europa League
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bosco81 on July 30, 2025, 12:28:19 PM
I'd like us to have played all the European Cup Winners in competitive games as that seems the sort of thing a "big club" should do. We only managed to add Celtic last year, and then PSG added themselves after our season was over.

So, list as below (haven't included English clubs as they're too easy):

GOT

Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Celtic, Hamburg, Inter Milan, Juventus, PSG, Steaua Bucharest

NEED

Benfica**, Borussia Dortmund, Feyenoord**, Marseille, Milan, Porto*, PSV, Real Madrid, Red Star Belgrade**

* team in Europa League Group Stage
** team in Champions League qualifying rounds, could drop into Europa League
I like that one, is there any in the need column we’ve not even played in a friendly, I don’t remember us playing Real before and possibly not Red Star.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 30, 2025, 12:43:15 PM
We have played Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Feyenoord and Porto in friendlies, and play Marseille next month.

I can't find any reference to us ever having played Milan, PSV, Real Madrid or Red Star.

Our kids played PSV in the NextGen Series.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bosco81 on July 30, 2025, 01:58:23 PM
We have played Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Feyenoord and Porto in friendlies, and play Marseille next month.

I can't any reference to us ever having played Milan, PSV, Real Madrid or Red Star.

Our kids played PSV in the NextGen Series.
Surprised we haven’t played Milan somewhere down the line, we would have played Real in the mighty Peace Cup final but they lost to Juventus in the semis, before we smashed Juve on pens in the final
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on July 30, 2025, 02:10:57 PM
Alessandro Del Piero still sees Brad Guzan in his nightmares.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on July 30, 2025, 06:17:45 PM
Thought that said "on his Instagram" first!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on July 30, 2025, 06:31:10 PM
One of the funniest pens ever
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on July 30, 2025, 06:49:52 PM
I don't think there'll be another WTAF penalty like Ollie's against Celtic. Fortunately it didn't matter in the end.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on July 30, 2025, 06:51:53 PM
Yeah, I didn't laugh at that one
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on July 30, 2025, 09:19:07 PM
Further teams joining us (depending on Europa Qualifier rounds).

Shelbourne
Rigas FS
FCSB
Rijeka
Noah
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Panathanoikas
Breidablik
Brann

And one of Servette and Viktoria Plzen.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on July 30, 2025, 10:18:46 PM
Servette dropped into Europa qualifiers this round.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Drummond on August 01, 2025, 11:27:49 AM
Yeah, I didn't laugh at that one

I got a video of that in the Lower Holte. As he scuffs/falls/misses a bloke nearby does the weirdest little squeal.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 01, 2025, 11:31:20 AM
Still in Europa

AEK Larnaca
Häcken
Cluj
Shaktar Donetsk
Utrecht
Midtjylland
Legia
Sporting Braga
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 01, 2025, 11:40:44 AM
Next Round

Europa Matches (winning team stays in Europa)

Red Imps v Noah
Fredrikstad v Midtjylland
AEK Larnaca v Legia
Häcken v Brann
Cluj v Braga
PAOK v Wolfsberger
Zrinjski v Breiðablik
Panathanoikas v Shaktar
FCSB v Drita
Servette v Utrecht

Champs League (loser drops to Europa)
Malmö v Copenhagen
Dynamo Kiev v Pafos
Shkëndija v Qarabağ
Ranger v Viktoria Plzeň
Kairat Almatyv Bratislava
Salzburg v Brugge
Ludogrets v Ferencváros
Lech Poznań v Crvena Zvezda
Nice v Benfica
Feyenoord v Fenerbahçe
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 01, 2025, 11:44:31 AM
It'd be interesting* to see Big Jhon back if it falls that way.

*Interesting = I would not like it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DeKuip on August 01, 2025, 02:21:43 PM
Next Round

Europa Matches (winning team stays in Europa)

Red Imps v Noah
Fredrikstad v Midtjylland
AEK Larnaca v Legia
Häcken v Brann
Cluj v Braga
PAOK v Wolfsberger
Zrinjski v Breiðablik
Panathanoikas v Shaktar
FCSB v Drita
Servette v Utrecht

Champs League (loser drops to Europa)
Malmö v Copenhagen
Dynamo Kiev v Pafos
Shkëndija v Qarabağ
Ranger v Viktoria Plzeň
Kairat Almatyv Bratislava
Salzburg v Brugge
Ludogrets v Ferencváros
Lech Poznań v Crvena Zvezda
Nice v Benfica
Feyenoord v Fenerbahçe

You’ve missed a few Europa League ties there.

Hamrun Spartans v Maccabi Tel Aviv
Rijeka v Shelbourne
RFS v Kups
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 01, 2025, 02:40:26 PM
Thanks. I was looking at only Thursday as not expecting any the same days as the Champs.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Lsvilla on August 04, 2025, 12:04:43 PM
Play off draw on TNT now for anyone pissed off about the cricket.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 04, 2025, 12:06:49 PM
Play off draw on TNT now for anyone pissed off about the cricket.

I have massive football withdrawal so I’m here for it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 04, 2025, 12:20:17 PM
Play off draw on TNT now for anyone pissed off about the cricket.

I don’t think that’s going to help mate. 5 bastard runs.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 07, 2025, 09:24:25 AM
Not many to call after the first leg of the Champs League although we are on course for both Nice and Fenerbache to drop. Viktoria Plzeň and Lech Poznań probably down to Europa so far.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 07, 2025, 09:28:56 AM
Not many to call after the first leg of the Champs League although we are on course for both Nice and Fenerbache to drop. Viktoria Plzeň and Lech Poznań probably down to Europa so far.

Yep can’t see Benfica fucking up their section of the draw. Looks like we’ll be top of Pot 2 unless something unlikely happens like Rangers getting in the CL.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 07, 2025, 09:34:03 AM
Although pots don't matter much anymore, it would be nice to see our name at the topend.

A good run in the Europa could see us up in the top 15 or so of the club list.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 07, 2025, 12:47:24 PM
Yep one more year of a good European run and we’ll be comfortably in the top 30 possibly top 20 ranking. It’s important for so many reasons.

On reflection you’re right on the pots, ultimately we can draw anyone except Forest/Palace.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 07, 2025, 12:52:07 PM
Not many to call after the first leg of the Champs League although we are on course for both Nice and Fenerbache to drop. Viktoria Plzeň and Lech Poznań probably down to Europa so far.



Nice would be the best away location ever.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: trinityoap on August 07, 2025, 01:11:33 PM
It would be nice to be able make use of my suite at the Negresco.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 07, 2025, 08:57:01 PM
In Europa looks like we won't be seeing loads of Polish backs.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 07, 2025, 10:21:51 PM
Apparently Palace's appeal is being heard tomorrow with the decision on Monday. The Standard seems to be listing their case (https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/how-crystal-palace-plan-to-win-cas-fight-europa-league-uefa-b1241716.html) but if that is it, I think they are fucked. The only argument seems to be that other clubs have done blind trusts in the past and we didn't. Then moaning that they delayed the decision because of Lyon maybe not being in the competition, you know the other team that was in dual ownership.

Someone in the comments mentioned that it was up to UEFA to tell Palace they needed to do something and if there is no correspondance between them talking about this in March or April, then that is UEFA's failing and not the clubs.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: VillaTim on August 07, 2025, 10:24:55 PM
Any mention of Palace is starting to set off the PTSD . We need to bury this monkey off the back this season , they'll become the new Boro .
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 08, 2025, 05:58:50 AM
In Europa looks like we won't be seeing loads of Polish backs.

Could be 4 Polish teams in the Conference League though.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Mister E on August 08, 2025, 07:43:11 AM
Any mention of Palace is starting to set off the PTSD . We need to bury this monkey off the back this season , they'll become the new Boro .
We had a good record against Middlesboro (if that you're referring to).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 08, 2025, 08:38:38 AM
Middlesbrough more or less the complete opposite to Palace, for us. We tended to always win there while they had a pretty decent record at Villa Park.

Last eight meetings at Villa:
Villa 1 win, 4 draws, Boro 3 wins

Last eight meetings at Boro:
Villa 7 wins, 1 draw, Boro 0 wins
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 08, 2025, 09:21:54 AM
Didn't we have a poor record at Middlesbrough in the Ayresome Park days?

With Peter Withe lying and saying he always won there, to help instill some confidence in our players.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 08, 2025, 09:25:16 AM
We had a bad run against them, home and away, prior to the penultimate game of the 1980/81 season when we twatted them 3-0. One draw and six defeats from the previous seven meetings.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aev on August 11, 2025, 11:32:16 AM
Palace lose appeal so we won't lose to them in Europe.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2025, 11:33:21 AM
Villa could probably have waited a day before sending out the email boasting about the return of Friday night football to Villa Park.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 11, 2025, 11:38:53 AM
Not much of a surprise after reading the supposed Palace defence the other day. It seemed to comprise of "because Palace didn't send any emails between Glassner and Textor in April about the ownership, UEFA were culpable." And "You allowed clubs to have blind trusts previously so not fair on us".
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pete3206 on August 11, 2025, 11:42:16 AM
Assuming Palace is now Sunday at stupid O'clock.?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: martin o`who?? on August 11, 2025, 01:35:08 PM
Palace lose appeal so we won't lose to them in Europe.
Well we might as well have completed the set as we've lost to them in everything else.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 11, 2025, 02:21:13 PM
Palace lose appeal so we won't lose to them in Europe.

They might as well give us the trophy now.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 11, 2025, 03:00:23 PM
There is a slim chance we could be playing Forest three times in 8 days if we both get through and are drawn in the quarter finals. Even slimmer that we play them 4 times in 13 days as well with FA Cup quarters being around then.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aev on August 11, 2025, 03:20:52 PM
Forest must have spent a fortune over the past few years (cant be bothered to check)?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 11, 2025, 03:27:27 PM
There is a slim chance we could be playing Forest three times in 8 days if we both get through and are drawn in the quarter finals. Even slimmer that we play them 4 times in 13 days as well with FA Cup quarters being around then.

League Cup Final is around then, too.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 11, 2025, 03:34:40 PM
A good few weeks beforehand on 22nd March so never bothered including it.

FA Cup Quarters is Weekend 4th April. UEFA Qtr 1st Leg is 9th, League match Weekend 11th, UEFA 2nd Leg 16th. (FA Cup Semis are weekend 25th).

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 11, 2025, 03:55:31 PM
It's agreed then 🤝,  we will play Forest 5 times.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 12, 2025, 10:22:13 PM
Feyenoord
Viktoria Plzen
Nice
RB Salzburg

Confirmed in league stage
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 12, 2025, 10:28:18 PM
Feyenoord give us a chance to add to the number of former champions we've played in competitive games. Hopefully Benfica and Red Star lose in the final Champions League qualifying round and drop into the Europa League, too.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 13, 2025, 09:34:02 AM
The losers of Rangers/Brugge and Fenerbache/Benfica will be dropping into the league phases as well (along with 5 others but not many shocks expected so smaller names).

Also into the Europa playoff round so far is: (Four joined and Rijeka qualified on Tuesday, rest CL losers).

Aberdeen, Genk, Samsunspor, Sigma Olomouc, Rijeka, Malmo, Slovan Bratislava, Lech Poznan, Ludogrets, Dynamo Kyiv, Shkëndija
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 14, 2025, 03:00:50 PM
Proposed A List below. Now we have let JJ go we can only do a max of 21 names. Kosta, Garcia and Barkley are some names who could be removed to make space for others. (edit: I think Bogarde is still B list qualification due to age but would fit into the home grown on A if he doesn't).

Martinez
Bizot

Matty Cash
Kosta Nedeljkovic
Ezri Konsa
Pau Torres
Garcia
Tyrone Mings
Ian Maatsen
Lucas Digne

Boubacar Kamara
Ross Barkley
John McGinn
Youri Tielemans
Buendia
Amadou Onana
Guessand

Morgan Rogers
Leon Bailey
Malen
Ollie Watkins
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 14, 2025, 10:15:43 PM
We will be in pot 2 as we are already 8th and one of Rangers/Brugge is dropping down and they are currently above us. Not that pots matter now but it would be nice to be at the top.

Quick list of names through and select few who could drop.

Pot A
Roma
Porto
Feynoord
Lille
Dinamo Zagreb
Real Betis
Salzburg
(Benfica maybe)
Rangers/Brugge if no Benfica

Pot B
Rangers/Brugge if Benfica loses, otherwise Fenebache.
Us
Lyon
Viktoria Plzen

B or C
SC Freiburg
Forest (we can't draw these).

C or D
Nice
Bologna
Celta Vigo
Stuttgart
Go Ahead Eagles
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on August 14, 2025, 10:29:54 PM
Proposed A List below. Now we have let JJ go we can only do a max of 21 names. Kosta, Garcia and Barkley are some names who could be removed to make space for others. (edit: I think Bogarde is still B list qualification due to age but would fit into the home grown on A if he doesn't).

Martinez
Bizot

Matty Cash
Kosta Nedeljkovic
Ezri Konsa
Pau Torres
Garcia
Tyrone Mings
Ian Maatsen
Lucas Digne

Boubacar Kamara
Ross Barkley
John McGinn
Youri Tielemans
Buendia
Amadou Onana
Guessand

Morgan Rogers
Leon Bailey
Malen
Ollie Watkins

That squad looks...a bit shit written down, doesn't it? Hard to be optimistic about the new season when we've at best stood still this summer while rivals have strengthened especially Yanited and Spurs. Plus the latter finally have a decent manager, the Scandinavian ski and sex instructor.

Oh and Kosta doesn't play for us no more.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 14, 2025, 10:42:26 PM
Apart from Duran and now Ramsey, it is pretty much the same squad that got us top 8 in the CL and top half in Jan when we could strengthen. Obviously Duran missing will remove some of the goals we had that helped that, but we also add Malen and Guessand who are both unknown quantities.

As for that list, I copied it from last years and just made some changes. I did check Kosta but missed he had been loaned again but knew he would be replaced. 

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on August 15, 2025, 09:24:02 AM
Yeah, hope you're right. Just feels a bit flat at the moment.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Garyth on August 15, 2025, 09:47:00 AM
Proposed A List below. Now we have let JJ go we can only do a max of 21 names. Kosta, Garcia and Barkley are some names who could be removed to make space for others. (edit: I think Bogarde is still B list qualification due to age but would fit into the home grown on A if he doesn't).
[....]

Who are the B-list players that might conceivably get game time?

Last season we had front-line players backing up from premier league games, getting minutes in latter part of games. Ideally, since it's a lower level we might use Hemming, Rowe, Jimoh-Aloba etc and give more rest to the remainder of the squad. Obviously it would depend on game state, but an advantage of being in Europa League is that we probably aren't forced to field our best players every mid-week.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: john e on August 15, 2025, 10:13:41 AM
Apart from the league this is the most important competition this season
Obviously a long awaited Trophy and access into the champions league both massive for the club
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rougegorge on August 15, 2025, 04:08:29 PM
With the final play-off rounds to come, as it stands, we could just get into Pot 1 but as Somniloquism has pointed out there are quite a few ifs and buts yet...e.g. if Fenerbahce beat Benfica in CL qualifying, we will go to Pot 2.

Clubs in Bold are definitely in the Europa League, the rest are projected.

Pot 1
Roma
Porto
Rangers
Feyenoord
Lille
Dinamo Zagreb
Real Betis
Salzburg
Aston Villa

Pot 2
Fenerbahce.
Braga
Lyon
PAOK Salonika
Viktoria Plzen
Maccabi Tel Aviv
Slovan Bratislava
Basel
Midtjylland

Pot 3
Qarabag
Freiburg
Ludogorets
Nottingham Forest
Sturm Graz
FCSB
Nice
Bologna
Celta Vigo


Pot 4
Stuttgart
Panathinaikos
Malmo
Go Ahead Eagles
Utrecht
Genk
Pafos
AEK Larnaca
Kairat Almaty

The alternatives for those clubs above which have not yet definitely qualified are:
Losers from Champions League Play-Off round

Bodo Glimt (Sturm Graz)
Ferencvaros (Qarabag)
Celtic (Kairat)
Club Brugge (Rangers)
Copenhagen (Basel)
Red Star Belgrade (Pafos)
Fenerbahce (Benfica)

Winners from Europa League Play-Off Round

Young Boys (Slovan Bratislava)
Samsunspor (Panathinaikos)
Lech Poznan (Genk)
Aberdeen (FCSB)
Sigma Olomouc (Malmo)
Shkendija (Ludogorets)
Dynamo Kyiv (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
Rijeka (PAOK)
Brann Bergen (AEK Larnaca)
Lincoln Red Imps (Braga)
KuPS (Midtjylland)
Zrinjski (Utrecht)

Of course, it's quite likely some of those teams will either lose their CL play-off, or win their Europa League play-off and then the make up of the Pots will change.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 15, 2025, 04:39:04 PM
With the final play-off rounds to come, as it stands, we could just get into Pot 1 but as Somniloquism has pointed out there are quite a few ifs and buts yet...e.g. if Fenerbahce beat Benfica in CL qualifying, we will go to Pot 2.


Last night on the Wiki they stated 8 teams per pot and us moved to Pot 2 only. Now seems to have been changed and reverted back to a flux 1/2. schrodinger's Villa.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 16, 2025, 10:13:03 AM
Is it me or does the Europa League look “stronger” this year than last year? I realise these things are somewhat subjective but I’m pretty sure last seasons comp looked weaker.

It’s a bit like our Conf League season, that was far stronger than anything Chelsea faced last season.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 16, 2025, 10:31:11 AM
Conf league was stronger our year as the Europa 3rd placed teams dropped as well (plus we didn't have the luxury of a squad to finish 4th in the league and a whole other squad for Conference, if we had, we wouldn't have tired).

Looking at the Europa though, mostly the same teams or comparable to last season so about the same so far.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 16, 2025, 04:08:02 PM
Conf league was stronger our year as the Europa 3rd placed teams dropped as well (plus we didn't have the luxury of a squad to finish 4th in the league and a whole other squad for Conference, if we had, we wouldn't have tired).

Looking at the Europa though, mostly the same teams or comparable to last season so about the same so far.

Thanks Som. yep I’d forgotten we still had the 3rd place dropouts when we were in the Conf.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 19, 2025, 10:34:29 PM
1-3 home defeat makes it look likely the fascists will drop into Europa.

Ferencvaros could too.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 20, 2025, 01:11:45 AM
1-3 home defeat makes it look likely the fascists will drop into Europa.

Ferencvaros could too.

Blimey, I hope we don’t get them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2025, 07:05:26 AM
Not only would it be horrible playing those 'Ban the Boat' knobheads, but we can't even tick off a new team played (knocked them out of the FA Cup in 1887).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 20, 2025, 07:40:33 AM
Just like for a time we were "Steven Gerrard's Aston Villa", it's important to give them their full name of "Robbie Keane's Ferencvaros"
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DeKuip on August 20, 2025, 09:07:01 AM
With the final play-off rounds to come, as it stands, we could just get into Pot 1 but as Somniloquism has pointed out there are quite a few ifs and buts yet...e.g. if Fenerbahce beat Benfica in CL qualifying, we will go to Pot 2.


Last night on the Wiki they stated 8 teams per pot and us moved to Pot 2 only. Now seems to have been changed and reverted back to a flux 1/2. schrodinger's Villa.

It doesn’t make any difference really which pot we’re in as we still draw two teams from each pot. If one of the stronger teams goes into a lower pot then in theory that only affects and makes it harder for the teams that draw them.

Almaty would be a fantastic draw for those who could afford the time and money to go but one to avoid for the players. I was hoping for a reason to go to Baku but Qarabag looked decent against a poor Ferencvaros team I thought last night, and should go through in the Champions League now.
We come back to home games after 6 of the 8 group games which should be better for the players but fingers crossed that won’t lead to a drop off in home form.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 20, 2025, 10:12:18 AM

It doesn’t make any difference really which pot we’re in as we still draw two teams from each pot.


I mentioned before that whilst it doesn't "matter" with the draws anymore, seeing us on the list of the teams in pot one is still nice.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: N'ZMAV on August 20, 2025, 10:16:54 AM
It’s a bit like our Conf League season, that was far stronger than anything Chelsea faced last season.
Agreed, Chelsea won the cup by default - majority of the teams in the competition last season were teams made up by JK Rowling
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 20, 2025, 06:43:02 PM
Really want Benfica to drop into the Europa League, they'd be a dream opponent.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 20, 2025, 06:57:46 PM
Really want Benfica to drop into the Europa League, they'd be a dream opponent.

Just can’t see them losing to Fenerbache.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 20, 2025, 07:09:20 PM
Our mad bastard starts. Anything is possible.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 20, 2025, 07:16:36 PM
1-3 home defeat makes it look likely the fascists will drop into Europa.

Ferencvaros could too.

Blimey, I hope we don’t get them.

It wouldn't surprise me if we did, feels a little inevitable. Question is, do we want them home or away?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 20, 2025, 07:21:47 PM
Going on pure probablilty, there is slightly less chance of us drawing them because unlike last year we have two more teams we could draw with Forest being the only team we can't.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 21, 2025, 12:13:22 AM
1-3 home defeat makes it look likely the fascists will drop into Europa.

Ferencvaros could too.

Blimey, I hope we don’t get them.

It wouldn't surprise me if we did, feels a little inevitable. Question is, do we want them home or away?

Away, definitely. I wouldn’t take the kids with those animals roaming around. Plus, I wouldn’t want to be with the kids with those animals roaming around. 😉
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on August 25, 2025, 09:32:46 PM
UEFA has confirmed that the Europa League league phase draw will take place at midday (12:00 CEST) on Friday, 29 August, in Monaco.

Seedings, groupings, and the full draw procedure will be available on the UEFA website from 07:30 on the morning of the draw.

https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/029c-1e83ef984d46-0ff1e8ddd6f2-1000--uefa-club-competition-league-phase-draws-to-take-place-in-m/
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Lsvilla on August 25, 2025, 09:40:05 PM
UEFA has confirmed that the Europa League league phase draw will take place at midday (12:00 CEST) on Friday, 29 August, in Monaco.

Seedings, groupings, and the full draw procedure will be available on the UEFA website from 07:30 on the morning of the draw.

https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/029c-1e83ef984d46-0ff1e8ddd6f2-1000--uefa-club-competition-league-phase-draws-to-take-place-in-m/
12.00 BST isn't it ?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 25, 2025, 10:06:16 PM
1300 CET so 1200 BST. That's a combined "show" for Conference League and Europa League, though, so will likely be a while before we find out our opponents.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on August 25, 2025, 10:13:26 PM
They always draw it out, we should know our opponents by teatime all going well.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 25, 2025, 10:13:49 PM
Europa should be first, but they might always have it as the main event and force people to watch Conference first.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 25, 2025, 10:29:21 PM
I read something the other day that they “may” do a one button draw (apparently we have the technology) which does the whole draw in one go rather than going through team by team like last year. But it’s UEFA suits so who the fuck knows.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: darren woolley on August 26, 2025, 08:27:50 AM
I'm looking forward to the draw to see who we get.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: andyh on August 26, 2025, 08:34:22 AM
I read something the other day that they “may” do a one button draw (apparently we have the technology) which does the whole draw in one go rather than going through team by team like last year. But it’s UEFA suits so who the fuck knows.
Hope they have found a way of making a few Euros out of it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 26, 2025, 08:43:12 AM
It is a one button draw, if they tried to draw them by hand it would take over a day or something. The team by team thing is just how they reveal it to the public. I imagine it will be the same format as last season. It's a pity i'm in the office.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 26, 2025, 08:49:01 AM
Will they fuck about with the dates after the draw at all? I’ll need to book the nights off.

I don’t think they did with either conference or CL.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: andyh on August 26, 2025, 08:59:37 AM
I think the dates are set. The only variable is when we are home or away
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 26, 2025, 09:02:46 AM
We won't know the dates of fixtures until the weekend. They were released on the Saturday last season.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 26, 2025, 09:07:42 AM
They were released on the Saturday for Conference too.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 26, 2025, 09:11:36 AM
I think the dates are set. The only variable is when we are home or away

The dates aren't set as one of the weeks is spread across two days. There is also the chance of games being moved to Tuesday/Wednesday in order to prevent too many teams from one city/region playing at home on the same day.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 26, 2025, 09:20:23 AM
I think the dates are set. The only variable is when we are home or away

The dates aren't set as one of the weeks is spread across two days. There is also the chance of games being moved to Tuesday/Wednesday in order to prevent too many teams from one city/region playing at home on the same day.

Bloody hell.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 26, 2025, 09:32:35 AM
Villa home games should be fine, mate, except for that one week where there are two possible dates.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 26, 2025, 09:36:04 AM
Once they're announced on Saturday they're set in stone as far as I'm aware.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 26, 2025, 09:51:06 AM
Yep. Saturday at the latest I think.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 26, 2025, 10:31:20 AM
Glad we're not playing on Saturday to make fancying around with flights easier.

I hope we're at home that first game in September.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Lsvilla on August 26, 2025, 10:34:05 AM
Glad we're not playing on Saturday to make fancying around with flights easier.

I hope we're at home that first game in September.
Preferably away for me - somewhere warm - Porto or Benfica.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 26, 2025, 10:51:19 AM
I'm missing the first two Europa matchdays as I'm away in the US so entirely selfishly I'm hoping we're away in Kazakhstan and at home to a bunch of part time Norwegians.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Richard on August 26, 2025, 11:05:39 AM
We won't know the dates of fixtures until the weekend. They were released on the Saturday last season.

By Sunday 31st at the latest according to the official UEFA site.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 26, 2025, 12:29:34 PM
From the UEFA Europa League app:

So what’s different in the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League draws?

Not the software: it is the same already in use. Thanks to its flexibility, the system can either draw opponents to all teams one after the other – as in the UEFA Champions League – or draw all pairings instantly with a single press of the button. The latter will be the case for UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.

What will happen then?

One event, two draws: The UEFA Europa League draw will be followed by the UEFA Conference League draw, both taking place within the same ceremony.
Digital draw system: No physical balls are used on stage. The draw button is pressed once at the beginning of both draws, thus activating the random selection of opponents, including who plays at home and who plays away.
Reveal: After the software has conducted the full draw, the pairings and who plays each fixture home or away will be released progressively, pot after pot, starting with Pot 1, thus maintaining suspense and clarity for viewers.

When will the match calendar be known?

The teams will know all their opponents by the end of the draws, however the fixture lists with match dates and kick-off times will be elaborated afterwards and communicated by Sunday 31 August at the latest.


Hope that clarifies.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris Smith on August 26, 2025, 12:33:34 PM
Glad we're not playing on Saturday to make fancying around with flights easier.

I hope we're at home that first game in September.

I hope we’re away, my Wedding Anniversary is 25th.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Villa in Denmark on August 26, 2025, 02:59:42 PM
Home game on 6th November please. I'm in Brum anyway that week. Looking at stopping over for the Bournemouth game too.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 26, 2025, 04:38:01 PM
Glad we're not playing on Saturday to make fancying around with flights easier.

I hope we're at home that first game in September.

I hope we’re away, my Wedding Anniversary is 25th.

Fancy getting married in the football season Chris! I ruled that out immediately.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 26, 2025, 11:32:54 PM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Nii Lamptey on August 26, 2025, 11:42:05 PM
Young Boys away was on my wedding anniversary last season (*of course I went!).

Last 16 tie (if we get that far) is bang on the missus’ birthday this season….. don’t think I’ll pull that one off. 🫤
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 27, 2025, 07:15:11 AM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.

Be nice to tick off another European Cup finalist in Red Star.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Nunkin1965 on August 27, 2025, 07:32:02 AM
Glad we're not playing on Saturday to make fancying around with flights easier.

I hope we're at home that first game in September.

I hope we’re away, my Wedding Anniversary is 25th.

Fancy getting married in the football season Chris! I ruled that out immediately.
October 26th 1991 was my wedding day. Think we beat Wimbledon 2-1.
One of the only handful of home games ive missed since.
Definitely terrible planning on my part.
Amazingly still married!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: sid1964 on August 27, 2025, 08:07:37 AM
I got married 1998 and the next day was either Middlesbrough or Bolton at home (can’t remember which) but I was there - Dwight had just signed for United
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 27, 2025, 08:13:28 AM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
All located in shitholes where I don’t want to go😟
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris Smith on August 27, 2025, 08:18:22 AM
Glad we're not playing on Saturday to make fancying around with flights easier.

I hope we're at home that first game in September.

I hope we’re away, my Wedding Anniversary is 25th.

Fancy getting married in the football season Chris! I ruled that out immediately.

Ha ha, it was the day we won at Manu in 2021. I knew we’d won by the cheer at the reception when Kortney scored.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 27, 2025, 08:49:41 AM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
All located in shitholes where I don’t want to go😟

Belgrade, are you sure?!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 27, 2025, 08:51:56 AM
Graz is nice too
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 27, 2025, 08:56:59 AM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
All located in shitholes where I don’t want to go😟

Belgrade, are you sure?!

Belgrade is said to be choc full of beautiful women.

It is what my Dad would refer to, in his 1950s slang, as 'a wanker's paradise' 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 27, 2025, 09:06:22 AM
I haven't been, but I've only heard good things.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 27, 2025, 09:10:11 AM
I was going to state I hope a couple of English teams get Celtics conquerors away because that is a 8 hour flight each way, but I suspect most would just send their reserves.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 27, 2025, 09:13:43 AM
I don't think teams can afford to risk sending their reserves in the current format unless it is at least the seventh game and they're pretty sure they will finish top 8/9th-24th/outside the top 24. In the Champions League, at least. More flexibility in the other competitions.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 27, 2025, 09:16:49 AM
Anyway, I think we are top seeds if Benfica defeat Fenerbahçe so the latter drop into the Europa League. Second seeds if Fenerbahçe win. Hoping to add to our former European Cup Winners' collection, though, so would like Benfica to lose. Give us Benfica, Porto and Red Star (though we would only be able to draw at most two of them in the league stage).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: TheTimVilla on August 27, 2025, 09:25:40 AM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
All located in shitholes where I don’t want to go😟

Belgrade, are you sure?!

Belgrade is relatively cheap but ensure you pay by card unless you have Serbian currency in your possession.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 27, 2025, 09:27:20 AM
Why only two? Belgrade is in pot 2 already and Benfica and Porto are both in pot 1 so two from each pot means we could have all three in theory.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 27, 2025, 09:29:46 AM
Current map of qualifiers. Belgrade is currently the furthest. (Can't link directly as it is a blank map with extra coding so doesn't transfer well)


(https://i.ibb.co/9HgJrrYz/image.png) (https://ibb.co/9HgJrrYz)


Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 27, 2025, 09:35:47 AM
Why only two? Belgrade is in pot 2 already and Benfica and Porto are both in pot 1 so two from each pot means we could have all three in theory.

Apologies, context. Hope for all three then.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 27, 2025, 09:53:59 AM
A strong chance Maccabi Tel Aviv will qualify. I think they play their European games in Serbia. Of the countries left who could appear in the Europa, Azerbaijan is the furthest although Qarabağ are currently leading in their CL tie.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 27, 2025, 09:56:38 AM
Why only two? Belgrade is in pot 2 already and Benfica and Porto are both in pot 1 so two from each pot means we could have all three in theory.

Apologies, context. Hope for all three then.

You usually catch the things I do miss so I was wondering if there was a rule, or you meant playing all three either at home or away.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on August 27, 2025, 10:05:57 AM
Can we ask Roma not to play Leon Bailey against us?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 27, 2025, 10:09:17 AM
We can ask. They'll say no.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: LeeB on August 27, 2025, 10:10:25 AM
Can we ask Roma not to play Leon Bailey against us?

If its the Leon of last season, we've probably got a clause in that he has to play if fit.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rougegorge on August 27, 2025, 10:47:11 AM
Assuming Qarabag qualify for the Champions League (as they are 3-1 up), if Samsunspor overturn their one goal deficit against Panathinaikos, I think that would be the furthest possible trip. Samsun is on the Black Sea, but about 450 miles from Istanbul.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 27, 2025, 10:55:34 AM
Assuming Qarabag qualify for the Champions League (as they are 3-1 up), if Samsunspor overturn their one goal deficit against Panathinaikos, I think that would be the furthest possible trip. Samsun is on the Black Sea, but about 450 miles from Istanbul.

Also re Qarabag, would be nice to get to play a team with a name that sounds like a band which was low on the bill for the Sabbath farewell gig.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Nunkin1965 on August 27, 2025, 11:13:17 AM
Glad we're not playing on Saturday to make fancying around with flights easier.

I hope we're at home that first game in September.

I hope we’re away, my Wedding Anniversary is 25th.

Fancy getting married in the football season Chris! I ruled that out immediately.
October 26th 1991 was my wedding day. Think we beat Wimbledon 2-1.
One of the only handful of home games I've missed since.
Definitely terrible planning on my part.
Amazingly still married!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 27, 2025, 11:45:50 AM
Can we ask Roma not to play Leon Bailey against us?

If its the Leon of last season, we've probably got a clause in that he has to play if fit.

He’s out for 3 months
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: brontebilly on August 27, 2025, 12:08:57 PM
A strong chance Maccabi Tel Aviv will qualify. I think they play their European games in Serbia. Of the countries left who could appear in the Europa, Azerbaijan is the furthest although Qarabağ are currently leading in their CL tie.

It's disgusting that any Israeli team is in the competition to start with.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 27, 2025, 12:17:28 PM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
All located in shitholes where I don’t want to go😟

Belgrade, are you sure?!

Belgrade is said to be choc full of beautiful women.

Tel Aviv doesn't look too shabby either, and I've heard it has beautiful beaches.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 27, 2025, 12:19:02 PM
We wouldn't be playing in Tel Aviv. I'd rather avoid them all together as I could see a potential Villa Park game being played behind closed doors.

I believe this is the only time an Israeli team has played in the UK since the invasion of Gaza:

https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scottish-fa-statement-scotland-v-israel/
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 27, 2025, 01:03:27 PM
Quote
Aston Villa is pleased to announce a 20% discount on UEFA Europa League ticket packages for Season Ticket Holders and members.

As we embark on a third successive season in European competition, the club would like to reward the loyalty of supporters who wish to attend all four league phase matches and, once again, be a part of those unique European nights that have graced Villa Park over the past two years.

When purchasing a four-match bundle, Season Ticket holders will receive 20% off the previously announced Season Ticket Holder price. Members will receive 20% off the previously announced general admission price, while GA Plus members will also receive a discounted rate or 20% off the GA Plus general admission price.

Seasonal hospitality members who purchase additional European matches on a game-by-game basis will receive a 20% discount when buying all four Europa League home fixtures. Further information specific to hospitality members will be shared ahead of tickets going on sale.

Francesco Calvo, President of Business Operations, who met the newly-formed Fan Advisory Board for the first time last night and shared details of the offer, said: “We are proud to play European competitions but at the same time we are aware of how much it costs supporters to passionately support their team, so we wanted to reward the loyalty of those who are planning on attending all four games.

“I’m sure everyone is excited for the draw on Friday afternoon. I’m well aware of how special the atmosphere is at Villa Park on European nights and we are looking forward to what is hopefully another exciting European campaign for the club."
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 27, 2025, 01:04:44 PM
I don’t think there’s any doubt that would be behind closed doors. As bronte says above I’m amazed Israel and its clubs haven’t been temporarily suspended from all competitions.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 27, 2025, 01:10:29 PM
Yep, ridiculous. What they're doing is even worse than what Russia are doing in Ukraine.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 27, 2025, 01:18:06 PM
UEFA saw one UEFA aligned country invade another UEFA aligned country and acted (reluctantly and also with potential political pressure from European countries at the time.)

As Palestine isn't even a recognised country by most of the world, and definitely not UEFA aligned, along with less political pressure from the countries comprising UEFA, they have set a precendent that war crimes is allowed by a member, as long as it is not UEFA aligned country.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: 144 Hard Boiled Eggs on August 27, 2025, 02:10:38 PM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
All located in shitholes where I don’t want to go😟
Glasgow's great mate, I'll give you the tour if we're drawn there! Graz is a great place too.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rjp on August 27, 2025, 02:19:54 PM
Plzeň away please :praying emoji:
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 27, 2025, 06:03:21 PM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
All located in shitholes where I don’t want to go😟
Glasgow's great mate, I'll give you the tour if we're drawn there! Graz is a great place too.
Cheers fella and I know you will. I have some family living around Paisley Road West so been there and a night in Sauciehall street to remember.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 27, 2025, 06:06:16 PM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
All located in shitholes where I don’t want to go😟

Belgrade, are you sure?!
Went there once and it wasn’t pleasant but prepared to have another go if you come as well😊
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Villa in Denmark on August 27, 2025, 08:22:43 PM
Glad we're not playing on Saturday to make fancying around with flights easier.

I hope we're at home that first game in September.

I hope we’re away, my Wedding Anniversary is 25th.

Fancy getting married in the football season Chris! I ruled that out immediately.
October 26th 1991 was my wedding day. Think we beat Wimbledon 2-1.
One of the only handful of home games I've missed since.
Definitely terrible planning on my part.
Amazingly still married!
My wedding anniversary is Rotterdam day, so no excuses for forgetting. 😁
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 27, 2025, 08:32:57 PM
I noticed Qarabağ almost threw it away, but Budapest (Ferencváros) added as another potential away destination.

And two shots at travelling to Glasgow.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pat McMahon on August 27, 2025, 08:44:24 PM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
All located in shitholes where I don’t want to go😟

Belgrade, are you sure?!

Belgrade is said to be choc full of beautiful women.

It is what my Dad would refer to, in his 1950s slang, as 'a wanker's paradise'

I was there 40 years ago and thought it was pretty drab but a Yugoslavian tourist would have said the same about Brum back then.

Through Bulgarian mates I know a couple of Serbs and apparently it’s a great city now. Unless you’re a visiting football fan, in which case it is somewhat dicey.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 27, 2025, 10:52:03 PM
Celtic, Red Star Belgrade and Sturm Graz drop to Europa.
All located in shitholes where I don’t want to go😟

Belgrade, are you sure?!

Belgrade is said to be choc full of beautiful women.

It is what my Dad would refer to, in his 1950s slang, as 'a wanker's paradise'

I was there 40 years ago and thought it was pretty drab but a Yugoslavian tourist would have said the same about Brum back then.

Through Bulgarian mates I know a couple of Serbs and apparently it’s a great city now. Unless you’re a visiting football fan, in which case it is somewhat dicey.

There are quite a few outsource software dev companies in Serbia working in the gambling industry.

We worked with one a few years ago. We were working on one of the first live sports betting applications.

Part of it was providing live scoreboards for events in a range of sports, one of which was cricket.

Imagine trying to explain the rules of the various formats of cricket to a bunch of Serbs, especially when the data format supplied was monumentally shit.

In the end, it was so difficult, the bookie just ditched cricket from their live offering.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 27, 2025, 10:56:04 PM
Different stadium in Istanbul and Basel both in the mix
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 28, 2025, 09:02:03 AM
So with Benfica winning does that put us in pot 1?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 28, 2025, 09:05:09 AM
I think so.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 28, 2025, 09:34:39 AM
Wiki has us confirmed in Pot 1

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025%E2%80%9326_UEFA_Europa_League

Fenerbache the current furthest to travel to is in pot 2.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 28, 2025, 09:36:16 AM
It does, there’s no one who can win tonight and qualify for the Group Stage which would put us in Pot 2.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 28, 2025, 10:03:43 AM
If anyone's interested, here's (I think) the current list of players we can inevitably look forward to scoring against us / saving a penalty:

Leon Bailey (Roma)
Jan Bednarek (Porto)
Diego Carlos (Fenerbahçe)
Jhon Duran (Fenerbahçe)
Viljami Sinisalo (Celtic)
Douglas Luiz (Nottingham Forest)
Morgan Sanson (Nice)
Robin Olsen (Malmö, still TBC but pretty nailed on)

Feels like John Mellberg at RB Salzburg will also pop up for narrative reasons.

Various "are they still even playing football?" types who could trigger "oh, I remember him" thoughts include Xherdan Shaqiri, Marko Arnautovic, Mateij Vydra, Olivier Giroud, Marcos Alonso, João Moutinho, Pontus Jansson, Dejan Lovren and Isco.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 28, 2025, 10:18:13 AM
Good research, mate. Wouldn't be amazed to see our most recent former manager back at Ibrox before too long, either.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 28, 2025, 10:22:20 AM
Just a reminder:League phase   
Matchday 1   24–25 September 2025
Matchday 2   2 October 2025
Matchday 3   23 October 2025
Matchday 4   6 November 2025
Matchday 5   27 November 2025
Matchday 6   11 December 2025
Matchday 7   22 January 2026
Matchday 8   29 January 2026
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 28, 2025, 10:27:20 AM
Pot 1

(9) Italy Roma CC: 104.500
(18) Portugal Porto CC: 79.750
(25) Scotland Rangers CC: 71.750
(26) Netherlands Feyenoord CC: 71.000
(31) France Lille CC: 66.000
(38) Croatia Dinamo Zagreb CC: 56.000
(40) Spain Real Betis CC: 52.250
(44) Austria Red Bull Salzburg CC: 48.000
(46) England Aston Villa CC: 47.250

Pot 2

(47) Turkey Fenerbahçe CC: 47.250
(50) Serbia Red Star Belgrade CC: 44.000
(51) France Lyon CC: 43.750
(56) Czech Republic Viktoria Plzeň CC: 39.250
(57) Hungary Ferencváros CC: 39.000
(59) Scotland Celtic CC: 38.000

Pot 2/3

(66) Switzerland Basel CC: 33.000
(74) Germany SC Freiburg CC: 28.000

Pot 3

(new) England Nottingham Forest CC: 23.039
(81) Austria Sturm Graz CC: 23.000
(87) France Nice CC: 20.000

Pot 3/4

(89) Italy Bologna CC: 19.446
(new) Spain Celta Vigo CC: 18.890
(102) Germany VfB Stuttgart CC: 17.226
(123) Netherlands Go Ahead Eagles CC: 13.430

Pot 4

(189) Norway Brann CC: 7.937
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2025, 10:37:27 AM
So we could actually get Forest then?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 28, 2025, 10:41:31 AM
So we could actually get Forest then?

It certainly possible that we could end up playing them at some point in the competition between September and May.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Olneythelonely on August 28, 2025, 10:44:24 AM
So we could actually get Forest then?

Not in the group stage. Unless they’ve changed that rule.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 28, 2025, 10:46:23 AM
Just guessing at travel to some of the less known places. Correct me if I am wrong:
Viktoria Plzeň CC >> Prague
Freiburg CC >> Hamburg or Bremen
Celta Vigo >> Porto? Nearest Spanish airport?
Go Ahead Eagles >> Amsterdam
Brann >> Bergen or ??
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 28, 2025, 10:48:12 AM
Just guessing at travel to some of the less known places. Correct me if I am wrong:

Real Betis >> Cadiz or Malaga
 



Surely Seville?! Cadiz doesn't have an airport (Jerez does, but it's tiny).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 28, 2025, 10:58:39 AM
Yes, ofcourse, it's Seville. Ta
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Mister E on August 28, 2025, 11:10:03 AM
Freiburg CC >> Hamburg or Bremen
Basel, Stuttgart or Zurich are closest
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on August 28, 2025, 11:19:31 AM
¡EuroCelta de nuevo por favor!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 28, 2025, 11:43:29 AM
Freiburg CC >> Hamburg or Bremen
Basel, Stuttgart or Zurich are closest
haha, yes. I shouldn't have reached for Freiburg, a suburb in Hamburg.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rjp on August 28, 2025, 11:59:06 AM
Viktoria Plzeň CC >> Prague

Yes.  It'll take about an hour to an hour and a half.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rougegorge on August 28, 2025, 03:30:11 PM
Just guessing at travel to some of the less known places. Correct me if I am wrong:
Viktoria Plzeň CC >> Prague
Freiburg CC >> Hamburg or Bremen
Celta Vigo >> Porto? Nearest Spanish airport?
Go Ahead Eagles >> Amsterdam
Brann >> Bergen or ??
Airport in Vigo served by Ryanair but not every day. Santiago de Compostela has daily Ryanair flights - about an hour's drive to Vigo.

A few other possibles:
Braga are a cert - >>Porto
Genk are a cert - >> Eindhoven, Brussels
Midtjylland a cert - >> Aarhus
Ludogorets probable - >> Varna
Utrecht probable - >> Amsterdam
Malmo very likely - >> Copenhagen
FCSB likely - >> Bucharest
If Samsunspor get through - that is more of a challenge via Istanbul
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 28, 2025, 03:50:02 PM
So we could actually get Forest then?

Not in the group stage. Unless they’ve changed that rule.

I don't think they have entirely. I think they have mentioned countries with five or six teams in the same competition could be matched in the League stages but not for us in Europa. In the champs league 3 English teams are in pot 1 (along with two from Spain, two German, France and Italy), so if they do have to have an all English league tie it might be between them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rougegorge on August 28, 2025, 09:33:25 PM
So this is how the pots should look for the draw.

Pot 1

Roma
Porto
Rangers
Feyenoord
Lille
Dinamo Zagreb
Real Betis
Salzburg
Aston Villa

Pot 2

Fenerbahce
Braga
Red Star Belgrade
Lyon
PAOK Salonika
Viktoria Plzen
Ferencvaros
Celtic
Maccabi Tel Aviv

Pot 3

Young Boys
Basel
Midtjylland
Freiburg
Ludogorets
Nottingham Forest
Sturm Graz
FCSB
Nice

Pot 4

Bologna
Celta Vigo
Stuttgart
Panathinaikos
Malmo
Go Ahead Eagles
Utrecht
Genk
Brann Bergen

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 28, 2025, 09:43:16 PM
We will be at home in November to a team I want to watch when I am on holiday and at home to the genocidal twats when I'm not away but will be banned from attending.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2025, 09:45:36 PM
So we could actually get Forest then?

It certainly possible that we could end up playing them at some point in the competition between September and May.

Thank you Sir.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2025, 09:47:43 PM
It’s great for Freiburg.  Keeping the dream alive.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Reuben on August 28, 2025, 10:18:14 PM
It’s great for Freiburg.  Keeping the dream alive.

I recall that song being used as outro music in a Villa VHS - possibly The Villenium!  Am sure it was narrated by some 'comic' presenter from the era who I can picture but whose name I don't recall. 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2025, 10:23:48 PM
Dave Ismay?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Reuben on August 28, 2025, 10:25:10 PM
Dave Ismay?

Think it was Bob Mills.  Not 100% sure of this or what video.... I'll have to Google, or leave as a quiz question for the anoraks on here - assuming I never dreamt it!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 28, 2025, 10:33:06 PM
Bob Mills the Palace fan?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 28, 2025, 10:42:59 PM
Orient.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 28, 2025, 11:42:19 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/wZx8T6k2/Screenshot-20250828-233930-Opera.jpg)

WANT: Porto, Feyenoord, Red Star.

DO NOT WANT: Maccabi or any team we have played before.

Away from home in November, ta.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on August 29, 2025, 01:10:26 AM
Can you make it bigger?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 01:16:02 AM
I beg your pardon?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 01:17:18 AM
I can't, no. Screenshots never work for me on here properly. You can view it below though...

https://bsky.app/profile/footrankings.bsky.social/post/3lxijh4nydf2p
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Garyth on August 29, 2025, 03:13:57 AM
(https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_fullsize/plain/did:plc:2gahntcyq6erf6ee5sosmwd2/bafkreigevnxhja2lzfxn7iln3ap3bumoq5helqskkdovsfwaxmdwhhn6zi@jpeg) (https://ibb.co/B2qRsJVb)

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2025, 06:51:48 AM
I reckon we’ll see Duran at Villa Park and we’ll get a trip to Scotland.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2025, 08:09:16 AM
Our old friends Celta Vigo.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on August 29, 2025, 08:11:38 AM
Hoping for a trip to Bologna. But yeah, would be nice to see Celta Vigo again also.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 08:45:05 AM
Could have three away trips to a 100km area on the north Portual Spain border with Porto, Braga and Celta.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 08:49:50 AM
I don't think I have missed any but three teams in there we played last year and a fourth added from two season ago.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 09:20:07 AM
Most recent competitive meetings:

Rangers 1887 (counting the old club)
Fenerbahçe 1977
FCSB 1997 (counting the old club)
Celta Vigo 2000
Basel 2001
Lille 2024
Young Boys Berne 2024
Bologna 2024
Celtic 2025
Nottingham Forest 2025

I don't think we have met any of the others.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 29, 2025, 09:21:38 AM
Us and Forest should be pissing the league stage given our resources compared to everyone else.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on August 29, 2025, 09:24:30 AM
Most recent competitive meetings:

Rangers 1887 (counting the old club)
Fenerbahçe 1977
FCSB 1997 (counting the old club)
Celta Vigo 2000
Basel 2001
Lille 2024
Young Boys Berne 2024
Celtic 2025
Nottingham Forest 2025

I don't think we have met any of the others.

Bologna 2024.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 09:25:19 AM
Oophs thought I had added them, ta.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: tomd2103 on August 29, 2025, 09:40:52 AM
Us and Forest should be pissing the league stage given our resources compared to everyone else.

Some tough away trips in there though.  Should be looking to win all four home games if possible.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 29, 2025, 09:45:45 AM
Us and Forest should be pissing the league stage given our resources compared to everyone else.

Some tough away trips in there though.  Should be looking to win all four home games if possible.

Agree with this. Last season was

H W3 D1 L0
A W2 D0 L2

We should be aiming for better with a “lower” quality of opposition.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ADVILLAFAN on August 29, 2025, 09:50:24 AM
Seems like only yesterday that we were going out to Celta Vigo at the Hawthorns and the referee was making it up as he went along. 25 years!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 29, 2025, 10:20:01 AM
Just done a quick check on potential away allocations at all the grounds in the draw, there's a few where it'll be 600 or less but the majority are in excess of 1,500 tickets with quite a lot above 2,500 tickets as well.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 29, 2025, 10:40:31 AM
Bit of Rangers please, we might see a goal.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: andyh on August 29, 2025, 10:42:21 AM
Seems like only yesterday that we were going out to Celta Vigo at the Hawthorns and the referee was making it up as he went along. 25 years!
Seems like only last year when we were besides ourselves with excitement for the CL draw.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 29, 2025, 11:05:44 AM
I know it feels like a step backwards but it is still exciting - there are many teams that would love to be in our position today.

Lets not turn into the clubs we despise due to our "entitlement" - we have been in it once. For us to finish top 4 a season ago was nothing short of miraculous and clearly upset a lot of stakeholders in the cartel.

For us then to get to the last 8 of Champs league, FA cup semi final and still finish 6th is an even better set of results. The last game was awful and leaves a horrible taste in the mouth but lets not forget what we have actually achieved.

I am sure once the window closes and we have a couple in, get our first win we will be back being a serious player that we know we are.

UTV
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 29, 2025, 11:19:31 AM
Well said Hookey
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 11:23:39 AM
I love European games. Much more interested in watching some Czech/Italian/Turkish team that I've never seen before than watching us play Man U or Everton for the millionth time. The Sunday kick offs they cause are a pain but I would still much rather be in Europe than not.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: London Villan on August 29, 2025, 11:23:54 AM
I think it's more the way we finished the season that had so much promise, topped off with the performance against the worst man u team in living memory...  a win on Sunday, a couple of signings and things will feel a lot better.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 29, 2025, 11:30:02 AM
I know it feels like a step backwards but it is still exciting - there are many teams that would love to be in our position today.

Lets not turn into the clubs we despise due to our "entitlement" - we have been in it once. For us to finish top 4 a season ago was nothing short of miraculous and clearly upset a lot of stakeholders in the cartel.

For us then to get to the last 8 of Champs league, FA cup semi final and still finish 6th is an even better set of results. The last game was awful and leaves a horrible taste in the mouth but lets not forget what we have actually achieved.

I am sure once the window closes and we have a couple in, get our first win we will be back being a serious player that we know we are.

UTV

Bang on.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 11:32:45 AM
From the UEFA website.

Quote
Aston Villa (ENG)
UEFA coefficient ranking: 42
How they qualified: Sixth in England
Last season: Champions League quarter-final (L4-5agg vs Paris)
Best UEFA Cup/Europa League performance: Quarter-finals (1977/78, 1997/98)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 29, 2025, 11:32:51 AM
No matter what happened at the end of last season (it was shit), its happened, we can't change it and wallowing in it isn't going to move us forwards. Despite all of it, we're back in Europe, the draw coming up shortly against some tasty European opposition. This is what being a big football club is all about, testing yourself against Europe, I cant fucking wait.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 11:35:48 AM
 Very excited for this. Somewhere sunny please.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Flamingo Lane on August 29, 2025, 11:39:14 AM
I try not to get too downbeat about that defeat in the last game of last season, as I have a sense that if we had been doing better at OT then Newcastle on the day would have found it within themselves to have done better than to lose their game at home v Everton.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 11:59:53 AM
Very excited for this.

Same here. Bring it on.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Garyth on August 29, 2025, 12:05:12 PM
Every UEFA draw is dragged out interminably.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 12:05:27 PM
Bluenoses complaining on the BBC page.

Quote
What is this, national Aston Villa day?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 29, 2025, 12:07:14 PM
Bluenoses complaining on the BBC page.

Quote
What is this, national Aston Villa day?

Watch it and weep you Bluenose twats.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:08:18 PM
It was the page writer, who apparently is an Oxford fan.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:09:34 PM
Why have they got Klinsmann? It's not a diving competition.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 12:10:42 PM
It was the page writer, who apparently is an Oxford fan.

He still hasn't got over us knocking them out of the League Cup in 2002.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 12:13:10 PM
A fucking magician. Get on with it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 29, 2025, 12:13:14 PM
Time for some real magic
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2025, 12:14:05 PM
Big of magic to start proceedings 🙄
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 29, 2025, 12:14:13 PM
C'mon pull some doves out of those balls.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 29, 2025, 12:14:29 PM
AldridgeVilla has missed out on this gig.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: LeeB on August 29, 2025, 12:14:32 PM
It was the page writer, who apparently is an Oxford fan.

He still hasn't got over us knocking them out of the League Cup in 2002.

Or mercilessly abusing their bald keeper in the early 90's.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:14:37 PM
Shades of Royal Variety 1987.

Although if Bert Millichip could always draw us away, maybe he was a member of the Magic Circle as well.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:14:49 PM
Are they going to assign match days to the drawn teams as the draw happens?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Garyth on August 29, 2025, 12:14:59 PM
excruciating
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 29, 2025, 12:15:37 PM
Are they going to assign match days to the drawn teams as the draw happens?

No that happens afterwards, we just know which teams we’ve got home or away.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2025, 12:15:42 PM
Do not let that magician borrow your laptop, ever.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 29, 2025, 12:16:08 PM
That was for all the kids in the audience and Marinakis
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:16:27 PM
Are they going to assign match days to the drawn teams as the draw happens?

Should get the match days although won't be set in stone Not until tomorrow. First matchweek could be a Wed/Thurs though
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: wolfman999 on August 29, 2025, 12:16:47 PM
Waiting for this Magician to pull out a ball with Man Utd on it!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2025, 12:16:56 PM
I could literally see him put the ball in his jacket there. Boooooooo.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 12:20:04 PM
Are they going to assign match days to the drawn teams as the draw happens?

Should get the match days although won't be set in stone Not until tomorrow. First matchweek could be a Wed/Thurs though

Might not be, the BBC reckons the fixtures will be announced by Sunday.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:20:22 PM
Well Rangers and Celtic aways have gone.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2025, 12:20:34 PM
Are they going to assign match days to the drawn teams as the draw happens?

Should get the match days although won't be set in stone Not until tomorrow. First matchweek could be a Wed/Thurs though

The BBC reckons the fixtures won't be announced until Sunday.

Your man doing the draw said Sunday too.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:21:08 PM
At latest was the wording.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:21:11 PM
So we will know at least two opponents before Jurgen presses for us.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2025, 12:21:38 PM
So we're not playing Rangers
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DB on August 29, 2025, 12:21:45 PM
Roma 2 trips to Glasgow
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:21:50 PM
Feyornord Away.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2025, 12:21:53 PM
A trip to De Kuip!!!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:22:17 PM
Feyenoord away
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DB on August 29, 2025, 12:22:30 PM
So we're not playing Rangers

Good
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2025, 12:22:39 PM
We've avoided the 'main' teams in Pot 1
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 12:22:47 PM
A trip to De Kuip!!!

At least it's a short trip.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:22:54 PM
Glad we missed Lille and Roma
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on August 29, 2025, 12:22:58 PM
Roma 2 trips to Glasgow

Christ, that could go very very badly.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:23:01 PM
Still on with Celtic at home.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:23:36 PM
Salzburg at home then.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2025, 12:23:55 PM
Salzburg (H)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:24:09 PM
Salzburg here
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: lovejoy on August 29, 2025, 12:24:15 PM
Weren’t they in club World Cup ?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2025, 12:24:17 PM
Here we go ...
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2025, 12:24:35 PM
Tel Aviv (H) !!!!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:24:45 PM
And now the rest.

Tel aviv at home. Duran away.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 29, 2025, 12:25:03 PM
Toughies
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:25:05 PM
Home Tel Aviv FFS
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2025, 12:25:13 PM
Old friends Young Boys and Bologna both H
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 12:25:15 PM
Salzburg at home then.

Music to my ears.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: lovejoy on August 29, 2025, 12:25:23 PM
I’d say that was a reasonable draw.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on August 29, 2025, 12:25:38 PM
Home Tel Aviv FFS

Would this be behind closed doors?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on August 29, 2025, 12:25:46 PM
Bologna in Brum AGAIN. FUCK.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 12:25:47 PM
Meh, back to Holland twice again and Switzerland. Not been to Istanbul so will be interesting.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 12:25:48 PM
Maccabi behind closed doors, Bologna who we played last season, Young Boys who we played last season and Salzburg who are dull are the home games. Dreadful.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 12:25:59 PM
Home Tel Aviv FFS

Would this be behind closed doors?

I don't see why it would be.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DB on August 29, 2025, 12:26:24 PM
Not too bad.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2025, 12:26:33 PM
There isn’t anyone to be afraid of.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2025, 12:27:01 PM
Home Tel Aviv FFS

Would this be behind closed doors?

I don't see why it would be.

If anything it will be home fans only if it’s a security concern.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on August 29, 2025, 12:27:35 PM
Away at Fenerbahçe isn't a picnic.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 12:27:36 PM
Home Tel Aviv FFS

Would this be behind closed doors?

I don't see why it would be.

Scotland vs Israel women was behind closed doors. I can't see why this wouldn't be.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:27:43 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/ZRpqTRgJ/IMG-4850.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZRpqTRgJ)

image uploader (https://imgbb.com/)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 12:27:51 PM
Home Tel Aviv FFS

Would this be behind closed doors?

I don't see why it would be.

There was one last year in Belgium, but I dont see why that would be the case here.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:27:57 PM
Feynoord away and Fenderbache away probably the two toughest. Could well be crowd trouble with Maccabi though.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:28:47 PM
Home Tel Aviv FFS

Would this be behind closed doors?

I don't see why it would be.

If anything it will be home fans only if it’s a security concern.
That would be a good compromise.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PaulWinch again on August 29, 2025, 12:29:07 PM
Fenerbache away is tough.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Garyth on August 29, 2025, 12:29:41 PM
Salzburg, Feyenord, and Fernerbahce are kind of interesting - the rest is pretty ho hum, I think.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 12:30:17 PM
At least I can tick Feyenoord off my former European Cup Winners list.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 29, 2025, 12:30:47 PM
Believe guys with the power of music
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:31:13 PM
Might not be, the BBC reckons the fixtures will be announced by Sunday.
Typical UEFA, working in collusion with Airlines and Eurostar.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 12:31:33 PM
Fenerbache away is tough.

I don't fancy our chances against Go Ahead Eagles.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: john e on August 29, 2025, 12:31:36 PM
Piss easy
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 12:31:57 PM
Fenerbache away is tough.

I don't fancy our chances against Go Ahead Eagles.

Pretty arrogant of them to alreasy assume that they'll take the lead.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 12:32:26 PM
The 4 home draws aren't particularly exciting- but then I'd much prefer to roll everybody over and pick up 12 points than have too much drama.

Go Ahead Eagles means another trip to the Dam it would seem. Will stay in Rotterdam for Feyenoord. Basel will be fine.

Fenerbache might be a bit tasty.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:32:42 PM
Those going to Fenerbache can scout Istanbul ahead of the final.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 12:32:49 PM
Swap the home and the away games round please.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:33:32 PM
I see 24 points.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:33:39 PM
Weird cover of Imagine Dragons there.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on August 29, 2025, 12:33:47 PM
Maybe I’m a bit dull, but I’ll take the dull games if it gets us to the knock out stages.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: nick harper on August 29, 2025, 12:33:54 PM
Back to the De Kuip stadium after 43 years. Much changed of course.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Steve67 on August 29, 2025, 12:34:05 PM
Could be a lot worse, I guess Fenerbahce arguably the toughest fixture. Let’s not get all cocky though!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rob_bridge on August 29, 2025, 12:34:10 PM
Fenerbache away is tough.

I don't fancy our chances against Go Ahead Eagles.

Pretty arrogant of them to alreasy assume that they'll take the lead.

We'll beat them without having to take off. Not to crow about it
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on August 29, 2025, 12:34:42 PM
Any idea of likely away allocations
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: SaddVillan on August 29, 2025, 12:34:49 PM
Home Tel Aviv FFS

Would this be behind closed doors?

I don't see why it would be.

If anything it will be home fans only if it’s a security concern.
That would be a good compromise.


Playing behind closed doors would advantage them
And we'd also lose gate receipts etc.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Toronto Villa on August 29, 2025, 12:35:03 PM
Nobody wanted to be drawn against us.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: lovejoy on August 29, 2025, 12:36:02 PM
Could be a lot worse, I guess Fenerbahce arguably the toughest fixture. Let’s not get all cocky though!

Managerless Fenerbache following Mourinho's sacking yesterday.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 29, 2025, 12:36:28 PM
Had hoped for Salzburg away and add a cheeky weekend skiing on the end!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rob_bridge on August 29, 2025, 12:37:05 PM
Nobody wanted to be drawn against us.

Except the away team fans who have to experience the majestic place
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 12:37:30 PM
Home Tel Aviv FFS

Would this be behind closed doors?

I don't see why it would be.

If anything it will be home fans only if it’s a security concern.
That would be a good compromise.


Playing behind closed doors would advantage them
And we'd also lose gate receipts etc.

Which UEFA won't consider at all when they announce that it's behind closed doors. They even made Besiktas move a home game against them out of Istanbul last season. Rewarding them for committing genocide in Gaza.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Duncan Shaw on August 29, 2025, 12:37:42 PM
Home Tel Aviv FFS

Would this be behind closed doors?

I don't see why it would be.

If anything it will be home fans only if it’s a security concern.
That would be a good compromise.


Playing behind closed doors would advantage them
And we'd also lose gate receipts etc.

I thought that, surely UEFA would have to compensate us?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Grande Pablo on August 29, 2025, 12:37:54 PM
Could be a lot worse, I guess Fenerbahce arguably the toughest fixture. Let’s not get all cocky though!

Managerless Fenerbache following Mourinho's sacking yesterday.

With young plucky striker Jhon Duran.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris_Jephcott on August 29, 2025, 12:39:39 PM
Could be a lot worse, I guess Fenerbahce arguably the toughest fixture. Let’s not get all cocky though!

Managerless Fenerbache following Mourinho's sacking yesterday.

With young plucky striker Jhon Duran.

Who’ll attack the game with his usual guile and either score a 55 metre worldie or get sent off after 90 seconds.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on August 29, 2025, 12:39:42 PM
Easy draw but no sexy opposition. Overall you'd take it. No excuses for Sunday hangovers in the subsequent league games. Apart from the away one after coming back from Turkiye.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 12:40:11 PM
Those going to Fenerbache can scout Istanbul ahead of the final.

Yeah, it'll mean two trips to Istanbul just like we did with Athe.....
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 29, 2025, 12:40:20 PM
Could be a lot worse, I guess Fenerbahce arguably the toughest fixture. Let’s not get all cocky though!

Managerless Fenerbache following Mourinho's sacking yesterday.

With young plucky striker Jhon Duran.
Don't forget Carlos...although he can't get a game.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pete3206 on August 29, 2025, 12:42:46 PM
If Villa Park is forced to close for that one home game, I'm sure the club would ask to be compensated.
Potentially, it could be more troublesome than the L Warsaw fixture.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: jwarry on August 29, 2025, 12:43:20 PM
Fenabache just sacked Mourinho
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Flamingo Lane on August 29, 2025, 12:43:36 PM
Forest have nice away trips, rubbing salt into Palace's wounds.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2025, 12:44:00 PM
^^^Not if we don't give them any tickets, which I'd imagine will be police advice.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 12:44:27 PM
If Villa Park is forced to close for that one home game, I'm sure the club would ask to be compensated.
Potentially, it could be more troublesome than the L Warsaw fixture.

Why would it? We're more than capable or rather WMP are, of handling Stone Island type away followings be it Small Heath, Legia or this lot.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 12:45:00 PM
^^^Not if we don't give them any tickets, which I'd imagine will be police advice.

Still loads of potential for pitch invasions/protests, which is why Scotland women were behind closed doors. No fans will be attending that game.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:45:27 PM
There could potentially be a lot of locals protesting as well being as several murals depict support for Palestine and the local MP is an independent who campaigned on the Gaza conflict.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2025, 12:45:36 PM
If Villa Park is forced to close for that one home game, I'm sure the club would ask to be compensated.
Potentially, it could be more troublesome than the L Warsaw fixture.

Why would it? We're more than capable or rather WMP are, of handling Stone Island type away followings be it Small Heath, Legia or this lot.

I'd imagine it'd be as much about them being targetted as them being twats. Although they are twats.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tebepaul on August 29, 2025, 12:46:35 PM
Bit naughty of the UEFA draw hosts to say that Red Bull Salzburg had contested the UEFA Cup final in 1994.

That was Austria Salzburg, whose name and club colours the ever odious Red Bull removed when they took over and rebranded the team in 2005.

Thankfully, a new Austria Salzburg phoenix club was formed almost immediately and they have just gained promotion to the Austrian second division.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 12:46:41 PM
^^^Not if we don't give them any tickets, which I'd imagine will be police advice.

Still loads of potential for pitch invasions/protests, which is why Scotland women were behind closed doors. No fans will be attending that game.

Give over.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 12:47:17 PM
If Villa Park is forced to close for that one home game, I'm sure the club would ask to be compensated.
Potentially, it could be more troublesome than the L Warsaw fixture.

Why would it? We're more than capable or rather WMP are, of handling Stone Island type away followings be it Small Heath, Legia or this lot.

I'd imagine it'd be as much about them being targetted as them being twats. Although they are twats.

Targeted by who?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Gareth on August 29, 2025, 12:48:30 PM
Should be plenty of scope in those fixtures to be giving some minutes to some of the younger players which would be good.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 12:49:30 PM
I hope Fenerbache is the first one up so we can get a bit of late September heat.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DC1874 on August 29, 2025, 12:49:46 PM
Home fans only vs Maccabi, simples!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: john2710 on August 29, 2025, 12:50:12 PM
I don't think the Tel Aviv game will even be played in the UK. There's going to be problems wherever they play but no way that game happens in Birmingham.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: SaddVillan on August 29, 2025, 12:50:30 PM

It kicked off in Amsterdam last season when Maccabi played Ajax.


Might be easier/better to ban their supporters and for West Mids' Finest to pile in with full force if any make themselves visible.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 12:50:38 PM
https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scottish-fa-statement-scotland-v-israel/

If they can't allow the 5,000 or so that usually attend Scotland women games they aren't going to allow 40,000 Villa fans to attend.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DC1874 on August 29, 2025, 12:51:07 PM
Feyenoord away will tug on the heart-strings too!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: lovejoy on August 29, 2025, 12:52:37 PM
https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scottish-fa-statement-scotland-v-israel/

If they can't allow the 5,000 or so that usually attend Scotland women games they aren't going to allow 40,000 Villa fans to attend.

But their qualifying fixtures had fans in attendance.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 12:53:07 PM
https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/news/scottish-fa-statement-scotland-v-israel/

If they can't allow the 5,000 or so that usually attend Scotland women games they aren't going to allow 40,000 Villa fans to attend.

But their qualifying fixtures had fans in attendance.

In the UK?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 12:53:20 PM
I dont think the Free Palestine mob has much of constituency in the sort of lads who like to dress moodily and give Celtic a good hiding. A Palestinian flag was pulled down outside of Rosies before Ajax the other season.

The 4-500 they might bring would be a probelm regardless as they have a reputation for being dickheads, but its nothing that couldn't be handled or seen before.

I think folks should calm down.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 12:53:36 PM
In other european news.

Quote
Crystal Palace play AZ Alkmaar, Kups Kuopio and AEK Larnaca at home - and Dynamo Kyiv, Strasbourg and Shelbourne away.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 12:56:43 PM
Bologna in Brum AGAIN. FUCK.
That is the biggest injustice suffered by us fans. This SHOULD have been away.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 12:57:37 PM
No its a shite away ground.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 12:57:46 PM
My heart bleeds for all the fans that get to attend all our away games.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on August 29, 2025, 12:59:31 PM
No its a shite away ground.

The ground is the least of the considerations here man.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 01:03:56 PM
I dont think the Free Palestine mob has much of constituency in the sort of lads who like to dress moodily and give Celtic a good hiding. A Palestinian flag was pulled down outside of Rosies before Ajax the other season.

The 4-500 they might bring would be a probelm regardless as they have a reputation for being dickheads, but its nothing that couldn't be handled or seen before.

I think folks should calm down.
Personally I think it shouldn't be a problem and certainly it's not their away fans who will be troublesome. It's our own left and right dickheads who egged on by the Press will turn up in numbers to face each other and could mess things up.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on August 29, 2025, 01:05:52 PM
I dont think the Free Palestine mob has much of constituency in the sort of lads who like to dress moodily and give Celtic a good hiding. A Palestinian flag was pulled down outside of Rosies before Ajax the other season.

The 4-500 they might bring would be a probelm regardless as they have a reputation for being dickheads, but its nothing that couldn't be handled or seen before.

I think folks should calm down.
Personally I think it shouldn't be a problem and certainly it's not their away fans who will be troublesome. It's our own left and right dickheads who egged on by the Press will turn up in numbers to face each other and could mess things up.

It could really easily be their away fans who are a problem.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: LeeB on August 29, 2025, 01:06:04 PM
No its a shite away ground.

The ground is the least of the considerations here man.

It's pasta it's best.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 29, 2025, 01:07:11 PM
I think it will be played behind closed doors because the police won't want potential protests and counter protests to be mixed into 40k odd attending the match. Which is kind of what aftab said.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 01:07:22 PM
I do expect fighting between people who might decide to protest over the plight of the palestinians about the famine inducing actions of the IDF there, and Ads when he tells them all they are being anti-semitic, the definitions which mean it isn't a genocide and that they are being brainwashed by Iran and Qatar.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2025, 01:10:00 PM
I dont think the Free Palestine mob has much of constituency in the sort of lads who like to dress moodily and give Celtic a good hiding. A Palestinian flag was pulled down outside of Rosies before Ajax the other season.

The 4-500 they might bring would be a probelm regardless as they have a reputation for being dickheads, but its nothing that couldn't be handled or seen before.

I think folks should calm down.
Personally I think it shouldn't be a problem and certainly it's not their away fans who will be troublesome. It's our own left and right dickheads who egged on by the Press will turn up in numbers to face each other and could mess things up.

It could really easily be their away fans who are a problem.

And a combination of all three sounds like an easy decision for WMP.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 01:10:58 PM
I'm struggling to see why the police would ban 5,000 or so Scotland women fans from attending a match against Israeli opposition but be perfectly fine with 40,000 Villa suppprters doing so.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 01:11:43 PM
^^^Not if we don't give them any tickets, which I'd imagine will be police advice.
And also it is likely that police are unlikely to give permission for any demos around Villa Park on match day.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: artvandelay on August 29, 2025, 01:11:57 PM
I dont think the Free Palestine mob has much of constituency in the sort of lads who like to dress moodily and give Celtic a good hiding. A Palestinian flag was pulled down outside of Rosies before Ajax the other season.

The 4-500 they might bring would be a probelm regardless as they have a reputation for being dickheads, but its nothing that couldn't be handled or seen before.

I think folks should calm down.
Have you considered the likely peaceful protests blocking the turnstiles to enforce a boycott of Israel?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: tomd2103 on August 29, 2025, 01:12:19 PM
I think it will be played behind closed doors because the police won't want potential protests and counter protests to be mixed into 40k odd attending the match. Which is kind of what aftab said.

Would be a ridiculous decision. 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 01:14:17 PM
I'm struggling to see why the police would ban 5,000 or so Scotland fans from attending a match against Israeli opposition but be perfectly fine with 40,000 Villa fans doing so.
Maybe because the Scottish 5000 were much much sympathetic to the Palestine cause and 40K at Villa will not be that bothered?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Flamingo Lane on August 29, 2025, 01:15:01 PM
No its a shite away ground.

The ground is the least of the considerations here man.

Bologna's stadium is in a beautiful location, right at the foot of the frescoed portico leading up to Sancutuario de San Luca.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 01:18:19 PM
It could really easily be their away fans who are a problem.
Oh ok, I know very little about their fans behaviour.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 01:19:43 PM
They would be all over Birmingham looking to tear down Palestine flags and fight locals, then scream antisemitism if anyone fights back.

In the (IMO) unlikely event that the match is played with a crowd, they must be banned from attending.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: wolfman999 on August 29, 2025, 01:20:52 PM
I dont think the Free Palestine mob has much of constituency in the sort of lads who like to dress moodily and give Celtic a good hiding. A Palestinian flag was pulled down outside of Rosies before Ajax the other season.

The 4-500 they might bring would be a probelm regardless as they have a reputation for being dickheads, but its nothing that couldn't be handled or seen before.

I think folks should calm down.
Have you considered the likely peaceful protests blocking the turnstiles to enforce a boycott of Israel?

Good luck to anyone trying to stop 42k Villa fans from trying to get into the ground if the game is on.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 01:21:45 PM
I dont think the Free Palestine mob has much of constituency in the sort of lads who like to dress moodily and give Celtic a good hiding. A Palestinian flag was pulled down outside of Rosies before Ajax the other season.

The 4-500 they might bring would be a probelm regardless as they have a reputation for being dickheads, but its nothing that couldn't be handled or seen before.

I think folks should calm down.
Have you considered the likely peaceful protests blocking the turnstiles to enforce a boycott of Israel?

Good luck to anyone trying to stop 42k Villa fans from trying to get into the ground if the game is on.

Yes, there is no history whatsoever this decade of Villa playing matches behind closed doors.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 01:22:13 PM
I'm struggling to see why the police would ban 5,000 or so Scotland women fans from attending a match against Israeli opposition but be perfectly fine with 40,000 Villa suppprters doing so.

Because the Scots are more troublesome than Brummies. That's why the Romans gave up on the idea of conquering them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 01:24:55 PM
I'm struggling to see why the police would ban 5,000 or so Scotland women fans from attending a match against Israeli opposition but be perfectly fine with 40,000 Villa suppprters doing so.

Because the Scots are more troublesome than Brummies. That's why the Romans gave up on the idea of conquering them.

Was actually because the Dacians kept kicking off and Rome decided their troops were more valuable there than in Caledonia.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 29, 2025, 01:25:21 PM
I dont think the Free Palestine mob has much of constituency in the sort of lads who like to dress moodily and give Celtic a good hiding. A Palestinian flag was pulled down outside of Rosies before Ajax the other season.

The 4-500 they might bring would be a probelm regardless as they have a reputation for being dickheads, but its nothing that couldn't be handled or seen before.

I think folks should calm down.
Have you considered the likely peaceful protests blocking the turnstiles to enforce a boycott of Israel?

Good luck to anyone trying to stop 42k Villa fans from trying to get into the ground if the game is on.

Yes, there is no history whatsoever this decade of Villa playing matches behind closed doors.

I think Wolfman is stating if the match is open but people try to block the open turnstiles in a protest. I doubt 42k would travel if it is a closed door match.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on August 29, 2025, 01:25:23 PM
I'm struggling to see why the police would ban 5,000 or so Scotland women fans from attending a match against Israeli opposition but be perfectly fine with 40,000 Villa suppprters doing so.

Because the Scots are more troublesome than Brummies. That's why the Romans gave up on the idea of conquering them.
Picts
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pete3206 on August 29, 2025, 01:25:49 PM
I'll be very surprised if the game even goes ahead at Villa Park. Organised protests, emboldened and angry locals, disagreements amongst supporters.
Nah, that match ain't happening in B6.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 01:25:58 PM
I dont think the Free Palestine mob has much of constituency in the sort of lads who like to dress moodily and give Celtic a good hiding. A Palestinian flag was pulled down outside of Rosies before Ajax the other season.

The 4-500 they might bring would be a probelm regardless as they have a reputation for being dickheads, but its nothing that couldn't be handled or seen before.

I think folks should calm down.
Have you considered the likely peaceful protests blocking the turnstiles to enforce a boycott of Israel?

Good luck to anyone trying to stop 42k Villa fans from trying to get into the ground if the game is on.

Yes, there is no history whatsoever this decade of Villa playing matches behind closed doors.

I think Wolfman is stating if the match is open but people try to block the open turnstiles in a protest. I doubt 42k would travel if it is a closed door match.

Yeah, and the turnstiles would be closed. I can't see 40,000 turning up with ladders.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2025, 01:29:07 PM
We're 6/1 favourites with the (British) bookies. I don't like that at all.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 01:29:34 PM
We were favourites in the Conference League I think.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Skerra on August 29, 2025, 01:29:58 PM
Wouldn’t be wanting to pay for the Europa League package at the prices Villa have offered.
If these were PL opposition, the price category would be the lowest possible considering the quality of our opponents.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2025, 01:31:57 PM
We were favourites in the Conference League I think.

Yes, we were.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Grande Pablo on August 29, 2025, 01:37:43 PM
The powers that be need to balance the volume of largely innocent domestically based away fans who fancy a day out in Birmingham against the pro-Palestinian supporters who'll want to make their voices heard.  On a much smaller scale there are regular protests that provide inconvenience at Israeli-owned military drone manufacturer Ebit Systems in Shenstone, plus on an even smaller scale 4 broke into Moog in Wolverhampton last weekend, so potential is there.

All tickets must be sold to registered members.  WMP can invoke section powers a mile or so around the ground to prevent protest & any subsequent congestion, plus have to manage where Maccabi stay as that could well be a target.

To play behind closed doors is a cheap way out, but I can see it happening just to avoid the smallest powder keg.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 29, 2025, 01:43:11 PM
^^^Not if we don't give them any tickets, which I'd imagine will be police advice.
And also it is likely that police are unlikely to give permission for any demos around Villa Park on match day.

93-94 away shirts all round

(https://classicfootballkit.co.uk/cdn/shop/files/1675777966_Aston-Villa-1993-1995-Away-Mens_FR_1000__1.jpg)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Gareth on August 29, 2025, 01:44:07 PM
Interesting reporting on the draw from the Mail & Athletic guys…Maccabi gets barely mentioned but glossed over…no doubt waiting for Villa to give a party line to follow. 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 29, 2025, 01:44:47 PM
Good draw, anything less than 17 points would be piss poor, and should be more.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on August 29, 2025, 01:48:59 PM
Home fans only vs Maccabi, simples!

Simplest would have been if Israeli teams had been banned in the first place.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 01:57:28 PM
I do expect fighting between people who might decide to protest over the plight of the palestinians about the famine inducing actions of the IDF there, and Ads when he tells them all they are being anti-semitic, the definitions which mean it isn't a genocide and that they are being brainwashed by Iran and Qatar.

I'll be there to watch us get three points.

If I could live anywhere rent free, I wouldn't have chosen your head though.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 29, 2025, 02:02:10 PM
As they haven't banned the clubs the sensible thing for Uefa would be to ban all away fans for Maccabi matches.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 02:09:06 PM
As long as we can be there. Villa Park is a very easy ground to police though, so Im sure they could manage the challenge of escorting 500-ish away fans.

I'm not sure what the appetite would be for protests if its pissing it down and 2° in November or December, but its nothing WMP couldn't handle, as they seem perfectly capable of managing other protests or high risk games.

A night game against the Noses would be infinitely moodier.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rougegorge on August 29, 2025, 02:13:17 PM
For Maccabi's last European away game last season, Bodo/Glimt donated all the ticket revenue to Gaza
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 02:18:51 PM
That would be a good idea, if UEFA would still allow us to add the totals to our FFP/PSR/CSR accounts 😀
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pat McMahon on August 29, 2025, 02:26:12 PM
Fenerbache away is tough.

I don't fancy our chances against Go Ahead Eagles.

They’re not the force they were since changing their name from Be Quick
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rougegorge on August 29, 2025, 02:38:25 PM
These are the squad values according to Transfermarkt.

Fenerbahce - €299m
Bologna - €282m
Feyenoord - €218.35m
Salzburg - €121m
Basel - €68.2m
Young Boys - €66.8m
Go Ahead Eagles - €28.25
Maccabi Tel Aviv - €27.53

Aston Villa €491m
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Flamingo Lane on August 29, 2025, 02:40:29 PM
Where do Maccabi play their home games in this competition?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: lovejoy on August 29, 2025, 02:41:52 PM
These are the squad values according to Transfermarkt.

Fenerbahce - €299m
Bologna - €282m
Feyenoord - €218.35m
Salzburg - €121m
Basel - €68.2m
Young Boys - €66.8m
Go Ahead Eagles - €28.25
Maccabi Tel Aviv - €27.53

Aston Villa €491m

So you're saying there's a chance.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on August 29, 2025, 02:47:08 PM
Quote

Reports by the New Israel Fund have found Maccabi Tel Aviv as having the second-most racist fans in Israel, behind Beitar Jerusalem.

Fans have been known to yell racist slurs and insults at Arab and black players. Players on the team often face racist abuse from the team's own fans. Fans would yell anti-Arab slurs at Maharan Radi, an Arab player, and yell monkey noises at Baruch Dego, an Ethiopian-Jewish player.

During the 2020–2021 protests against Benjamin Netanyahu, Maccabi fans attacked protestors with batons and broken bottles.

Quote
In November 2024, Maccabi fans clashed with pro-Palestinian protestors in Amsterdam after a match against Ajax. Prior to the clashes Maccabi fans attacked Arab residents of the city, stole and burned Palestinian flags, and yelled anti-Palestinian chants.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maccabi_Tel_Aviv_F.C.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 29, 2025, 02:52:17 PM
Well, they sound nice.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 29, 2025, 02:54:46 PM
"You're just a slightly less racist Beitar Jerusalem". Give me 48 hours and I'll make it scan.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rougegorge on August 29, 2025, 02:56:33 PM
Where do Maccabi play their home games in this competition?
All four of their 'home' games in the Europa League last season were held in Belgrade at Partizan's ground.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: djbone on August 29, 2025, 02:57:47 PM
That's a great idea. Whatevers decided re the fixture, I'll personally be looking for every opportunity possible to protest these genocidal arseholes.
Israeli clubs should be banned from UEFA and all international competition until their country stops murdering babies and gets rid of apartheid.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 29, 2025, 02:57:57 PM
“Hang on, I thought we were Beitar Jerusalem”
“No, we’re the Jerusalem Beitars”
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 29, 2025, 02:57:58 PM
The videos that were circulating from Amsterdam of what they were doing, and then the retribution, were pretty unpleasant.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 29, 2025, 03:00:47 PM
The risk re the Maccabi game is pretty obvious in a city which is almost 25% Muslim and tensions are understandably so high.

It’s not even about a few hundred away fans. It’s about the wider question of the match becoming a flashpoint.

Put it this way, at WMP hq or at the Home Office, which of those four home games do we think will have people raising an eyebrow?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 29, 2025, 03:11:13 PM
A fucking magician. Get on with it.
wash your mouth out with soap Ads :)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 29, 2025, 03:11:52 PM
AldridgeVilla has missed out on this gig.

Bloody did!! Im outraged lol
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 29, 2025, 03:15:12 PM
“Hang on, I thought we were Beitar Jerusalem”
“No, we’re the Jerusalem Beitars”

SPLITTERS!!!!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brend'Watkins on August 29, 2025, 03:16:03 PM
Palestinian 🇵🇸 tifo anyone?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on August 29, 2025, 03:27:00 PM
Couldn't we get Robbie Keane to calm tensions, he has represented both clubs after all. Apparently it was one of his many football-related boyhood dreams to lead from the Tel Aviv sidelines.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: john2710 on August 29, 2025, 03:30:25 PM
I don't think the fans on either side would be a particular problem or difficult to control. It's the mixture of pro-Palestinian, antisemitic, far right protesters who will use the match as an excuse to turn up to state their case, that has the real potential for problems.

If the game is played behind closed doors, I suspect this lot will turn up anyway. I wouldn't guarantee the safety of any coach driving in or around the stadium.

There will be plenty of voices calling on us to boycott the game saying we're condoning what's happening in Gaza.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: djbone on August 29, 2025, 03:32:01 PM
Abso bloody lutely. As has been pointed out though, anything like that won't go uncontested among our own fan base. Needs the club on board. Local political pressure will be brought to bear you'd imagine/hope 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 29, 2025, 03:36:44 PM
If I buy the bundle, will I still get points towards the season ticket waiting list if I don’t attend v Tel Aviv?

I don’t mind going but there’s no way my kids will be in the same postcode as their sub-human filth fans. I think I’d rather we’d drawn Rangers!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 29, 2025, 03:40:18 PM
There will be plenty of voices calling on us to boycott the game saying we're condoning what's happening in Gaza.

Yup. Obviously there's lots of "why are Israel (i clubs) still allowed in UEFA when Russia (n ones) aren't?" discourse, and the only reason is that the FAs of a dozen countries refused to play against the Russian sides so UEFA was left with the choice of kicking one out or twelve out.

So if we did feel strongly enough about it there's always a stand we could take if we wanted to...
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on August 29, 2025, 03:44:06 PM
Couldn't we get Robbie Keane to calm tensions, he has represented both clubs after all. Apparently it was one of his many football-related boyhood dreams to lead from the Tel Aviv sidelines.

I don't think he would want to be involved.

"In November 2024, Keane's wife said that the family were still receiving threats from a small number of pro-Palestine activists, which had made her doubt their safety in Ireland. While he was targeted in Ireland for not leaving Israel during the war, he was also criticised within Israel for not endorsing the war."

https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/social-affairs/2024/11/13/robbie-keanes-wife-accuses-pro-palestinian-campaigners-of-provoking-a-witch-hunt-against-him/
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on August 29, 2025, 04:03:25 PM
(https://i.ibb.co/Wvnt2jQJ/20231104-223525.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Wvnt2jQJ)

"Every individual, be it in Palestine or elsewhere, has the right to security, a loving home, and opportunities to grow."

Mainz informed El Ghazi that they intended to terminate his contract due to his social media post.

 "I do not distance myself from what I said and stand for humanity and on the side of the oppressed until the last day I breathe."

In November 2023, El Ghazi announced that he would be taking Mainz to the Labour Court of Mainz for wrongful dismissal. On 12 July 2024, the Labour Court ruled that El Ghazi was unfairly dismissed by Mainz. Mainz were ordered to pay El Ghazi €1.5 million compensation. On 23 August, El Ghazi confirmed that he had received the €1.5 million compensation ordered by the court, of which he would donate €0.5 million to children in Gaza;  He said he would like to thank Mainz for funding "projects for children in Gaza" and "in attempting to silence me, making my voice even louder for the oppressed and voiceless in Gaza".

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anwar_El_Ghazi
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Gareth on August 29, 2025, 04:10:55 PM
Couldn't we get Robbie Keane to calm tensions, he has represented both clubs after all. Apparently it was one of his many football-related boyhood dreams to lead from the Tel Aviv sidelines.

Won’t he be a bit busy on the Thursday nights with Ferencvaros being in one of the two competitions:-)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 29, 2025, 04:12:29 PM
If I buy the bundle, will I still get points towards the season ticket waiting list if I don’t attend v Tel Aviv?

I don’t mind going but there’s no way my kids will be in the same postcode as their sub-human filth fans. I think I’d rather we’d drawn Rangers!

Plenty of Israelis don’t support what is happening.

Also words like sub-human really don’t do much to dispel the anti semitic defence either.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: john2710 on August 29, 2025, 04:12:47 PM
The players will have strong opinions on this too.

If it goes ahead,  it will be the last group stage game.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 04:14:11 PM
The players will have strong opinions on this too.

Will they?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 04:16:08 PM
The players will have strong opinions on this too.

Will they?

Some massive wish fulfilment going on in this thread. Just bore off with it, ban them if you must and let the rest of us watch some nobodies get a good hiding at Villa Park.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ChicagoLion on August 29, 2025, 04:22:57 PM
Uninspiring away fixtures - Bologna away would have been lovely as would Salzburg.
Go Ahead Eagles garden shed, Boring Basle, Fenerbahçe not for the faint hearted, Rotterdam- despite the historic link a pretty hum drum town thanks to the Luftwaffe 
After last seasons CL thrills its a bit after The Lord Mayors show.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 04:34:14 PM
As been said this can be done as policing Villa Park to keep out ProPals and Fascists/Patriots is fairly easy. Residents to the north and west of Villa Park are really pleasant people who will not congregate/march towards the ground. Their homes to them are more important. So ban demos anywhere within 1/2 mile of VP. And yes UEFA banning their away idiots (so I am told and I am not being anti-Semitic) would be good news.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: not3bad on August 29, 2025, 04:36:09 PM
If I buy the bundle, will I still get points towards the season ticket waiting list if I don’t attend v Tel Aviv?

I don’t mind going but there’s no way my kids will be in the same postcode as their sub-human filth fans. I think I’d rather we’d drawn Rangers!

Plenty of Israelis don’t support what is happening.

Also words like sub-human really don’t do much to dispel the anti semitic defence either.

A large majority of Israelis support the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. This has been shown in polls.

As for sub human, wait until you hear what the Tel Aviv fans chant.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 04:37:16 PM
Uninspiring away fixtures - Bologna away would have been lovely as would Salzburg.
Go Ahead Eagles garden shed, Boring Basle, Fenerbahçe not for the faint hearted, Rotterdam- despite the historic link a pretty hum drum town thanks to the Luftwaffe 
After last seasons CL thrills its a bit after The Lord Mayors show.
I know CL is just different but in terms of cities we travelled to last season in the League phase were not that inspiring. Brugge, Berne. Leipzig and awful Monaco.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 29, 2025, 04:38:10 PM
The players will have strong opinions on this too.

Will they?

My sentiments exactly, some may have feelings on the subject but I’d guess most just want to play football.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: not3bad on August 29, 2025, 04:38:59 PM
Their homes to them are more important. So ban demos anywhere within 1/2 mile of VP. And yes UEFA banning their away idiots (so I am told and I am not being anti-Semitic) would be good news.

Hardly antisemitic to say Tel Aviv fans are hooligan and racists. It's a plain fact.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 29, 2025, 04:39:35 PM
Maccabi clubs tend to be on the right of Israeli politics (Hapoel clubs tend to be more centrist/lefty). MTA seem to be to the right of all the other already quite right wing Maccabi teams. They're overwhelmingly pro-genocide and there is not the slightest doubt they will look to harass and attack Muslims and anyone they deem as being "pro-Palestine" if they come to Birmingham.

There is also not the slightest doubt that Brummies and other Villa fans who stand up to them will be castigated as antisemitic.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 29, 2025, 04:43:18 PM
If I buy the bundle, will I still get points towards the season ticket waiting list if I don’t attend v Tel Aviv?

I don’t mind going but there’s no way my kids will be in the same postcode as their sub-human filth fans. I think I’d rather we’d drawn Rangers!

Plenty of Israelis don’t support what is happening.

Also words like sub-human really don’t do much to dispel the anti semitic defence either.

I should clarify. I don’t give a toss which imaginary sky fairy they support. I’m just talking about people who celebrate the slaughter of innocent children.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: spartacuss on August 29, 2025, 04:47:57 PM
Since when have Maccabi Tel Aviv or Israel been part of Europe?

 The members of my extended family and friends who are Jewish (including 2 who are descended from Holocaust survivors) are in an almost permanent state of incandescent rage over the way Israel is given the kid-gloves treatment by a significant part of Western media. While they are routinely called 'antisemitic' or 'self-hating Jews' for daring to challenge Israel's conduct in Gaza. (The last spat was over: 'snipers killing kids & health-workers'...)

 Up to about 5 or 6 years ago, I truly believed that a country that was partially founded in opposition to the horrors of the Holocaust was socially and politically 'vaccinated' against the possibility of fascism succeeding. How wrong I was.  I subscribe to the Israeli newspaper 'Haaretz' and on a daily basis now, it is full of articles which confirm the ever-intensiying right-wing, apartheid-embracing,  authoritarian nature of the government.  To be fair, they do report about the way many more Israelis are waking up to the fact that the corrupt crew who rule them with their 'permanent war' economy are turning Israel into a pariah state and impinging on their own safety and security and fomenting anti-semitism across the globe. 

My friend, David Mond, active in Jewish Voice for Labour (JVL), reminded me that history didn't begin on the 7th October 2023 and to have a look at the letter written by Albert Einstein and Hannah Arendt (famous chronicler of totalitarianism) and 20 other leading Jewish people in Israel, to the New York Times in December 1948. The letter refers to the terror tactics being used to subdue the Arab population produced a real danger that  fascism was being planted and could thrive in a future Israel as a result of these tactics.

I've always been proud of the way Villa didn't kow-tow to the Nazis by refusing to perform the 'Hitler-gruss'.  It would be good if Villa could make some gesture that what's happening in Palestine/Israel is not'normal' and 'sportswashing' it without comment isn't acceptable. Symbolic it may be, but however pathetic it might seem to some, it would give some hope to Palestinians and many Israelis that the whole world's watching and not ignoring the predatory, land-grabbing violence of the current rulers of Israel.

Oh, and the answer to the first question is: Unlike other countries in the Middle East, they are 'white' so are regarded as honorary Europeans. That is the blunt truth of the matter. 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 04:51:14 PM
JVL and untermensch lolol. Lets play them first so this circus can be over and done with. And also that they're likely shite as well.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 29, 2025, 05:01:43 PM
Oh, and the answer to the first question is: Unlike other countries in the Middle East, they are 'white' so are regarded as honorary Europeans. That is the blunt truth of the matter. 

I think the blunter truth is that is if they were part of the Asian Football Confederation then a large number of countries would refuse to play them.

So in less genocidal times it's politically easier to have them competing with teams who would play them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 05:08:40 PM
Oh, and the answer to the first question is: Unlike other countries in the Middle East, they are 'white' so are regarded as honorary Europeans. That is the blunt truth of the matter. 

I think the blunter truth is that is if they were part of the Asian Football Confederation then a large number of countries would refuse to play them.

So in less genocidal times it's politically easier to have them competing with teams who would play them.

No no, its much more interesting to have a discussion about the whiteness of the Jewry from somebody pally with JVL types. Go on*.


*Im going to caveat this with how historically stupid it is for pinko-commies to have Spartacus as some left wing ideal, when his forces for made up of conservative reactionaries who couldn't farm for shit.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 29, 2025, 05:14:52 PM
“Hang on, I thought we were Beitar Jerusalem”
“No, we’re the Jerusalem Beitars”

Fack orf.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 29, 2025, 05:17:21 PM
Their homes to them are more important. So ban demos anywhere within 1/2 mile of VP. And yes UEFA banning their away idiots (so I am told and I am not being anti-Semitic) would be good news.

Hardly antisemitic to say Tel Aviv fans are hooligan and racists. It's a plain fact.

Edit: forget it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dutchvilla on August 29, 2025, 05:48:56 PM
Deventer (Go Ahead Eagles) is beautiful. If you're not into picture-perfect old towns, Rotterdam has the same destroyed-but-who-gives-a-shit vibe as Berlin.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 05:49:45 PM
What airports would you recommend?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: jacks_headband on August 29, 2025, 05:54:11 PM
Always deeply pleasant to read a thread and be reminded how many fellow Villa fans don't give a toss about colonialism, racism and genocide partly sponsored by their own government as long as they get to watch the football in peace.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 06:21:57 PM
Some of us just dont have the bravery to do all we can by posting virtously on the internet. Keep it up, you're making a difference.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Stu82 on August 29, 2025, 06:37:51 PM
Deventer (Go Ahead Eagles) is beautiful. If you're not into picture-perfect old towns, Rotterdam has the same destroyed-but-who-gives-a-shit vibe as Berlin.


Yes been to Deventer and it’s very nice.
Sure the visiting fans will enjoy it.
Usually visited Zwolle which is beautiful place.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dutchvilla on August 29, 2025, 06:43:12 PM
For airports, there's no better than Schiphol or Eindhoven for Deventer. Anything in Germany is further and not well connected.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 06:51:50 PM
Fenerbache is the other side of the Bospherus it seems. Don't know where to start with Istanbul.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 29, 2025, 07:00:38 PM
Fenerbache is the other side of the Bospherus it seems. Don't know where to start with Istanbul.

A flight would be a good start Ads.

I'm here all week.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 29, 2025, 07:14:19 PM
I can't help but feel that in certain quarters complaining about the quality of our Europe League trips might come across as a little bit entitled.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rougegorge on August 29, 2025, 07:24:34 PM
I can't help but feel that in certain quarters complaining about the quality of our Europe League trips might come across as a little bit entitled.
I would agree. Also the places are really interesting and historic and have great places to see.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 29, 2025, 07:25:15 PM
Some of us just dont have the bravery to do all we can by posting virtously on the internet. Keep it up, you're making a difference.

What does virtously mean? Is it something to do with tanks?

Anyway, posting on the internet might not be all he’s doing. Maybe he will support a campaign to ban genocidal maniacs from the game? Protest at the stadium? Register his opposition with the club and police? Better than tacit approval anyway.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 07:42:34 PM
Some of us just dont have the bravery to do all we can by posting virtously on the internet. Keep it up, you're making a difference.

What does virtously mean? Is it something to do with tanks?

Anyway, posting on the internet might not be all he’s doing. Maybe he will support a campaign to ban genocidal maniacs from the game? Protest at the stadium? Register his opposition with the club and police? Better than tacit approval anyway.

Its a typo, don't be boring Percy.

It might not be all he does, he might like to play dress up and and wear a kaffiyeh. He might sing songs. He might donate. He might clog up the Marlybone or Euston train to get to London regularly on a Saturday. He might do lots and lots of equally futile and pointless things with his or her time, that expend a tad more energy in the process than manipulating their thumbs on their phone.

But he can stick his criticism of my junkie level addiction of watching the Villa up his backside. This is the football side of the forum, this is specifically the Europa League thread where we're meant to get excited about playing in the competition and I am excited about the idea of flattening these wankers and want to be there to see it in person.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 29, 2025, 08:13:55 PM
For airports, there's no better than Schiphol or Eindhoven for Deventer. Anything in Germany is further and not well connected.
Thanks for that info. Also google tells me that there are direct trains to Deventer from Amsterdam Zuid.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Drummond on August 29, 2025, 08:48:57 PM
I'm. Hoping that draw won't be too taxing. We can make our way through unscathed and on to the knockouts.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 29, 2025, 08:53:02 PM
Some of us just dont have the bravery to do all we can by posting virtously on the internet. Keep it up, you're making a difference.

What does virtously mean? Is it something to do with tanks?

Anyway, posting on the internet might not be all he’s doing. Maybe he will support a campaign to ban genocidal maniacs from the game? Protest at the stadium? Register his opposition with the club and police? Better than tacit approval anyway.

Its a typo, don't be boring Percy.

It might not be all he does, he might like to play dress up and and wear a kaffiyeh. He might sing songs. He might donate. He might clog up the Marlybone or Euston train to get to London regularly on a Saturday. He might do lots and lots of equally futile and pointless things with his or her time, that expend a tad more energy in the process than manipulating their thumbs on their phone.

But he can stick his criticism of my junkie level addiction of watching the Villa up his backside. This is the football side of the forum, this is specifically the Europa League thread where we're meant to get excited about playing in the competition and I am excited about the idea of flattening these wankers and want to be there to see it in person.

And you can do all that with a little vitriol to all concerned.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pat McMahon on August 29, 2025, 09:11:48 PM
Fenerbache is the other side of the Bospherus it seems. Don't know where to start with Istanbul.

I go to Istanbul twice a year for work conferences and we generally stay close to the Besiktas stadium on the European side of the city. Staying around the Sultanahmet and Tamsin square areas makes most sense for the big tourist attractions. From Istanbul’s main airport this is a 45 minute journey on a good day.

The Fenerbahce stadium is on the Asian side so some people may want to stay over there to avoid the mad city traffic. There is an airport on that side too - don’t know the name but code is SAW - and obviously better if you want to stay nearer the stadium. Apparently a taxi can take an hour to get to the stadium from the European side unless you go mid afternoon. I’ve been past the stadium en route to a steel mill and there’s a big dual carriageway which goes past it but apparently clogs up on match days.

One option is simply to get a ferry from the European side to the Asian side ( I think it’s Karakoy to Kadakoy) as it s very cheap and takes 10 minutes. Apparently you can then walk to the ground in 20-30 minutes. I don’t know how late the ferries run for the return trip.

My guess is that the police will run shuttle buses from somewhere on the European side and it will be like Warsaw, meaning they leave 3 hours before kick off then keep you in for an hour after the game providing the full joyless European defeat experience 😉

I’m back over there on 15 October so will get more info while I’m there.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 29, 2025, 09:15:30 PM
Just a thought should we play Aviv in the Aviva stadium.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pat McMahon on August 29, 2025, 09:16:02 PM
A poster on here many years ago wrote that he had been to Fenerbahce when we played them in 1977 and he ran out of money and it took him 6 weeks to get home. I think he was one of the Sutton Coldfield lions, user name maybe Sunny? If he still posts I’d love to hear more about that adventure.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 29, 2025, 09:51:32 PM
Cheers Pat.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 29, 2025, 09:55:20 PM
Fenerbache is the other side of the Bospherus it seems. Don't know where to start with Istanbul.

I go to Istanbul twice a year for work conferences and we generally stay close to the Besiktas stadium on the European side of the city. Staying around the Sultanahmet and Tamsin square areas makes most sense for the big tourist attractions. From Istanbul’s main airport this is a 45 minute journey on a good day.

I've never been so that's good to hear, as I've booked a hotel in Habiye for next May (if required). It's close enough to the Besiktas stadium, and on the right side of the city for IST.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: 144 Hard Boiled Eggs on August 29, 2025, 10:53:25 PM
I can't help but feel that in certain quarters complaining about the quality of our Europe League trips might come across as a little bit entitled.
I would agree. Also the places are really interesting and historic and have great places to see.

Absolutely. Rotterdam has some great modern architecture and plenty of great places to eat and drink.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pat McMahon on August 30, 2025, 12:16:07 AM
I can't help but feel that in certain quarters complaining about the quality of our Europe League trips might come across as a little bit entitled.
I would agree. Also the places are really interesting and historic and have great places to see.

Absolutely. Rotterdam has some great modern architecture and plenty of great places to eat and drink.

And the upside down houses!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: tomd2103 on August 30, 2025, 01:17:37 AM
I'm. Hoping that draw won't be too taxing. We can make our way through unscathed and on to the knockouts.

As last season proved, a top 8 finish and avoiding the additional play-off fixture is very preferential.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 30, 2025, 07:03:47 AM
There’s gonna be some mobilisation of the lads from Witton, Aston, Perry Barr, Handsworth, Newtown, Lozells, Small Heath, Ward End, Hodge Hill, Duddeston, Nechells, Bordesley Green and Alum Rock if these genocidal psychopath bastards rock up. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them heading a few petrol bombs. Oh dear. How sad. Never mind.

Good luck WMP.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: adrenachrome on August 30, 2025, 07:47:31 AM
There’s gonna be some mobilisation of the lads from Witton, Aston, Perry Barr, Handsworth, Newtown, Lozells, Small Heath, Ward End, Hodge Hill, Duddeston, Nechells, Bordesley Green and Alum Rock if these genocidal psychopath bastards rock up. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them heading a few petrol bombs. Oh dear. How sad. Never mind.

Good luck WMP.

Quinton, Harbourne, Northfield, Selly Oak, Bournbrook crews aren't best pleased either.

If these twats turn up looking for a ruck, they will get one.

Rubery, Halesesowen and Stourbridge will be on standby if we have to send in the Light Brigade.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 30, 2025, 09:00:04 AM
Are Lichfield, Shenstone and Four Oaks allowed to tut loudly?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: 144 Hard Boiled Eggs on August 30, 2025, 09:20:06 AM
I can't help but feel that in certain quarters complaining about the quality of our Europe League trips might come across as a little bit entitled.
I would agree. Also the places are really interesting and historic and have great places to see.

Absolutely. Rotterdam has some great modern architecture and plenty of great places to eat and drink.

And the upside down houses!
Yes mate, with a superb and varied street food market underneath!
(https://i.ibb.co/DgR1jn2r/IMG-7268.jpg) (https://ibb.co/DgR1jn2r)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on August 30, 2025, 09:26:14 AM
I'm just annoyed that none of them are anywhere near me.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 30, 2025, 09:43:15 AM
Are Lichfield, Shenstone and Four Oaks allowed to tut loudly?

Ha ha ha. Made me lol.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 30, 2025, 09:46:17 AM
There’s gonna be some mobilisation of the lads from Witton, Aston, Perry Barr, Handsworth, Newtown, Lozells, Small Heath, Ward End, Hodge Hill, Duddeston, Nechells, Bordesley Green and Alum Rock if these genocidal psychopath bastards rock up. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them heading a few petrol bombs. Oh dear. How sad. Never mind.

Good luck WMP.

Quinton, Harbourne, Northfield, Selly Oak, Bournbrook crews aren't best pleased either.

If these twats turn up looking for a ruck, they will get one.

Rubery, Halesesowen and Stourbridge will be on standby if we have to send in the Light Brigade.

Don’t forgot the boys from the Mersey and the Thames and the Tyne.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 30, 2025, 09:49:12 AM
Clent Clobbers and Merry Hill Moochers are well up for it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 30, 2025, 09:52:31 AM
And the Solihull Rowdies.

*insert Bill Hicks ‘Hooligans’ sketch here *
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Clampy on August 30, 2025, 09:53:05 AM
And then you have the Bearwood Botherers. I've heard they stay up till half past ten.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 30, 2025, 09:59:23 AM
I've heard the Gramercy Riffs will travel over if needed.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 30, 2025, 10:00:20 AM
Can youuuuu diiiiig iiiitttt
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 30, 2025, 10:03:41 AM
Maccabi, come out to play yay.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Olneythelonely on August 30, 2025, 10:24:58 AM
There’s gonna be some mobilisation of the lads from Witton, Aston, Perry Barr, Handsworth, Newtown, Lozells, Small Heath, Ward End, Hodge Hill, Duddeston, Nechells, Bordesley Green and Alum Rock if these genocidal psychopath bastards rock up. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them heading a few petrol bombs. Oh dear. How sad. Never mind.

Good luck WMP.

Quinton, Harbourne, Northfield, Selly Oak, Bournbrook crews aren't best pleased either.

If these twats turn up looking for a ruck, they will get one.

Rubery, Halesesowen and Stourbridge will be on standby if we have to send in the Light Brigade.

I’ll round up the Stirchley/Selly Park lot. Ready to fight anyone after 4 8% hop bombs at Glasshouse.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 30, 2025, 11:29:50 AM
Edited /deleted.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 30, 2025, 11:41:05 AM
Maybe there'll be peace in the Middle East by the time the match comes around
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2025, 12:04:16 PM
Even if they ban away supporters, which seems sensible , how on earth is that team coach  going to get to Villa park via the surrounding areas?

Second point to that, is if and when it's attacked, we as a club will get the blame?

Probably best to calm down.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on August 30, 2025, 12:18:37 PM
And the Solihull Rowdies.

*insert Bill Hicks ‘Hooligans’ sketch here *

One of his weaker ones, didn't have a bull's notion.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Richard E on August 30, 2025, 12:33:51 PM
My genuine worry for us as a club, is even if they ban away supporters, which seems sensible , how on earth is that team coach  going to get to Villa park via the surrounding areas?

Second point to that, is if it's attacked, we as a club will get the blame?

I know this is a bit if an off the wall suggestion, but perhaps people could just not attack the team coach?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 30, 2025, 12:35:32 PM
But what will we do with all these bricks? Come on Richard, you haven't thought this through.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Drummond on August 30, 2025, 12:44:36 PM
We might have another Legia situation with sauce being thrown.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on August 30, 2025, 12:54:46 PM
We might have another Legia situation with sauce being thrown.

Look out for flying Baba ghanoush.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: brontebilly on August 30, 2025, 12:58:55 PM
What punishment would we get if we don't fulfil the fixture with the Israelis? It might piss off Ads and a handful of others but it would be a great statement and also put pressure on the other clubs to do the same.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2025, 01:02:09 PM
What punishment would we get if we don't fulfil the fixture with the Israelis? It might piss off Ads and a handful of others but it would be a great statement and also put pressure on the other clubs to do the same.

It absolutely would piss me off. This whole thread is some proper chode throttling fantasy wankery. It's not the fucking Warriors, we're not Small Heath bricking coaches and we're not twats who refuse to play.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 30, 2025, 01:02:10 PM
My genuine worry for us as a club, is even if they ban away supporters, which seems sensible , how on earth is that team coach  going to get to Villa park via the surrounding areas?

Second point to that, is if it's attacked, we as a club will get the blame?
Sorry but what do you mean “via the surrounding area”?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: brontebilly on August 30, 2025, 01:12:40 PM
What punishment would we get if we don't fulfil the fixture with the Israelis? It might piss off Ads and a handful of others but it would be a great statement and also put pressure on the other clubs to do the same.

It absolutely would piss me off. This whole thread is some proper chode throttling fantasy wankery. It's not the fucking Warriors, we're not Small Heath bricking coaches and we're not twats who refuse to play.

The Israeli state committing genocide on a daily basis is fantasy?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on August 30, 2025, 01:16:18 PM
My genuine worry for us as a club, is even if they ban away supporters, which seems sensible , how on earth is that team coach  going to get to Villa park via the surrounding areas?

Second point to that, is if it's attacked, we as a club will get the blame?
Sorry but what do you mean “via the surrounding area”?

It seems clear to me that they are suggesting the bus may be attacked by people not involved with the club due to the decent amount of Muslim population in the area.

I don't agree that anything will happen without fans. With fans then yeah, I expect disturbances of some sort.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 30, 2025, 01:32:01 PM

Sorry but what do you mean “via the surrounding area”?

Apologies if that caused offence Olaftab. I now wish I hadn’t even posted it and might just delete.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 30, 2025, 01:38:18 PM
My genuine worry for us as a club, is even if they ban away supporters, which seems sensible , how on earth is that team coach  going to get to Villa park via the surrounding areas?

Second point to that, is if it's attacked, we as a club will get the blame?

I know this is a bit if an off the wall suggestion, but perhaps people could just not attack the team coach?

Totally agree.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2025, 01:42:59 PM
What punishment would we get if we don't fulfil the fixture with the Israelis? It might piss off Ads and a handful of others but it would be a great statement and also put pressure on the other clubs to do the same.

It absolutely would piss me off. This whole thread is some proper chode throttling fantasy wankery. It's not the fucking Warriors, we're not Small Heath bricking coaches and we're not twats who refuse to play.

The Israeli state committing genocide on a daily basis is fantasy?

We arent playing the Israeli state.

Not really the thread for the war. Lets just play the team we're drawn against and save our coach bricking gangster fantasies for Off Topic.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 30, 2025, 01:46:30 PM
It's a fact that Villa Park is located in an area with a large Muslim population and personally I don't think it's outrageous to suggest that means there is likely to be local opposition to an Israeli team coming to play, particularly when their fans, at least, appear to be vocally pro their government's actions in Gaza. No matter what any of us posting here may want to happen, it can't be denied that this draw will cause a massive headache for the football and civil authorities.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on August 30, 2025, 01:47:30 PM
Kings Norton Boys School used to have a ‘firm’ known as the Norton Nutty Turnout Crew.  NNTO for short.  Wonder whether they’ll make a reappearance.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: aldridgeboy on August 30, 2025, 01:48:51 PM
It's a fact that Villa Park is located in an area with a large Muslim population and personally I don't think it's outrageous to suggest that means there is likely to be local opposition to an Israeli team coming to play, particularly when their fans, at least, appear to be vocally pro their government's actions in Gaza. No matter what any of us posting here may want to happen, it can't be denied that this draw will cause a massive headache for the football and civil authorities.

That’s what I pretty much meant. You have put it much more eloquently  thank you.

Anyway. I’m not  commenting further. And annoyed with myself for even posting it now.

Lets win the competition.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 30, 2025, 02:05:13 PM

Sorry but what do you mean “via the surrounding area”?

Apologies if that caused offence Olaftab. I now wish I hadn’t even posted it and might just delete.

Why would you need to apologise for pointing out the bleeding obvious?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 30, 2025, 02:55:09 PM
It's a fact that Villa Park is located in an area with a large Muslim population and personally I don't think it's outrageous to suggest that means there is likely to be local opposition to an Israeli team coming to play, particularly when their fans, at least, appear to be vocally pro their government's actions in Gaza. No matter what any of us posting here may want to happen, it can't be denied that this draw will cause a massive headache for the football and civil authorities.

I might not be as cluedup on world affairs as a lot on here but how man of the heavy Muslim population around Villa Park are from Gaza or Palestine? I suspect not many so what has it got to do with anyone else?

There are lots of Islamic driven genocide going on around the world why are they not protesting about that?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2025, 03:10:40 PM
Most Asians of Pakistani origin in Brum come from Mirpur.

Gaza is a big motivating factor, but there's a world of difference from feeling sympathy or anger at Palestinians and the Israeli state and deciding you're going to start lobbing petrol bombs about at a football team.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on August 30, 2025, 03:10:51 PM
It's a fact that Villa Park is located in an area with a large Muslim population and personally I don't think it's outrageous to suggest that means there is likely to be local opposition to an Israeli team coming to play, particularly when their fans, at least, appear to be vocally pro their government's actions in Gaza. No matter what any of us posting here may want to happen, it can't be denied that this draw will cause a massive headache for the football and civil authorities.

I might not be as cluedup on world affairs as a lot on here but how man of the heavy Muslim population around Villa Park are from Gaza or Palestine? I suspect not many so what has it got to do with anyone else?

There are lots of Islamic driven genocide going on around the world why are they not protesting about that?

Oh god…that’s another 20 pages at least.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2025, 03:13:11 PM
It's a fact that Villa Park is located in an area with a large Muslim population and personally I don't think it's outrageous to suggest that means there is likely to be local opposition to an Israeli team coming to play, particularly when their fans, at least, appear to be vocally pro their government's actions in Gaza. No matter what any of us posting here may want to happen, it can't be denied that this draw will cause a massive headache for the football and civil authorities.

I might not be as cluedup on world affairs as a lot on here but how man of the heavy Muslim population around Villa Park are from Gaza or Palestine? I suspect not many so what has it got to do with anyone else?

There are lots of Islamic driven genocide going on around the world why are they not protesting about that?

Oh god…that’s another 20 pages at least.

There won't be, as its Saturday people are out demonstrating the CCP genocide of the Uyghur Muslims. Maybe when they're back.

25 pages now. Ahhoooooo!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Olneythelonely on August 30, 2025, 03:25:23 PM
In that case, presumably you’ll be out shouting in the faces of grieving families in Gaza, about how the deaths of their children isn’t a genocide? And that they’re too dumb to realise that?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 30, 2025, 03:27:16 PM
I dont shout in anybodies face. What an odd thing to say.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Olneythelonely on August 30, 2025, 03:30:24 PM
I thought we were exaggerating people’s behaviours on here, to take the piss. Is that not what we’re doing?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: HolteL4 on August 30, 2025, 03:51:19 PM
What punishment would we get if we don't fulfil the fixture with the Israelis? It might piss off Ads and a handful of others but it would be a great statement and also put pressure on the other clubs to do the same.

It absolutely would piss me off. This whole thread is some proper chode throttling fantasy wankery. It's not the fucking Warriors, we're not Small Heath bricking coaches and we're not twats who refuse to play.

The Israeli state committing genocide on a daily basis is fantasy?

We arent playing the Israeli state.

Not really the thread for the war. Lets just play the team we're drawn against and save our coach bricking gangster fantasies for Off Topic.

But as has already been pointed out this team has gone to places and their fans have attacked the local Muslim population, they are now coming to Aston with a massive Muslim population, to its safe to assume they will do the same again.  It's also safe to assume there will be a retaliation from the Muslim communities in the Birmingham area.

Israel is the aggressor just like Russia so should be banned just like Russia are.

The biggest question is if it does happen the way we expect will the UK press report it their fans attacking Muslims and then there being a retaliation or will they just throw us under the bus and say its Villa fans attacking them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 30, 2025, 03:59:57 PM
Sorry but what do you mean “via the surrounding area”?
Apologies if that caused offence Olaftab. I now wish I hadn’t even posted it and might just delete.
Why would you need to apologise for pointing out the bleeding obvious?
There was no need to apologise Aldrigeboy. I asked the question if you thought there was anything else than Villa park being surrounded to the north and west by a totally muslim population.

However BNS it's not totally obvious. I DO NOT think residents of Aston and Witton will cause any problems. I have spent time around this area most of my life specially in 80s and 90s. I still know number of families either as friends or extended relatives living there. They have learned to live with the Villa over the last 50 years and as far I know they never complained vociferously no matter how bad it got for them at times. They are mostly good peaceful and generally humble people. They do not want to do anything that will leave a scar with Villa fans. If there is any trouble it will be brought in from outside.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 30, 2025, 04:13:53 PM
Anyway back to the match days, do we have any news what time tomorrow we will know where and when?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 30, 2025, 04:16:14 PM
I was hoping we'd find out today
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 30, 2025, 04:17:09 PM
It's a fact that Villa Park is located in an area with a large Muslim population and personally I don't think it's outrageous to suggest that means there is likely to be local opposition to an Israeli team coming to play, particularly when their fans, at least, appear to be vocally pro their government's actions in Gaza. No matter what any of us posting here may want to happen, it can't be denied that this draw will cause a massive headache for the football and civil authorities.

I might not be as cluedup on world affairs as a lot on here


Agreed.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 30, 2025, 04:20:59 PM
I was hoping we'd find out today

They've done the Champions League one, hopefully not too long now.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 30, 2025, 04:53:46 PM
I don't doubt that most locals are decent and could do without the match but there are some, from the vicinity or further away, who would relish the idea of attacking a visible Jewish presence. Then there's the protesters, the flag-erectors looking to stir trouble and the Maccabi supporters. Throw in the media focus from now on and the current situation in the city and I'll be glad when the match is over.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: algy on August 30, 2025, 05:23:43 PM
The Maccabi match isn’t one I have any intention of going to. It might be perfectly fine, but it feels like it’s more likely than most to be a dickhead magnet.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brown, Arce, Hole on August 30, 2025, 06:53:15 PM
I was hoping we'd find out today
UEFA website says details will be announced at 20.00 CET. That’s in 8 minutes!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Lsvilla on August 30, 2025, 07:01:53 PM
ston Villa FC Aston Villa FC
25 September 2025 21:00 Bologna FC 1909 (H)
2 October 2025 21:00 Feyenoord (A)
23 October 2025 18:45 Go Ahead Eagles (A)
6 November 2025 21:00 Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (H)
27 November 2025 18:45 BSC Young Boys (H)
11 December 2025 21:00 FC Basel 1893 (A)
22 January 2026 18:45 Fenerbahçe SK (A)
29 January 2026 21:00 FC Salzburg (H)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 30, 2025, 07:05:22 PM
Maccabi the day after Bonfire Night. It gets better.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 30, 2025, 07:05:55 PM
Europa League dates confirmed.

25 September 2025 21:00 Bologna FC 1909 (H)
2 October 2025 21:00 Feyenoord (A)
23 October 2025 18:45 Go Ahead Eagles (A)
6 November 2025 21:00 Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (H)
27 November 2025 18:45 BSC Young Boys (H)
11 December 2025 21:00 FC Basel 1893 (A)
22 January 2026 18:45 Fenerbahçe SK (A)
29 January 2026 21:00 FC Salzburg (H)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 30, 2025, 07:06:51 PM
I was hoping we'd find out today
UEFA website says details will be announced at 20.00 CET. That’s in 8 minutes!

A minute late, bastards!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 30, 2025, 07:07:02 PM
Europa League dates confirmed.

25 September 2025 21:00 Bologna FC 1909 (H)
2 October 2025 21:00 Feyenoord (A)
23 October 2025 18:45 Go Ahead Eagles (A)
6 November 2025 21:00 Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC (H)
27 November 2025 18:45 BSC Young Boys (H)
11 December 2025 21:00 FC Basel 1893 (A)
22 January 2026 18:45 Fenerbahçe SK (A)
29 January 2026 21:00 FC Salzburg (H)
UK times

Matchday 1: Aston Villa v Bologna - Thursday, September 25 (ko 8pm)

Matchday 2: Feyenoord v Aston Villa - Thursday, October 2 (ko 8pm)

Matchday 3: Go Ahead Eagles v Aston Villa - Thursday, October 23 (ko 5.45pm)

Matchday 4: Aston Villa v Maccabi Tel Aviv - Thursday, November 6 (ko 8pm)

Matchday 5: Aston Villa v BSC Young Boys - Thursday, November 27 (ko 5.45pm)

Matchday 6: FC Basel v Aston Villa - Thursday, December 11 (ko 8pm)

Matchday 7: Fenerbahçe SK v Aston Villa - Thursday, January 22 (ko 5.45pm)

Matchday 8: Aston Villa v RB Salzburg - Thursday, January 29 (ko 8pm)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 30, 2025, 07:07:26 PM
I'm away during the match against the murdering scum. Not too bothered about missing that tbh (if we are allowed to attend anyway).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on August 30, 2025, 07:08:12 PM
Tel Aviv day after Bonfire night.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 30, 2025, 07:11:36 PM
Maccabi the day after Bonfire Night. It gets better.

Away fans banned and mass cordon around VP I suspect. Going to be a horrible one to police.

Fulham game now goes to the Sunday at I presume 2pm with confirmation our first game is on the Thursday.

What on earth is the 5.45pm kick off all about? We played that time slot regularly last season in away games but U.K sides hardly ever play that early.

Can see the crowd being comfortably below 35k for that one.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AlexAlexCropley on August 30, 2025, 07:11:46 PM
Tel Aviv day after Bonfire night.
Guy Fawkes
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 30, 2025, 07:12:04 PM
Disappointed we couldn't have got the Wednesday slot the week it is spread across two nights but never mind.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 30, 2025, 07:12:39 PM
Cool, only need 5 of the 9 nights off I’ve booked.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 30, 2025, 07:14:02 PM
Maccabi the day after Bonfire Night. It gets better.

Away fans banned and mass cordon around VP I suspect. Going to be a horrible one to police.

Fulham game now goes to the Sunday at I presume 2pm with confirmation our first game is on the Thursday.

What on earth is the 5.45pm kick off all about? We played that time slot regularly last season in away games but U.K sides hardly ever play that early.



It’s ideal if you start work at 10pm.😉
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: john2710 on August 30, 2025, 07:20:54 PM
Maccabi the day after Bonfire Night. It gets better.

But there won't be any trouble & anyone suggesting there might, deserves a good kicking
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on August 30, 2025, 07:21:08 PM
The one year anniversary of the Amsterdam riots.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on August 30, 2025, 07:21:43 PM
Tel Aviv day after Bonfire night.
Guy Fawkes

Does this mean in less than 24 hours I have to go from being anti-catholic to anti-semitic ?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Drummond on August 30, 2025, 07:26:27 PM
Can't ask for more than starting and ending at home I suppose
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on August 30, 2025, 07:28:21 PM
Can't ask for more than starting and ending at home I suppose

It ends away. In Istanbul !
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: claret+blue ed on August 30, 2025, 07:28:51 PM
Can’t believe we have a home 5.45 kick off, traffic will be an absolute nightmare
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 30, 2025, 07:32:21 PM
Can't ask for more than starting and ending at home I suppose

It ends away. In Istanbul !

Last game is Salzburg at home.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Small Rodent on August 30, 2025, 07:37:03 PM
What punishment would we get if we don't fulfil the fixture with the Israelis? It might piss off Ads and a handful of others but it would be a great statement and also put pressure on the other clubs to do the same.

It absolutely would piss me off. This whole thread is some proper chode throttling fantasy wankery. It's not the fucking Warriors, we're not Small Heath bricking coaches and we're not twats who refuse to play.

The Israeli state committing genocide on a daily basis is fantasy?

We arent playing the Israeli state.

Not really the thread for the war. Lets just play the team we're drawn against and save our coach bricking gangster fantasies for Off Topic.

I agree with this.

Personally, I find your posts very interesting and often educational.

But your posting style can be very confrontational sometimes. This post is very to the point without the use of the word “chode”.

I think politics is definitely part of sport, but let the authorities arranging and policing the game do their job without any fuss.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on August 30, 2025, 07:37:28 PM
Can't ask for more than starting and ending at home I suppose

It ends away. In Istanbul !

Last game is Salzburg at home.

I mean the final !
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 30, 2025, 07:41:05 PM
Politics, religion, social issues etc have always been a part of sport and always will be. More often than not "keep politics out of sport" translates as "keep politics I don't like out of sport".
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Small Rodent on August 30, 2025, 07:46:27 PM
Politics, religion, social issues etc have always been a part of sport and always will be. More often than not "keep politics out of sport" translates as "keep politics I don't like out of sport".

Exactly. Just one nation playing another is political and social.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 30, 2025, 07:47:44 PM
Can’t believe we have a home 5.45 kick off, traffic will be an absolute nightmare

I was going to mention that. Very rare a UK home match is played at that time. In Europe the 1745 KO is more usual as it is closer to 7pm or 8pm local time.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 30, 2025, 07:50:28 PM
As they're young boys they can't stay up late, so that's why the earlier kick off.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dalians umbrella on August 30, 2025, 08:33:09 PM
As they're young boys they can't stay up late, so that's why the earlier kick off.

Very good!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pete3206 on August 30, 2025, 08:34:33 PM
I'd love the Maccabi match to be nothing but a footballing contest but, anyone who believes there won't be at least a bit bother, is mistaken imo.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 30, 2025, 08:45:05 PM
Can’t believe we have a home 5.45 kick off, traffic will be an absolute nightmare

I was going to mention that. Very rare a UK home match is played at that time. In Europe the 1745 KO is more usual as it is closer to 7pm or 8pm local time.

I'm pretty sure it's not just the mushrooms confusing me here.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: SoccerHQ on August 30, 2025, 09:05:56 PM
Can’t believe we have a home 5.45 kick off, traffic will be an absolute nightmare

I have a vague recollection of one of our games in 2008/09 kicking off very early, maybe Ajax? Wasn't too bad coming in from Sutton from 5pm but going to be a nightmare for anyone travelling from South Birmingham through the city centre.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Demitri_C on August 30, 2025, 09:08:27 PM
I'd love the Maccabi match to be nothing but a footballing contest but, anyone who believes there won't be at least a bit bother, is mistaken imo.

I agree  pete. Im sure a majority of their fans will come just to watch the game and not want to get into the political  drama.  Rather focus on ua getting 3 points
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 30, 2025, 09:12:27 PM
The majority of their fans will be racist twats looking for trouble, just as they were on the last occasion when they played a European game in a big city with a sizeable Muslim population. As we saw with Legia, most reasonable supporters won't bother travelling, with all the tickets given to ultra type bellends.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Demitri_C on August 30, 2025, 09:24:41 PM
The majority of their fans will be racist twats looking for trouble, just as they were on the last occasion when they played a European game in a big city with a sizeable Muslim population. As we saw with Legia, most reasonable supporters won't bother travelling, with all the tickets given to ultra type bellends.

I hope not. Last thing we need is more trouble like with legia
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 30, 2025, 09:26:56 PM
Can’t believe we have a home 5.45 kick off, traffic will be an absolute nightmare

I was going to mention that. Very rare a UK home match is played at that time. In Europe the 1745 KO is more usual as it is closer to 7pm or 8pm local time.

I'm pretty sure it's not just the mushrooms confusing me here.
Mainland Europe then. Who are normally and hour or two ahead of the UK. (Or are you confused I used two different time units)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 30, 2025, 09:31:06 PM
I'd love the Maccabi match to be nothing but a footballing contest but, anyone who believes there won't be at least a bit bother, is mistaken imo.

Their supporters won't know what's hit them. They may have done a minimum of 32 months military service, possibly even fought against Hamas and/or Hezbollah, but they'll shit themselves when some balding, overweight fifty-something Brummies come at them looking for vengeance.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 30, 2025, 10:37:22 PM
I'd love the Maccabi match to be nothing but a footballing contest but, anyone who believes there won't be at least a bit bother, is mistaken imo.

Their supporters won't know what's hit them. They may have done a minimum of 32 months military service, possibly even fought against Hamas and/or Hezbollah, but they'll shit themselves when some balding, overweight fifty-something Brummies come at them looking for vengeance.

Indeed, handling Stone Island wearing pavement dancers is going to be the second easiest thing they’ve done, after all that shooting starving civilians in food queues.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: darren woolley on August 30, 2025, 11:08:39 PM
I'm looking forward to our games at first I was underwhelmed  but now I can't wait.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 30, 2025, 11:57:14 PM
I'm away during the match against the murdering scum. Not too bothered about missing that tbh (if we are allowed to attend anyway).

Is this the terrorist murderous scum that killed 1400 innocent young people at a music festival and still to this day keep some of them as hostages?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 31, 2025, 12:00:37 AM
No, we aren't playing a Palestinian team, unless you think Tel Aviv is in Palestine, you daft antisemite. Does any terrorist atrocity or kidnapping justify genocide?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 31, 2025, 12:07:04 AM
I'm away during the match against the murdering scum. Not too bothered about missing that tbh (if we are allowed to attend anyway).

Is this the terrorist murderous scum that killed 1400 innocent young people at a music festival and still to this day keep some of them as hostages?

725 Israeli civilians (including 36 children), 71 foreign nationals, and 379 security forces. Not 1400 innocent people at one site.

62,122 Palestinians have been killed since then in Gaza, of which over a 1000 have been children. In the West Bank, a 1000 Palestinians have also been killed, and afaik, they had nothing to do with the attack and are mostly civilians.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 31, 2025, 12:28:17 AM
Let's try and keep it civil, to each other at least.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on August 31, 2025, 12:54:55 AM
I'm away during the match against the murdering scum. Not too bothered about missing that tbh (if we are allowed to attend anyway).

Is this the terrorist murderous scum that killed 1400 innocent young people at a music festival and still to this day keep some of them as hostages?

It's almost as if, and hold your horses, Hamas are murderous scum AND the Israeli government are even bigger murderous scum. Incredible, I know.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on August 31, 2025, 01:16:40 AM
Maccabi the day after Bonfire Night. It gets better.

Hopefully, they haven't seen the hipster Bohs fans trying to take the piss in Derry. https://x.com/real_eire/status/1948863711374106838
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on August 31, 2025, 02:32:38 AM
I'd love the Maccabi match to be nothing but a footballing contest but, anyone who believes there won't be at least a bit bother, is mistaken imo.

Their supporters won't know what's hit them. They may have done a minimum of 32 months military service, possibly even fought against Hamas and/or Hezbollah, but they'll shit themselves when some balding, overweight fifty-something Brummies come at them looking for vengeance.

It won’t be football hooligans mate. More like the firm that turned out in Bordesley Green when it was rumoured that Tiny Tommy Two-names’  firm was going to turn up. Of course, the rumours were untrue. Tommy’s firm is undoubtedly stupid, but they’re not suicidal.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: VillaMatt93 on August 31, 2025, 03:23:20 AM
I'm away during the match against the murdering scum. Not too bothered about missing that tbh (if we are allowed to attend anyway).

I've only recently rejoined this forum but can I ask if you've ever been to Israel and Palestine and if so please document your time there...

I mean you've missed our trip to Turkey and the constant raids and bombing campaigns they've done in Syria also in the last several years....
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Steve67 on August 31, 2025, 03:43:35 AM
Be quite nice to turn this back into a thread about football and leave the politics to the politics thread.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 31, 2025, 07:47:45 AM
Be quite nice to turn this back into a thread about football and leave the politics to the politics thread.
Agreed.

If their "supporters" have form for causing trouble then we should not allow them in the ground. Surely that is simple enough.
I'm sure the football team is just a football team so nothing wrong with the game being played.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 31, 2025, 08:08:12 AM
Be quite nice to turn this back into a thread about football and leave the politics to the politics thread.
Agreed.

If their "supporters" have form for causing trouble then we should not allow them in the ground. Surely that is simple enough.

If we ask UEFA and they agree to it, then sure.

Otherwise, unilaterally deciding that we don't want away fans to attend a match at Villa Park is definitely not simple.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 31, 2025, 08:11:49 AM
Whether some people like it or not this match is highly political, so that would will be the main discussion.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 31, 2025, 08:26:47 AM
Whether some people like it or not this match is highly political, so that would will be the main discussion.

I mean, if people want to use the thread to talk about whether Maccabi Tel Aviv are more likely to play Nicolaescu or Turgeman, and whether Lazetic is doing a better job that Robbie Keane, I can't imagine anyone is going to stop them.

In the absence of that, the politics stuff seems most likely to fill that void.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on August 31, 2025, 08:47:30 AM
From a footballing perspective, it seems we've got a couple of the trickier ties on paper up first, then an easier run before the January finale. I just hope we are not too passive in the away matches (imagine that) as they're all potential banana skins for various reasons.

From a travel perspective, I booked flights to Amsterdam yesterday, less than half hour by train from Schipol to Rotterdam. Hoping the size of the stadium will mean getting in isn't too challenging. A German friend described Feyenoord fans as "violent" so what can possibly go wrong?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: brontebilly on August 31, 2025, 08:58:43 AM
Be quite nice to turn this back into a thread about football and leave the politics to the politics thread.
Agreed.

If their "supporters" have form for causing trouble then we should not allow them in the ground. Surely that is simple enough.
I'm sure the football team is just a football team so nothing wrong with the game being played.

Would you have any issue with Villa playing a team that supported Putin?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Paul.S on August 31, 2025, 09:34:10 AM
Can’t wait for the Europa games to start. There’s nothing like them and I’m going to enjoy them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on August 31, 2025, 09:35:19 AM
Be quite nice to turn this back into a thread about football and leave the politics to the politics thread.
Agreed.

If their "supporters" have form for causing trouble then we should not allow them in the ground. Surely that is simple enough.
I'm sure the football team is just a football team so nothing wrong with the game being played.

Would you have any issue with Villa playing a team that supported Putin?

If we were drawn to play against them, of course not. We can't choose who we play against.

If we decided we were going on a pre-season tour of Luhansk Oblast, then it's fine to have an issue with it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on August 31, 2025, 10:36:53 AM
Hookey may have a different answer to that. Pretty sure he does.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 31, 2025, 10:37:06 AM
Turkish Airlines from Manchester seems to be the cheapest flying out on the Wednesday. £200 difference from this Pegasus Air who I'd never heard of.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 31, 2025, 10:38:24 AM
I see Feyenoord are talking to Vardy about a possible deal.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on August 31, 2025, 11:32:43 AM
I see Feyenoord are talking to Vardy about a possible deal.

I’m surprised he’s not at a club yet. On a one year deal, as cover, I wouldn’t be against him coming to us.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: martin o`who?? on August 31, 2025, 11:34:04 AM
Can’t wait for the Europa games to start. There’s nothing like them and I’m going to enjoy them.
You can't beat catching ketchup bottles on the Holte.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Gareth on August 31, 2025, 11:36:12 AM
I'd love the Maccabi match to be nothing but a footballing contest but, anyone who believes there won't be at least a bit bother, is mistaken imo.

Their supporters won't know what's hit them. They may have done a minimum of 32 months military service, possibly even fought against Hamas and/or Hezbollah, but they'll shit themselves when some balding, overweight fifty-something Brummies come at them looking for vengeance.
Even worse when the heathens want to be their mates to fight d’vile

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 31, 2025, 11:37:57 AM
Be quite nice to turn this back into a thread about football and leave the politics to the politics thread.
Agreed.

If their "supporters" have form for causing trouble then we should not allow them in the ground. Surely that is simple enough.
I'm sure the football team is just a football team so nothing wrong with the game being played.

So we should leave the politics out of it unless you want to raise a political point?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on August 31, 2025, 11:40:34 AM
Be quite nice to turn this back into a thread about football and leave the politics to the politics thread.
Agreed.

If their "supporters" have form for causing trouble then we should not allow them in the ground. Surely that is simple enough.
I'm sure the football team is just a football team so nothing wrong with the game being played.

So we should leave the politics out of it unless you want to raise a political point?

Edit. Not worth it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Tuscans on August 31, 2025, 11:42:06 AM
I see Feyenoord are talking to Vardy about a possible deal.

I’m surprised he’s not at a club yet. On a one year deal, as cover, I wouldn’t be against him coming to us.
Scrap that, he's gone to Cremonese.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 31, 2025, 11:42:57 AM
I'm away during the match against the murdering scum. Not too bothered about missing that tbh (if we are allowed to attend anyway).

I've only recently rejoined this forum but can I ask if you've ever been to Israel and Palestine and if so please document your time there...

You can't criticise Hitler unless you've been to 1930s Germany.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Archbishop Herbert Cockthrottle on August 31, 2025, 11:46:28 AM
I'd love the Maccabi match to be nothing but a footballing contest but, anyone who believes there won't be at least a bit bother, is mistaken imo.

Their supporters won't know what's hit them. They may have done a minimum of 32 months military service, possibly even fought against Hamas and/or Hezbollah, but they'll shit themselves when some balding, overweight fifty-something Brummies come at them looking for vengeance.
Even worse when the heathens want to be their mates to fight d’vile



Let's face it 3 years in the IDF is no match for some plastic furniture and a few pints of piss.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Demitri_C on August 31, 2025, 11:48:08 AM
Happy with that lineup. Playing fenebache later is my preference  as hopefully  be then we should have qualified. Also great to start and finish at villa park
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 31, 2025, 11:51:50 AM
I can imagine it being a dilemma for Small Heath. On one hand it's a chance to fight with the big lads against da Vile, on the other their multicultural Nelson Mandela beliefs get in the way.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on August 31, 2025, 12:16:29 PM
Flights to Istanbul cheaper than the the rest, despite being twice/four times as far.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 31, 2025, 12:42:00 PM
Diego Carlos has gone to Como so there's at least one off the "bound to score against us" list.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Richard E on August 31, 2025, 12:44:41 PM
Diego Carlos has gone to Como so there's at least one off the "bound to score against us" list.

Yes but in his case it was likely to have been an own goal.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 31, 2025, 01:22:16 PM
Drat.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 31, 2025, 01:45:01 PM
Just in case I can get tickets:
Eurostar to Rotterdam £195 ret
Eurostar to Amsterdam £74 ret
Can't do Basel £0
Turkish Airlines from Brum £245 ret
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on August 31, 2025, 01:49:41 PM
I've only recently rejoined this forum but can I ask if you've ever been to Israel and Palestine and if so please document your time there...
I have been to Tel Aviv, Ramallah and Jerusalem. What would you like to know?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on August 31, 2025, 01:53:24 PM

I've only recently rejoined this forum but can I ask if you've ever been to Israel and Palestine and if so please document your time there...

I spent a couple of months living on a kibbutz and then a couple of weeks at the end travelling around Israel.

I can document my time there as: getting pissed every night, failing to get off with foreign women, and not eating much to the extent that when I got home, I was so scrawny my mother burst into tears.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pat McMahon on August 31, 2025, 02:01:02 PM
Flights to Istanbul cheaper than the the rest, despite being twice/four times as far.

Istanbul can be surprisingly cold in winter so tourism drops. I was even there ina snow blizzard about 20 years ago.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 31, 2025, 02:02:09 PM
I'm there in November so hoping it isn't too cold.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pat McMahon on August 31, 2025, 02:06:20 PM
I’m there on 15 October and in the past few years late October has been fine. High teens / low 20s and sunny, albeit with occasional clods and rain. Hopefully November will be similar for you
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 31, 2025, 02:08:56 PM
I've only recently rejoined this forum but can I ask if you've ever been to Israel and Palestine and if so please document your time there...
I have been to Tel Aviv, Ramallah and Jerusalem. What would you like to know?

I have  been to Tel Aviv about 10 years ago and thought it was a very modern city with great hotels, nightlife and musuems. The people I met were charming and very hospitable.
I was there on business and always wanted to go back with more  timet to explore
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 31, 2025, 02:24:12 PM
I’m there on 15 October and in the past few years late October has been fine. High teens / low 20s and sunny, albeit with occasional clods and rain. Hopefully November will be similar for you

Ta.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on August 31, 2025, 02:24:54 PM
I've only recently rejoined this forum but can I ask if you've ever been to Israel and Palestine and if so please document your time there...
I have been to Tel Aviv, Ramallah and Jerusalem. What would you like to know?

I have  been to Tel Aviv about 10 years ago and thought it was a very modern city with great hotels, nightlife and musuems. The people I met were charming and very hospitable.
I was there on business and always wanted to go back with more  timet to explore

Rome is also a very nice city, doesn’t mean that Lazio fans aren't violent, racist, thugs. As are Maccabi Tel Aviv fans.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Hookeysmith on August 31, 2025, 04:14:08 PM
I do not know but take your word on it. If thier fans are so roundly known as being thugs wh have they not been banned anywhere else? It is a genuine question.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on August 31, 2025, 04:18:31 PM
I do not know but take your word on it. If thier fans are so roundly known as being thugs wh have they not been banned anywhere else? It is a genuine question.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/November_2024_Amsterdam_riots#

Quote
The evening before the match, Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were filmed pulling Palestinian flags from houses, making racist anti-Arab chants such as "death to Arabs", assaulting people, and vandalising local property.

A group of Maccabi Fanatics chased two men, beating one with a belt as he tried to escape in a taxi.[12] After the police arrived, the group ran away, joining other Maccabi ultras, nearly all of whom wore black clothing instead of team colours, walking towards Rokin.[4][12] This group of around 50 Maccabi supporters gathered in front of Villa Mokum, a squat where several Palestinian flags were displayed.[3][4]

Residents of the squat barricaded themselves inside while one of the ultras ripped the flags off.[3][4] Maccabi fans reportedly kicked the doors and tried to enter the house, threatening to kill the residents.[7] Video footage showed a police car passing without stopping, leading to criticism on social media.[8] A group of supporters vandalised a nearby taxi, including hitting the window with an object and trying to force the windows and doors open, while the driver was inside.[12][4][3]

That then angered the locals into forming their own groups to attack any Maccaibi fans around, including innocent ones.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: claret+blue ed on September 01, 2025, 12:54:32 PM
Just wondering what experiences people have had on any of the away trips over the last couple of years that didn't have a ticket

Are places welcoming to the ones not going to the match?

Was thinking of going to the Feyenoord game, but i'm only an ST without official Euro away history, so know I wouldn't get an official ticket
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: liam on September 01, 2025, 01:53:34 PM
Loads of folk have been without tickets, the night before and match day are a great experience. I think those that don't end up at the game end up in one of the villa bars to watch the match. Can't recomend enough doing Europe away with the Villa. The last 2 years have been amazing and even with the current doom around the club, can't wait for Feyernord away in 4 weeks!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: rjp on September 01, 2025, 02:17:11 PM
The match is often the worst part of the trip :)  Definitely go along if you can do it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 01, 2025, 02:39:40 PM
I went to Mostar two seasons ago and Brugge (league stage) last season. Both times I went without a ticket but managed to get in the stadium. I'd strongly recommend giving it a go, they've been great experiences.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: claret+blue ed on September 01, 2025, 02:42:55 PM
I did go to Monaco, but that was easy getting a ticket in the neutral section prior to going, so not a drama and was hardly going to be a rough experience there anyway

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on September 01, 2025, 03:38:29 PM
I went to Mostar two seasons ago and Brugge (league stage) last season. Both times I went without a ticket but managed to get in the stadium. I'd strongly recommend giving it a go, they've been great experiences.

I managed to get my missus into every game last season bar PSG and she travelled without tickets.

They're as much adventures with a secondary bit of football you sort of remember, as anything else. Definitely go if you can, regardless of whether you have a ticket, would be my advice.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2025, 06:29:59 PM
Fenerbahce getting Ederson and Asensio this window. They won’t be easy when we play them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 01, 2025, 06:44:21 PM
They weren't with Duran being there even beforehand, and our last chance of a definite win was spoiled when they got rid of Diego and Jose.

TBF, I had ruled that one as a throwaway match anyway, it will just be on if they get to the final.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Toronto Villa on September 01, 2025, 07:18:49 PM
https://x.com/fenerbahce/status/1962568999037747511?s=46

Asensio certainly doesn’t have the beaming smile signing for Fenerbahce that he has when joining us.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 01, 2025, 07:38:30 PM
I can't. I just can't.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 01, 2025, 10:54:51 PM
Ours and Chelseas squad announcements will be interesting with the positive revenue A squad figures.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 02, 2025, 04:20:12 PM
Ours and Chelseas squad announcements will be interesting with the positive revenue A squad figures.

Barcelona too. Looks like they've both spent and brought in pretty much £25m on the nose.

And as per the transfer thread, looks like one first-team player will have to be left out of the UEFA squad.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on September 02, 2025, 04:38:08 PM
So when are tickets on sale?  The first game is just over 3 weeks away.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 02, 2025, 05:08:58 PM
Proposed A List below. Now we have let JJ go we can only do a max of 21 names. Kosta, Garcia and Barkley are some names who could be removed to make space for others. (edit: I think Bogarde is still B list qualification due to age but would fit into the home grown on A if he doesn't).

Martinez
Bizot

Matty Cash
Lindelof
Ezri Konsa
Pau Torres
Garcia
Tyrone Mings
Ian Maatsen
Lucas Digne

Boubacar Kamara
Elliot
John McGinn
Youri Tielemans
Buendia
Amadou Onana
Guessand

Morgan Rogers
Sancho
Malen
Ollie Watkins

I've removed Barkley at the moment but he could be in instead of Buendia. I see no reason not to include Garcia but could be sacrificed with Lindelof or Konsa as RB.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: liam on September 02, 2025, 06:00:00 PM
Where are people staying in Rotterdam, Google seems to say the Old Harbour (Oude Haven) is where away fans are told to go, but just wandered if any one has booked acomodation yet. Flights all booked
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 02, 2025, 06:04:27 PM
Where are people staying in Rotterdam, Google seems to say the Old Harbour (Oude Haven) is where away fans are told to go, but just wandered if any one has booked acomodation yet. Flights all booked

If I were going, I'd consider staying in The Hague. It's pretty close, and seems to have a wider range of hotels.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 03, 2025, 11:10:21 AM
Did we ever find out who was named in our Europa League squad?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 11:25:53 AM
Should appear here. I suspect that UEFA check for any obvious discrepencies before posting them.

https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/52683--aston-villa/squad/
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 03, 2025, 11:32:53 AM
Ta.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 11:34:57 AM
Pravda will probably have them same time anyway. I expect 1200 or some specific release timings as UEFA like to do stuff around those times.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 03, 2025, 12:10:03 PM
Where are people staying in Rotterdam, Google seems to say the Old Harbour (Oude Haven) is where away fans are told to go, but just wandered if any one has booked acomodation yet. Flights all booked

I've booked somewhere (with free cancellation) close to Central Rotterdam. It's 13 minutes walk from the train station and I note 20 minutes walk from the Old Harbour. Most importantly for me, it's less than 10 minutes from the Cool District (yes it's really called that)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on September 03, 2025, 12:58:31 PM
Booked flights for them all and accommodation, all with the exception of Go Ahead Eagles, still need a hotel for that. Amsterdam hotels have increased somewhat in the past 18 months!

Should be some decent allocations though, as Fenerbache, Feyenoord and Basel all have decent sized grounds.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 04:35:37 PM
Did we ever find out who was named in our Europa League squad?

Just been and checked and we won't know for a couple of weeks. 2023's Conference squad was annouced 18th Sept (4th Sept deadline) and last year it was 17th Sept (not sure on deadline). so around 15th/16th Sept might be the announcement day.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 03, 2025, 04:48:21 PM
Boo.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 04:57:49 PM
TBH, all we are waiting to see is whether Garcia, Buendia or Barkley is dropped. (Or Malen I suppose).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 03, 2025, 05:15:13 PM
I assume we had to submit it already and just waiting on UEFA confirming they've agreed the squad? So if someone else gets injured now we can't change it?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 06:18:10 PM
The two week gap could be because of additional checks or because UEFA just want the delay for some reason. Every club is in the injury boat beforehand though and even if announced today, it wouldn't make any difference as someone could pick up a season ender between now and the first match in the competition.

As pointed out, only really one "first teamer" is in doubt of missing out. Maybe one of the kids we bought in the last two year who hasn't been loaned out would have gotten a chance if we had two of those, but I couldn't name one off the top of my head.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Border villan on September 03, 2025, 06:19:38 PM
4 game ticket bundle now available for GA+.
Ordinary people you know your place in the queue.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 06:32:08 PM
They have just announced the CL squads so it could well happen today or tomorrow.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Demitri_C on September 03, 2025, 06:36:21 PM
TBH, all we are waiting to see is whether Garcia, Buendia or Barkley is dropped. (Or Malen I suppose).

For me it would be barkley
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 08:51:02 PM
Barkley is the missing player from the squad.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 03, 2025, 08:58:00 PM
Interesting. If I were feeling conspiratorial, I'd wonder how fucked his current injury is making him.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 03, 2025, 09:01:12 PM
That would have been my choice though feel sorry for him. Seems a long time since we saw him.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 09:01:29 PM
Spurs drop Tel, Dragusin and Bissouma from theirs. (Also Maddison and Kulevski but those were expected.)

City with four keepers but have enough home grown to fit the 25.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PaulWinch again on September 03, 2025, 09:03:11 PM
Tel’s going to be pleased.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 03, 2025, 09:04:28 PM
Think Bissouma is off to Galatasaray before their window closes.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 09:06:05 PM
Forest had so many signees I'm not sure who was dropped. Luiz has been included.

Edit: Omari Hutchinson does't appear to be in the squad.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 09:06:45 PM
Think Bissouma is off to Galatasaray before their window closes.

Yep, was bomb-squaded by Frank for time keeping issues apparently.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 03, 2025, 09:08:37 PM
Fenerbache contains Ederson, Asensio and Duran as expected.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 03, 2025, 10:33:54 PM
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/52683--aston-villa/squad/
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 03, 2025, 10:36:10 PM
Only two goalies. I assume we are allowed to name any under-21 player?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 03, 2025, 10:47:24 PM
We don't own any other keeper that would be on the A List.

Stick the under 12s on the B List if we think it'll be necessary.

As mentioned previously, this means Martinez is definitely staying and cannot be sold (until January at the earliest) unless we're forfeiting the Europa League.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 03, 2025, 10:48:24 PM
Fenerbache contains Ederson, Asensio and Duran as expected.

What odds a Fenerbahçe v Villa final in Istanbul?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Matt C on September 03, 2025, 11:02:43 PM
I saw somewhere - it’s the internet so take it with a grain of salt - that Barkley is still six weeks away so on that basis, makes a lot of sense.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Nii Lamptey on September 04, 2025, 12:42:31 AM
No Bogarde either. ☹️
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Skipper_The_Eyechild on September 04, 2025, 12:55:09 AM
No Bogarde either. ☹️

I believe he'll be on the B-List (?), so still there.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Matt C on September 04, 2025, 02:07:14 AM
Yep, Bogarde qualifies for the B-list (born after Jan 1, 2004)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 04, 2025, 07:58:17 AM
And been here for three years minumum which I think is the other requirement.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: paul_e on September 04, 2025, 08:33:47 AM
And been here for three years minumum which I think is the other requirement.

To be eligible for the b list it's 2 years, not including time out on loan, between 16 and 21.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on September 04, 2025, 11:28:12 AM
And been here for three years minumum which I think is the other requirement.

To be eligible for the b list it's 2 years, not including time out on loan, between 16 and 21.

So in theory you could sign a wonderkid at 18, straight into the first XI and by the time they're 20, you can move them to your B list to get more A list players in the squad?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 04, 2025, 11:41:49 AM
Quote
A player may be registered on List B if he is born on or after 1 January 2004 and has, since his 15th birthday, been eligible to play for the club concerned for any uninterrupted period of two years, or a total of three consecutive years with a maximum of one loan period to a club from the same association for a period not longer than one year. Players aged 16 may be registered on List B if they have been registered with the participating club for the previous two years without interruption.

So I don't see why your scenario couldn't happen
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 04, 2025, 12:59:19 PM
Arsenal have had to put a 15yo on the A-List because he hadn't been there two years after he turned 15 even though he had been with Arsenal youth since 2016. When he is 17 he would drop down to the B list like all his contempories.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: UK Redsox on September 04, 2025, 06:00:54 PM
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/52683--aston-villa/squad/

According to that list, Emi B is Spanish  ???
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on September 04, 2025, 06:06:31 PM
Arsenal have had to put a 15yo on the A-List because he hadn't been there two years after he turned 15 even though he had been with Arsenal youth since 2016. When he is 17 he would drop down to the B list like all his contempories.
Or be on loan to Leyton Orient.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 04, 2025, 06:09:56 PM
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/52683--aston-villa/squad/

According to that list, Emi B is Spanish  ???

I hope that's their fuck up, not ours and we don't end up with him banned.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 04, 2025, 06:24:54 PM
https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/52683--aston-villa/squad/

According to that list, Emi B is Spanish  ???

I hope that's their fuck up, not ours and we don't end up with him banned.

Apparently he has dual Spanish / Argentinian nationality.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 04, 2025, 07:31:17 PM
Maybe, but you'd think they'd list by which country they represent. Cash is listed as Poland, for instance.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ez on September 04, 2025, 08:33:46 PM
I really hope we win this competition this season. Firstly it gets us back in the champions league and secondly because a poor spurs team won it last season. Even west ham won the conference league where we failed. These things bother me.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on September 04, 2025, 08:36:47 PM
No Barks til Christmas.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 04, 2025, 09:13:18 PM
No Barks til Christmas.

Is that a lesser known track by the Beastie Boys?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: LeeS on September 04, 2025, 09:14:25 PM
No Barks til Christmas.

I’ll remind you that a dog is for life…
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Gareth on September 05, 2025, 11:35:34 AM
Tickets haven’t been released for pleb class for any of the European games have they?

Not saying I don’t trust the app to show ticket sales correctly or anything :-)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: paul_e on September 05, 2025, 12:44:28 PM
Maybe, but you'd think they'd list by which country they represent. Cash is listed as Poland, for instance.

At a guess it's because there are no limits on EU nationals in squads so if you are an EU citizen that takes precedence in this context, even if you play for the non-eu country. I haven't checked what limits there are on non-EU players for years though so I have no idea how true that is.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 05, 2025, 01:08:14 PM
Is Barkley out injured until Christmas?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 05, 2025, 01:10:44 PM
Maybe, but you'd think they'd list by which country they represent. Cash is listed as Poland, for instance.

At a guess it's because there are no limits on EU nationals in squads so if you are an EU citizen that takes precedence in this context, even if you play for the non-eu country. I haven't checked what limits there are on non-EU players for years though so I have no idea how true that is.

Surely if that was the issue then Guessand would be listed as French?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: paul_e on September 05, 2025, 01:31:50 PM
Maybe, but you'd think they'd list by which country they represent. Cash is listed as Poland, for instance.

At a guess it's because there are no limits on EU nationals in squads so if you are an EU citizen that takes precedence in this context, even if you play for the non-eu country. I haven't checked what limits there are on non-EU players for years though so I have no idea how true that is.

Surely if that was the issue then Guessand would be listed as French?

No idea, it was only a guess. I thoutght maybe it was about appearances at age group level but again that's inconsistent. Maybe UEFA are just a disorganised mess.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: UK Redsox on September 05, 2025, 04:05:10 PM
Tickets haven’t been released for pleb class for any of the European games have they?

Not saying I don’t trust the app to show ticket sales correctly or anything :-)

Pleb ST holder tix just put on sale

We have until Sep 11th to purchase.

Must buy all four at the same time to get the discount
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on September 05, 2025, 04:05:30 PM
Good news - the Europa League tickets are on sale to season ticket holders.

Bad news - it's another shit show where I can only get mine and not the other people I sit with.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on September 05, 2025, 04:17:53 PM
Done and thanks for the 20% discount.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Loxton01 on September 05, 2025, 04:23:41 PM
Can I check I am a member can I buy today or wait till Tuesday?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 05, 2025, 04:41:39 PM
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/september/05/europa-league-ga-ticket-bundles-now-on-sale/

Tuesday for members for Bologna and bundles. Although presumably there'll be more seats available after the ST window closes on Thursday.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Gareth on September 05, 2025, 05:28:03 PM
Tickets haven’t been released for pleb class for any of the European games have they?

Not saying I don’t trust the app to show ticket sales correctly or anything :-)

Pleb ST holder tix just put on sale

We have until Sep 11th to purchase.

Must buy all four at the same time to get the discount

Cheers UKR….all done, missed Juve sales last yr….cost a fortune to go Pleb+ :-)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on September 05, 2025, 05:43:49 PM
Good news - the Europa League tickets are on sale to season ticket holders.

Bad news - it's another shit show where I can only get mine and not the other people I sit with.

Sorry to quote myself, but you need to change the relationships online from 'App Sharing' to 'Family' and make anyone who's ticket you want to get a strong relationship.  Don't forget to change back to app sharing for premier league tickets though.  Absolute graft!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: amfy on September 05, 2025, 08:21:45 PM
I wish the members sale date started when the ST window closed. Its a bit of a dilemma wondering whether to go for it on the Tuesday, or wait to the Thursday and see if there’s some better seats!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: frank black on September 05, 2025, 08:53:22 PM
Season ticket holder. I don’t know if I can make every game, are they saying that I must buy all the matches by the 11th otherwise I lose my seat? So I can’t buy them game by game, when I know if I can make it?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 05, 2025, 08:54:55 PM
I think you can still buy them game by game but need to decide soon if you want to buy the bundle and get 20% off. May be wrong, though.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Crown Hill on September 05, 2025, 08:55:06 PM
I wish the members sale date started when the ST window closed. Its a bit of a dilemma wondering whether to go for it on the Tuesday, or wait to the Thursday and see if there’s some better seats!

I’ve made the opposite journey to you as now a ST but in my experience last year it was always best to wait if you wanted one or two tickets. Same for league games. Don’t get them when the member window opens. Get them when the season ticket resales take place,
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: claret+blue ed on September 05, 2025, 09:16:47 PM
Season ticket holder. I don’t know if I can make every game, are they saying that I must buy all the matches by the 11th otherwise I lose my seat? So I can’t buy them game by game, when I know if I can make it?

I’m same, don’t think I can make the Young Boys game, but I also don’t want to purchase my seat for Tel Aviv and Salzburg now as I could do without spending and extra £120 at the moment for something ages away
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dalians umbrella on September 05, 2025, 10:07:47 PM
I think you can still buy them game by game but need to decide soon if you want to buy the bundle and get 20% off. May be wrong, though.

I think you can buy them game by game but have until Thursday!  Couldn't they have emailed us to tell us they were on sale and explain?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: amfy on September 05, 2025, 10:22:01 PM
I wish the members sale date started when the ST window closed. Its a bit of a dilemma wondering whether to go for it on the Tuesday, or wait to the Thursday and see if there’s some better seats!

I’ve made the opposite journey to you as now a ST but in my experience last year it was always best to wait if you wanted one or two tickets. Same for league games. Don’t get them when the member window opens. Get them when the season ticket resales take place,

Thank you - that’s really useful.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: martin o`who?? on September 06, 2025, 01:05:46 PM
Season ticket holder. I don’t know if I can make every game, are they saying that I must buy all the matches by the 11th otherwise I lose my seat? So I can’t buy them game by game, when I know if I can make it?

I’m same, don’t think I can make the Young Boys game, but I also don’t want to purchase my seat for Tel Aviv and Salzburg now as I could do without spending and extra £120 at the moment for something ages away
Yes but think of all the lovely interest the club is making on your hard earned money.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: astonvilla82 on September 06, 2025, 01:17:13 PM
Remembering purchasing the tickets for the conference league games in advance as a season ticket holder,as I couldn't attend one I was hoping for a refund, but they said I couldn't have one for that particular game because I purchased them as a discount if I remember it correctly,I don't know if would be the case this time
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: amfy on September 06, 2025, 04:34:17 PM
I have received this from an old friend about the Tel Aviv gam regarding Solidarity with Palestine.

It’d be great if people could complete/join any of these actions that they feel able to:

🚨 RED CARD TO ISRAEL! BOYCOTT THE MATCH! 🚨
Aston Villa is scheduled to play Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on November 6th. This match must be cancelled! Why?
🔴 Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as confirmed by the world’s leading genocide scholars (International Association of Genocide Scholars) . Over 63,500 Palestinians have been killed, including 17,000 children, and 90% of Gaza’s housing infrastructure has been destroyed .
🔴 UEFA’s double standards: While Russia was banned from UEFA competitions for invading Ukraine , Israel continues to participate despite violating international law and human rights. UEFA even displayed a "Stop Killing Children" banner but refused to name Israel as the perpetrator .
🔴 Sports should not whitewash crimes: Israeli teams must be suspended until Israel ends its genocide and respects Palestinian rights. FIFA and UEFA have a responsibility to uphold human rights, but they are failing .
WE DEMAND:
1️⃣ Aston Villa to publicly request UEFA to cancel the match against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
2️⃣ UEFA to suspend Israel from all competitions, just as they did for Russia.
3️⃣ Fans to boycott the match and protest peacefully.
🖊️ TAKE ACTION NOW!
1.   Email Aston Villa’s Board:
o   Demand they take a stand against genocide. Use the club’s official contact details or Fan Advisory Board .
2.   Contact Aston Villa Players:
o   Urge them to use their platform to speak out.
3.   Write to Your Local MP:
o   Pressure the UK government to call for Israel’s suspension from international sports.
📢 JOIN THE PROTEST!
•   Date: November 6th (match day)
•   Location: Villa Park (if possible) or online protests.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 06, 2025, 05:09:02 PM
How do you contact the Fan Advisory Board?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 06, 2025, 05:12:22 PM
Call International Rescue?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: amfy on September 06, 2025, 05:27:16 PM
How do you contact the Fan Advisory Board?

I have absolutely no idea!

(Although I am friends with Joanne McKibbens on FB so I could try her)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 06, 2025, 05:29:03 PM
"Complies with all related conditions, you'll never sing that".

https://bsky.app/profile/avfcthereligion.bsky.social/post/3ly6iypqdag2t
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 06, 2025, 05:42:41 PM
When's the parade?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: pauliewalnuts on September 06, 2025, 05:44:11 PM
I have received this from an old friend about the Tel Aviv gam regarding Solidarity with Palestine.

It’d be great if people could complete/join any of these actions that they feel able to:

🚨 RED CARD TO ISRAEL! BOYCOTT THE MATCH! 🚨
Aston Villa is scheduled to play Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on November 6th. This match must be cancelled! Why?
🔴 Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as confirmed by the world’s leading genocide scholars (International Association of Genocide Scholars) . Over 63,500 Palestinians have been killed, including 17,000 children, and 90% of Gaza’s housing infrastructure has been destroyed .
🔴 UEFA’s double standards: While Russia was banned from UEFA competitions for invading Ukraine , Israel continues to participate despite violating international law and human rights. UEFA even displayed a "Stop Killing Children" banner but refused to name Israel as the perpetrator .
🔴 Sports should not whitewash crimes: Israeli teams must be suspended until Israel ends its genocide and respects Palestinian rights. FIFA and UEFA have a responsibility to uphold human rights, but they are failing .
WE DEMAND:
1️⃣ Aston Villa to publicly request UEFA to cancel the match against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
2️⃣ UEFA to suspend Israel from all competitions, just as they did for Russia.
3️⃣ Fans to boycott the match and protest peacefully.
🖊️ TAKE ACTION NOW!
1.   Email Aston Villa’s Board:
o   Demand they take a stand against genocide. Use the club’s official contact details or Fan Advisory Board .
2.   Contact Aston Villa Players:
o   Urge them to use their platform to speak out.
3.   Write to Your Local MP:
o   Pressure the UK government to call for Israel’s suspension from international sports.
📢 JOIN THE PROTEST!
•   Date: November 6th (match day)
•   Location: Villa Park (if possible) or online protests.

- Call Nicky Keyes
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 06, 2025, 07:00:55 PM
How do you contact the Fan Advisory Board?

Via the Trust?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 07, 2025, 12:02:51 AM
I might email our Jess when I'm sober. If she's going to get re-elected it won't hurt her cause to be publicly associated with opposition to Israel.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: astonvilla82 on September 07, 2025, 12:17:38 AM
I have received this from an old friend about the Tel Aviv gam regarding Solidarity with Palestine.

It’d be great if people could complete/join any of these actions that they feel able to:

🚨 RED CARD TO ISRAEL! BOYCOTT THE MATCH! 🚨
Aston Villa is scheduled to play Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Europa League on November 6th. This match must be cancelled! Why?
🔴 Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, as confirmed by the world’s leading genocide scholars (International Association of Genocide Scholars) . Over 63,500 Palestinians have been killed, including 17,000 children, and 90% of Gaza’s housing infrastructure has been destroyed .
🔴 UEFA’s double standards: While Russia was banned from UEFA competitions for invading Ukraine , Israel continues to participate despite violating international law and human rights. UEFA even displayed a "Stop Killing Children" banner but refused to name Israel as the perpetrator .
🔴 Sports should not whitewash crimes: Israeli teams must be suspended until Israel ends its genocide and respects Palestinian rights. FIFA and UEFA have a responsibility to uphold human rights, but they are failing .
WE DEMAND:
1️⃣ Aston Villa to publicly request UEFA to cancel the match against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
2️⃣ UEFA to suspend Israel from all competitions, just as they did for Russia.
3️⃣ Fans to boycott the match and protest peacefully.
🖊️ TAKE ACTION NOW!
1.   Email Aston Villa’s Board:
o   Demand they take a stand against genocide. Use the club’s official contact details or Fan Advisory Board .
2.   Contact Aston Villa Players:
o   Urge them to use their platform to speak out.
3.   Write to Your Local MP:
o   Pressure the UK government to call for Israel’s suspension from international sports.
📢 JOIN THE PROTEST!
•   Date: November 6th (match day)
•   Location: Villa Park (if possible) or online protests.
When people start questioning Iranian backed Hamas involvement I might start to take notice
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 07, 2025, 12:21:34 AM
Who did Hamas draw in the Europa League? You'd have to be pretty stupid to equate opposition to genocide with support for Hamas. I'll assume you aren't stupid so you're not doing that.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on September 07, 2025, 09:00:11 AM
The very fact that they are selling tickets tells me that it won’t be behind closed doors. The fact they are even in the competition shows UEFAs stance!
What I don’t want now is for any Villa supporter to be judged for wanting to see their team in a major European tournament we have a chance of winning.
It is possible to oppose the genocide, protest about the situation as many will do inside and outside the ground, but still want to watch the game. The most logical solution is not allowing away fans.
Imagine the statement the club could do? A stop killing children tifo on the holte to match UEFAs motto. The team turning their back for the Europa league anthem.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: paul_e on September 07, 2025, 09:25:06 AM
I'd definitely want advice from the police on away fans because I'm not sure how it can possibly be managed safely and without violence.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on September 07, 2025, 09:47:45 AM
Who did Hamas draw in the Europa League? You'd have to be pretty stupid to equate opposition to genocide with support for Hamas. I'll assume you aren't stupid so you're not doing that.

Pretty generous (though the thought of Hamas qualifying for the Europa League gave me a bleak Sunday morning chuckle).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on September 07, 2025, 10:05:40 AM
A rare occasion I actually feel like I've had value for money this week with that bundle. £371 for 12 tickets (young un' and old 'un with the adult) and £15 for Brentford.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 07, 2025, 10:10:35 AM
That's because you can't beat Hamas for low, low prices all the time! Hamas, your budget warriors.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dcdavecollett on September 08, 2025, 01:26:19 AM
Hamas playing in a European competition? How ridiculous!!

However, teams from Israel....
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Scratchins on September 08, 2025, 08:49:31 AM
A rare occasion I actually feel like I've had value for money this week with that bundle. £371 for 12 tickets (young un' and old 'un with the adult) and £15 for Brentford.

I came back on Friday afternoon from having minor cosmetic treatment on my teeth to find that I could buy Europa League tickets. I bought all 4 tickets for less than the dental bill ! 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: astonvilla82 on September 08, 2025, 09:17:59 AM
Who did Hamas draw in the Europa League? You'd have to be pretty stupid to equate opposition to genocide with support for Hamas. I'll assume you aren't stupid so you're not doing that.
No I am fucking not, but when approximately 500 thousand people including 80 thousand children have died in Yemen because of the war between Iranian backed Houthi and the Saudi Arabia government,then I have a problem,any sign of boycotting Saudi Arabia,no thought not or is just a Jew thing
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on September 08, 2025, 09:22:58 AM
A rare occasion I actually feel like I've had value for money this week with that bundle. £371 for 12 tickets (young un' and old 'un with the adult) and £15 for Brentford.

I came back on Friday afternoon from having minor cosmetic treatment on my teeth to find that I could buy Europa League tickets. I bought all 4 tickets for less than the dental bill ! 

For full value on these investments make sure to beam proudly with a wide smile if Villa score/win and to clench and gnash your teeth should we keep playing like dunderheads.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: andyh on September 08, 2025, 09:39:43 AM
Who did Hamas draw in the Europa League? You'd have to be pretty stupid to equate opposition to genocide with support for Hamas. I'll assume you aren't stupid so you're not doing that.
No I am fucking not, but when approximately 500 thousand people including 80 thousand children have died in Yemen because of the war between Iranian backed Houthi and the Saudi Arabia government,then I have a problem,any sign of boycotting Saudi Arabia,no thought not or is just a Jew thing
Fucking hell, I am getting really confused now.
Are we playing a Jew team, Hammas, the Houthi’s or Saudi Arabia (Newcastle ??)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 08, 2025, 09:45:30 AM
Who did Hamas draw in the Europa League? You'd have to be pretty stupid to equate opposition to genocide with support for Hamas. I'll assume you aren't stupid so you're not doing that.
No I am fucking not, but when approximately 500 thousand people including 80 thousand children have died in Yemen because of the war between Iranian backed Houthi and the Saudi Arabia government,then I have a problem,any sign of boycotting Saudi Arabia,no thought not or is just a Jew thing

Wrong argument being as most people on here would love a boycott of Saudi Arabia for lots of things, and as with Russia and Qatar and recently the US, there will be calls to for England to boycott the World Cup.

But in this case we also haven't been drawn against a Saudi team in a competition where the organiser has already banned one country from participating because they have invaded another. Especially as Russia has not killed anywhere near as many as Israel have managed.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Des Little on September 08, 2025, 10:12:48 AM
If I can just interject here and ask a question that may have been covered earlier, but are the Europa tickets coming out as emails like last season does anyone know?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on September 08, 2025, 10:17:16 AM
If I can just interject here and ask a question that may have been covered earlier, but are the Europa tickets coming out as emails like last season does anyone know?

I don't think so, the tickets went straight to the app.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: astonvilla82 on September 08, 2025, 10:28:38 AM
Who did Hamas draw in the Europa League? You'd have to be pretty stupid to equate opposition to genocide with support for Hamas. I'll assume you aren't stupid so you're not doing that.
No I am fucking not, but when approximately 500 thousand people including 80 thousand children have died in Yemen because of the war between Iranian backed Houthi and the Saudi Arabia government,then I have a problem,any sign of boycotting Saudi Arabia,no thought not or is just a Jew thing

Wrong argument being as most people on here would love a boycott of Saudi Arabia for lots of things, and as with Russia and Qatar and recently the US, there will be calls to for England to boycott the World Cup.

But in this case we also haven't been drawn against a Saudi team in a competition where the organiser has already banned one country from participating because they have invaded another. Especially as Russia has not killed anywhere near as many as Israel have managed.
  In  Yemen approximately 450 thousand have died including a estimated 80 thousand children have died from starvation in the war between Saudi Arabians and the Iranian backed Houthi rebels since 2014 that's 11 years now, but not a word of protest from anyone
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 08, 2025, 10:40:52 AM
I'm attempting to follow the logic, are you saying we should be all or nothing with protests? Either protest all.the wrongs in the world or none at all?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 08, 2025, 10:43:59 AM
Keep on raising it av82, but the argument in this case is because we are playing an Israeli team. If a Saudi or an Iranian team rocks up at VP for a match and there is not a peep about boycott/protests, then it could well be the gotcha you seem to think it is.


Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2025, 11:29:17 AM
I came back on Friday afternoon from having minor cosmetic treatment on my teeth to find that I could buy Europa League tickets. I bought all 4 tickets for less than the dental bill! 

I bet that put a smile on your face.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2025, 11:39:29 AM
Who did Hamas draw in the Europa League?

They qualified, but were banned by UEFA because they wouldn't let the opposition out of the tunnel.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: astonvilla82 on September 08, 2025, 12:06:48 PM
Keep on raising it av82, but the argument in this case is because we are playing an Israeli team. If a Saudi or an Iranian team rocks up at VP for a match and there is not a peep about boycott/protests, then it could well be the gotcha you seem to think it is.
Not bothered one way or the other
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: kippaxvilla2 on September 08, 2025, 12:13:06 PM
Houthi Rebels FC could easily play in the Irish league with a name like that.  The Coleraine away match sounds like it might be fun.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 08, 2025, 12:19:04 PM
Houthi Rebels FC could easily play in the Irish league with a name like that.

The Corkonians wouldn't let them into the league with that name.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 08, 2025, 12:35:17 PM
Keep on raising it av82, but the argument in this case is because we are playing an Israeli team. If a Saudi or an Iranian team rocks up at VP for a match and there is not a peep about boycott/protests, then it could well be the gotcha you seem to think it is.
Not bothered one way or the other

Apologies, for someone who posted several times with "what about.....", I didn't realise you were not bothered.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: liam on September 08, 2025, 03:24:11 PM
Its a shame to see so much politics come onto the thread, no one opinion will represent all the fans so the Club should not entertain an official response. I'll be there to support Aston Villa who ever we play, but if others don't feel they should go thats fine. There are plenty of things i don;t agree that our gorvernment do, but wouldnt expect it to stop me watching my team play, so the whole "lets get into the Haifa fans" seems unfair as well. Football used to be an escape from all the bad stuff in the world, now it seems thats been taken away.
Any way looking forward to the feyenoord away game. Once Villa release the ticket information! 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 08, 2025, 03:43:48 PM
Football is political. It was political before any of us were born and will still be political long after we're all gone.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: astonvilla82 on September 08, 2025, 03:57:24 PM
Keep on raising it av82, but the argument in this case is because we are playing an Israeli team. If a Saudi or an Iranian team rocks up at VP for a match and there is not a peep about boycott/protests, then it could well be the gotcha you seem to think it is.
Not bothered one way or the other

Apologies, for someone who posted several times with "what about.....", I didn't realise you were not bothered.
That's okay my pleasure
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 08, 2025, 05:54:04 PM
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/september/08/Europa-League-on-sale-dates/

Don't know if this has been shared already but the members' window is opening for all fixtures tomorrow seemingly, regardless of whether you buy the bundle or not.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: NickF on September 08, 2025, 09:30:21 PM
I'm with Liam. Can we leave the politics out of this topic. All it does is divide our fanbase. There are some of us with profoundly different views on this subject and whilst I respect the rights of others to have their own different views, personally I don't come on H and V to see others trying to whip the fan base into some protest around it. Like I said, divisive. For some of us, this is more visceral/personal than Labour v the Tory's and quite frankly can't be condensed down to a few bullet points, a letter to the ticket office and an email to 'Jess' to suggest she curry's favour with the anti Israeli brigade.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 08, 2025, 09:40:00 PM
Someone posted something which might affect one of the European home matches. Surely that should be talked about. Two years ago we were talking about Legia at home as things happening around that match might have had a knock-on. I don't think anyone (in this thread at least) are "whiping" the fan-base.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: London Villan on September 08, 2025, 09:50:10 PM
More faff with the tickets… because ive moved my nephew’s ticket to app share, i now can’t buy his tickets through my account. I can’t seem to move him back either?!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Mellin on September 08, 2025, 09:51:18 PM
Football is political. It was political before any of us were born and will still be political long after we're all gone.

Only if you allow it to be. Personally I don't give a fuck, as long as we beat them.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 08, 2025, 10:11:58 PM
Football is still political whether some want it to be or not. Villa v an Israeli side is political whether some want it to be or not.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pete3206 on September 08, 2025, 10:14:06 PM
It's not going to be a pleasant evening.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Mellin on September 08, 2025, 10:27:49 PM
Football is still political whether some want it to be or not. Villa v an Israeli side is political whether some want it to be or not.

It can be to others. People have their choice. This conversation is as far as I'll be going into it...and I think I'll leave it right there.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 08, 2025, 10:29:47 PM
Choosing to ignore the political side of football and this match doesn't stop them being political.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 08, 2025, 10:33:56 PM
Season ticket holder. I don’t know if I can make every game, are they saying that I must buy all the matches by the 11th otherwise I lose my seat? So I can’t buy them game by game, when I know if I can make it?

https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/september/08/Europa-League-on-sale-dates/

This should answer your question frank
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: eamonn on September 09, 2025, 01:02:37 AM
Football is political. It was political before any of us were born and will still be political long after we're all gone.

Wait, where are we going?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: liam on September 09, 2025, 08:08:05 AM
Someone posted something which might affect one of the European home matches. Surely that should be talked about. Two years ago we were talking about Legia at home as things happening around that match might have had a knock-on. I don't think anyone (in this thread at least) are "whiping" the fan-base.

The Legia at home game didn't divide the fan base like this is doing. Thats my issue with it. Anyway heres to a villa win whoever we are playing against.   
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: paul_e on September 09, 2025, 09:10:55 AM
Someone posted something which might affect one of the European home matches. Surely that should be talked about. Two years ago we were talking about Legia at home as things happening around that match might have had a knock-on. I don't think anyone (in this thread at least) are "whiping" the fan-base.

The Legia at home game didn't divide the fan base like this is doing. Thats my issue with it. Anyway heres to a villa win whoever we are playing against.   

The thing is the very fact that there is a divide is exactly why Israeli clubs shouldn't be involved. It's not a judgement on whether they're right or wrong, it's acknowledging that there are very strong opinions on both sides, which massively increases the risk of violence. As I said earlier how the police view this game will have a huge impact but I can't imagine they'll be happy with the idea of a couple of thousand Israeli fans wandering around the city all day right now.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: claret+blue ed on September 09, 2025, 09:41:27 AM
Someone posted something which might affect one of the European home matches. Surely that should be talked about. Two years ago we were talking about Legia at home as things happening around that match might have had a knock-on. I don't think anyone (in this thread at least) are "whiping" the fan-base.

The Legia at home game didn't divide the fan base like this is doing. Thats my issue with it. Anyway heres to a villa win whoever we are playing against.   

The thing is the very fact that there is a divide is exactly why Israeli clubs shouldn't be involved. It's not a judgement on whether they're right or wrong, it's acknowledging that there are very strong opinions on both sides, which massively increases the risk of violence. As I said earlier how the police view this game will have a huge impact but I can't imagine they'll be happy with the idea of a couple of thousand Israeli fans wandering around the city all day right now.

Regardless of opinions of what is going on out there, they shouldn't be in the competition because not one part of the country is actually in Europe
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on September 09, 2025, 09:44:25 AM
Someone posted something which might affect one of the European home matches. Surely that should be talked about. Two years ago we were talking about Legia at home as things happening around that match might have had a knock-on. I don't think anyone (in this thread at least) are "whiping" the fan-base.

The Legia at home game didn't divide the fan base like this is doing. Thats my issue with it. Anyway heres to a villa win whoever we are playing against.   

The thing is the very fact that there is a divide is exactly why Israeli clubs shouldn't be involved. It's not a judgement on whether they're right or wrong, it's acknowledging that there are very strong opinions on both sides, which massively increases the risk of violence. As I said earlier how the police view this game will have a huge impact but I can't imagine they'll be happy with the idea of a couple of thousand Israeli fans wandering around the city all day right now.

Regardless of opinions of what is going on out there, they shouldn't be in the competition because not one part of the country is actually in Europe

I think there are some factors beyond geography that they’re in UEFA rather than the AFC.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Duncan Shaw on September 09, 2025, 11:32:15 AM
Bologna tickets opened up to members this morning - they seem to be selling well.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on September 09, 2025, 01:04:37 PM
Bologna tickets opened up to members this morning - they seem to be selling well.

They've sold very well. Looks like only Terrace View left in the Holte and singles elsewhere.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithe on September 09, 2025, 01:31:08 PM
All it does is divide our fanbase. There are some of us with profoundly different views on this subject and whilst I respect the rights of others to have their own different views, personally I don't come on H and V to see others trying to whip the fan base into some protest around it.

This is nothing, you want to see it when we discuss the really important stuff, like the correct condiment for a bacon sandwich.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 09, 2025, 01:34:54 PM
This is nothing, you want to see it when we discuss the really important stuff, like the correct condiment for a bacon sandwich.

I've heard people who don't put butter on their bacon sarnies prefer to use ketchup (but are too ashamed to admit it, obvs).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dean saunders left boot on September 09, 2025, 01:37:24 PM
I've picked up tickets for the Bologna and Salzburg games, managed to grab a seat for myself for both in the trinity as the other 2 clash with gigs i've got booked in already. Always enjoy European night matches
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on September 09, 2025, 01:49:14 PM
So does anyone know when Feyenoord away tickets will go on sale?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Duncan Shaw on September 09, 2025, 02:06:40 PM
Bologna tickets opened up to members this morning - they seem to be selling well.

They've sold very well. Looks like only Terrace View left in the Holte and singles elsewhere.
Yes although re-reading the website, ST holder have until the 11th to buy their seats, when they will be released, so I suspect a few more will come online on Thursday.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on September 09, 2025, 07:01:30 PM
So does anyone know when Feyenoord away tickets will go on sale?

The Dutch have got a decent spliff going so I reckon next Tuesday.

Other generic racial stereotypes are available.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: brontebilly on September 09, 2025, 08:13:05 PM
Choosing to ignore the political side of football and this match doesn't stop them being political.

Hard to ignore genocide on a daily basis.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dcdavecollett on September 10, 2025, 01:24:07 AM
We should have a pre-match memorial to the hundreds of Palestinian footballers killed in the last two years.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on September 10, 2025, 04:04:52 PM
Bologna tickets opened up to members this morning - they seem to be selling well.
I am sorry but I have fallen for the 20% trick and bought all 4.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on September 10, 2025, 04:08:17 PM
So does anyone know when Feyenoord away tickets will go on sale?

The Dutch have got a decent spliff going so I reckon next Tuesday.

Other generic racial stereotypes are available.
Ik ben in de wolken zijn om dat te horen.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 10, 2025, 05:03:02 PM
Haha!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: lukey27 on September 11, 2025, 10:59:52 AM
I still think they've dropped the ball a little bit with the pricing even after the 20% discount.

The Young Boys game kicks off at 5:45pm which means I was never going to realistically make that without taking a half day.

The other games are then £57 and after spending £860 on a season ticket it's just too much money.

I'll still go to a few European games but like Man City, this is an issue and I think they're gonna have some struggles this year filling the ground for some of these games.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: artvandelay on September 11, 2025, 11:56:30 AM
I still think they've dropped the ball a little bit with the pricing even after the 20% discount.

The Maccabi game kicks off at 5:45pm which means I was never going to realistically make that without taking a half day.

The other games are then £57 and after spending £860 on a season ticket it's just too much money.

I'll still go to a few European games but like Man City, this is an issue and I think they're gonna have some struggles this year filling the ground for some of these games.
I completely agree- bundle purchased as I expect Home attendance will be a prerequisite for away tickets. However, less than 10% of the STHs will be thinking along the same lines (based on away capacities). The prices have significantly increased on the conference league games which didn't all sell out.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 11, 2025, 12:30:36 PM
I think the 20% was a clever ploy because it puts people off giving one a miss.

Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: lukey27 on September 11, 2025, 02:00:33 PM
I think the 20% was a clever ploy because it puts people off giving one a miss.

Yeah it is a clever ploy but I think it was also an admission that the starting price-point was too high.

The issue they've got, particularly with a 5:45 kick-off time to sell that they may be in a position where they're having to shift 20k £57 tickets whilst also trying to sell league games.

Think it's a wider issue but the pricing in football in general is going to really affect the attendances longer term.

The Europa League has been decimated by the CL changes, the quality of sides your up against is generally much weaker as well so it's a harder sell to get people to buy tickets when we're playing Salzburg and Young Boys
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: London Villan on September 11, 2025, 03:04:28 PM
Looking at the deals that are starting to appear for the GA+ seats I think they are going to find it tough across the board to sell tickets.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Drummond on September 11, 2025, 09:23:04 PM
There are lots and lots of tickets left for Bologna, was wondering if I'd miss out.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 11, 2025, 09:26:34 PM
There are lots and lots of tickets left for Bologna, was wondering if I'd miss out.

Things are just a bit flat atm. I'd imagine that winning the next 3 games would help shift quite a few more.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: PeterWithesShin on September 11, 2025, 09:47:00 PM
(https://scontent.flhr3-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/546092656_1374178160741576_5262656088141182960_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s640x640_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=8p3eRbst6H4Q7kNvwGoZKnQ&_nc_oc=AdmAKukdudYFYnj6x7iWcs8FE-OBfuG1J-eaMrJUSf_y6LQk13hwpEcZSt7HJNLcMFI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-3.fna&_nc_gid=2qexo4t0bnEaIsh6our13w&oh=00_AfaO3och8Id8PdAF2JafVjAup29l4_BschMjevUjGtaLaA&oe=68C91C91)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 11, 2025, 09:49:25 PM
Only a 21.6% chance of winning a competition that's so bad Tottenham were too good to play in it? Ffs, Emery out.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 11, 2025, 10:14:53 PM
There are lots and lots of tickets left for Bologna, was wondering if I'd miss out.

Things are just a bit flat atm. I'd imagine that winning the next 3 games would help shift quite a few more.

I don't think the fact we played them at home last season helps either.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 11, 2025, 10:15:36 PM
(https://scontent.flhr3-3.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/546092656_1374178160741576_5262656088141182960_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s640x640_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=8p3eRbst6H4Q7kNvwGoZKnQ&_nc_oc=AdmAKukdudYFYnj6x7iWcs8FE-OBfuG1J-eaMrJUSf_y6LQk13hwpEcZSt7HJNLcMFI&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.flhr3-3.fna&_nc_gid=2qexo4t0bnEaIsh6our13w&oh=00_AfaO3och8Id8PdAF2JafVjAup29l4_BschMjevUjGtaLaA&oe=68C91C91)

These sorts of things are a crock of shit. In my opinion.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 12, 2025, 08:53:14 AM
With Spurs winning it last season and Emerys record in the competition the pressure is really on. I know how it ends!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Duncan Shaw on September 12, 2025, 01:49:26 PM
I'm annoyed I went early on the ticket the day they were released to members, there are loads of much better seats now, tons in the Holte.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Crown Hill on September 12, 2025, 02:04:11 PM
I'm annoyed I went early on the ticket the day they were released to members, there are loads of much better seats now, tons in the Holte.

I did post this in response to Amfy. I bought tickets for every game at home last season as a member and for every single one it was better to wait until season ticket seats were released rather than the members release. There was never a problem and got some really good seats that way! The only real benefit of a membership was the coffee travel mug and it helped me get a season ticket again!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: waynejames on September 12, 2025, 02:26:08 PM
My decision not to renew my membership at 50 quid plus p&p (for another travel mug) has paid dividend on this occasion.
3 tickets Upper North 3 rows back bagged.
I know this won't be as easy if we progress or have another great season but so what.
Thats Palace and the first Europa game under my belt.
And Coleshill Town in the FA Cup on Saturday 3pm kick off.
Yes a lovely 3pm on a Saturday, it might catch on
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DB on September 12, 2025, 08:24:54 PM
I'm annoyed I went early on the ticket the day they were released to members, there are loads of much better seats now, tons in the Holte.

Same here, bought 2 for me and my lad in an area away from where we normally sit, but much better seats now. Is this cos ST holders have not taken their seats?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Percy McCarthy on September 12, 2025, 11:09:24 PM
I'm annoyed I went early on the ticket the day they were released to members, there are loads of much better seats now, tons in the Holte.

Same here, bought 2 for me and my lad in an area away from where we normally sit, but much better seats now. Is this cos ST holders have not taken their seats?

Yes. Started to panic when I couldn’t get three together in upper north on Tuesday. Got three in the front row on Thursday!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: DB on September 13, 2025, 12:55:04 PM
I'm annoyed I went early on the ticket the day they were released to members, there are loads of much better seats now, tons in the Holte.

Same here, bought 2 for me and my lad in an area away from where we normally sit, but much better seats now. Is this cos ST holders have not taken their seats?

Yes. Started to panic when I couldn’t get three together in upper north on Tuesday. Got three in the front row on Thursday!

Yeah, next time will use same tactic.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: bill on September 14, 2025, 04:26:08 PM
Season ticket for over 50 years. I won’t be attending the European games. I don’t like being taken for granted, and these prices are too high. I won’t be the only one.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: N'ZMAV on September 14, 2025, 04:29:33 PM
give it 24 hours after a(nother) shit result and performance and it's cast the net time for tickets
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Crown Hill on September 14, 2025, 04:30:13 PM
I'm annoyed I went early on the ticket the day they were released to members, there are loads of much better seats now, tons in the Holte.

Same here, bought 2 for me and my lad in an area away from where we normally sit, but much better seats now. Is this cos ST holders have not taken their seats?

Yes. Started to panic when I couldn’t get three together in upper north on Tuesday. Got three in the front row on Thursday!

Yeah, next time will use same tactic.

I did advise this a couple of weeks ago. It worked better for every game i attended last season including league games. The membership window is a false start. Wait for the non season ticket take up or resale release.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Lsvilla on September 15, 2025, 03:41:05 PM
Any news on Feyenoord tickets ?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Duncan Shaw on September 17, 2025, 04:20:34 PM
I'm annoyed I went early on the ticket the day they were released to members, there are loads of much better seats now, tons in the Holte.

And I'm now doubly annoyed that I cannot actually go, because of a family thing that has since transpired!  I'm happy to give my ticket away for free, Trinity A7 Row V and at least keep the history, so if anyone would like it, please pm me, although with how many are available, not sure I'll get any takers  ;D
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dcdavecollett on September 18, 2025, 01:55:15 AM
Watched Bologna at the weekend in Serie A.

They looked a useful side.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 18, 2025, 04:50:24 PM
Potential KLM strikes on October 1st. This is the news story about yesterday's action. I can't see anything in it about how many and which flights were actually affected.

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/klm-strike-amsterdam-schiphol-airport-flights-cancelled-b2828046.html
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 18, 2025, 04:52:05 PM
Apart from first line and headline saying over 100!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 18, 2025, 04:54:24 PM
Sounds like it will be eight hours in two weeks' time
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on September 18, 2025, 05:00:13 PM
No one is going anywhere without tickets for Feyenoord game. Now news from the club so far.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 19, 2025, 12:45:50 PM
https://x.com/AyoubKhanMP/status/1968379890388058359

Quote
Ayoub Khan MP
@AyoubKhanMP

On 6 November, Aston Villa are due to host Maccabi Tel Aviv at Villa Park in Birmingham. We are calling on UEFA, the UK Culture Minister, and the club itself to urgently cancel this fixture or take immediate steps to ensure public safety and community harmony

Feels unlikely that we're going to choose to forfeit the match.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on September 19, 2025, 01:02:17 PM
Ayuob Khan can do one. There will only be community safety & harmony  issues if irresponsible politicians stoke it up a notch or ten.

Anyway he needs to concentrate on his party’s membership issues.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: wolfman999 on September 19, 2025, 01:11:33 PM
Ayuob Khan can do one. There will only be community safety & harmony  issues if irresponsible politicians stoke it up a notch or ten.

Anyway he needs to concentrate on his party’s membership issues.

This is a conflict that no doubt stokes up fierce emotions on both sides within our fan base. If anyone feels strongly about MTA, they are free to attend or not, but once we have politicians getting involved in support of their side of the argument, it sets a dangerous precedent. There have been many victims on both sides of this terrible conflict, a fact that seems to get forgotten.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: WassallVillain on September 19, 2025, 01:49:26 PM

Question for the techies out there. My brother has Bologna ticket bought as part of the bulk buy scheme. He now cannot attend this game but the bulk buy tickets are sold as non refundable non transferable. Is it possible for him to screenshot his ticket once released and send it to someone else to gain admission in his place.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: dave.woodhall on September 19, 2025, 01:54:40 PM
Ayuob Khan can do one. There will only be community safety & harmony  issues if irresponsible politicians stoke it up a notch or ten.

Anyway he needs to concentrate on his party’s membership issues.

The replies to his message were sadly the sort of thing you'd expect, including one from the Islamophobic Jonny Gould.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 19, 2025, 01:56:05 PM
Screenshot won't work but if he emails the link to someone they should be able to download it to their Google/Apple Wallet. I transferred my Brugge ticket to a friend when I was ill at the last minute last season.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Demitri_C on September 19, 2025, 02:42:04 PM
Ayuob Khan can do one. There will only be community safety & harmony  issues if irresponsible politicians stoke it up a notch or ten.

Anyway he needs to concentrate on his party’s membership issues.

Completely  agree with this.  This isnt helpful stoking the fires. Lets focus on the game.not the politics
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: WassallVillain on September 19, 2025, 03:06:37 PM
Screenshot won't work but if he emails the link to someone they should be able to download it to their Google/Apple Wallet. I transferred my Brugge ticket to a friend when I was ill at the last minute last season.
Thanks CDB. I thought it unlikely. Will tell him to try email route. If that doesn’t work my other brother gets to go to the pub and wait for me.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Lsvilla on September 19, 2025, 08:22:36 PM
Ayuob Khan can do one. There will only be community safety & harmony  issues if irresponsible politicians stoke it up a notch or ten.

Anyway he needs to concentrate on his party’s membership issues.
We need a like button for stuff like this. 100% agree.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on September 19, 2025, 08:26:13 PM
2400 tickets for Feyenoord by the looks of it.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on September 19, 2025, 09:00:00 PM
I've just received the petition on my phone. Politics is always going to be linked with sport and I don't necessarily have a problem with that. Different set of circumstances but South Africa were eventually excluded during apartheid only because of political activism.
I would be in favour for Israel to be excluded from all international sporting activity in much the same way as Russia has.
However, I will not be signing this petition as it does not have clear aims as to what it is trying to achieve. Boycott the game...play it elsewhere...stop away fans...behind closed doors....which is it ? As others have said this appears to merely stoke up the fires.
If a petition appears with one clear stated aim, demanding Israel to immediately be excluded from all international sport I'll sign up.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: adrenachrome on September 20, 2025, 03:10:53 AM
I've just received the petition on my phone. Politics is always going to be linked with sport and I don't necessarily have a problem with that. Different set of circumstances but South Africa were eventually excluded during apartheid only because of political activism.
I would be in favour for Israel to be excluded from all international sporting activity in much the same way as Russia has.
However, I will not be signing this petition as it does not have clear aims as to what it is trying to achieve. Boycott the game...play it elsewhere...stop away fans...behind closed doors....which is it ? As others have said this appears to merely stoke up the fires.
If a petition appears with one clear stated aim, demanding Israel to immediately be excluded from all international sport I'll sign up.


I have been pro-Palestinian for 50 years, and I agree with you.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pat McMahon on September 20, 2025, 02:45:52 PM
Screenshot won't work but if he emails the link to someone they should be able to download it to their Google/Apple Wallet. I transferred my Brugge ticket to a friend when I was ill at the last minute last season.
Thanks CDB. I thought it unlikely. Will tell him to try email route. If that doesn’t work my other brother gets to go to the pub and wait for me.

I have done the same last season too. The key is for you not to open the link when you receive the ticket as it will only allow one download IIRC
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 20, 2025, 03:10:35 PM
You can undownload it, though.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: not3bad on September 20, 2025, 03:29:12 PM
BREAKING: UEFA’s executive committee is expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to suspend Israel’s national team and clubs from all European competitions.

Qatar is reportedly leading a major push to bring the motion to a vote, pressuring UEFA members over the past week to secure a majority.

Only two or three countries currently oppose the move, with most favoring Israel’s removal.

https://x.com/ShaykhSulaiman/status/1969328799079686548?t=0Mk9dL73iqnJgEm29Ks7xw&s=19
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on September 20, 2025, 03:32:49 PM
BREAKING: UEFA’s executive committee is expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to suspend Israel’s national team and clubs from all European competitions.

Qatar is reportedly leading a major push to bring the motion to a vote, pressuring UEFA members over the past week to secure a majority.

Only two or three countries currently oppose the move, with most favoring Israel’s removal.

https://x.com/ShaykhSulaiman/status/1969328799079686548?t=0Mk9dL73iqnJgEm29Ks7xw&s=19

Qatar don't have a vote in UEFA committees?

But hey, the guy's got posts championing the Taliban's record on women's rights, so he seems reliable.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: amfy on September 20, 2025, 04:05:40 PM
I've just received the petition on my phone. Politics is always going to be linked with sport and I don't necessarily have a problem with that. Different set of circumstances but South Africa were eventually excluded during apartheid only because of political activism.
I would be in favour for Israel to be excluded from all international sporting activity in much the same way as Russia has.
However, I will not be signing this petition as it does not have clear aims as to what it is trying to achieve. Boycott the game...play it elsewhere...stop away fans...behind closed doors....which is it ? As others have said this appears to merely stoke up the fires.
If a petition appears with one clear stated aim, demanding Israel to immediately be excluded from all international sport I'll sign up.


https://www.change.org/p/ban-israel-from-international-football-50929b2e-3aad-4c9e-87c8-a2bd713bc933?signed=true
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 20, 2025, 04:19:20 PM
BREAKING: UEFA’s executive committee is expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to suspend Israel’s national team and clubs from all European competitions.

Qatar is reportedly leading a major push to bring the motion to a vote, pressuring UEFA members over the past week to secure a majority.

Only two or three countries currently oppose the move, with most favoring Israel’s removal.

https://x.com/ShaykhSulaiman/status/1969328799079686548?t=0Mk9dL73iqnJgEm29Ks7xw&s=19

Qatar don't have a vote in UEFA committees?

But hey, the guy's got posts championing the Taliban's record on women's rights, so he seems reliable.

If it does happen I'm certainly not going to be complaining - but doing it just because the Qataris now have so much influence over European football definitely feels like the worst way for it to happen.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris Harte on September 20, 2025, 04:38:18 PM
BREAKING: UEFA’s executive committee is expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to suspend Israel’s national team and clubs from all European competitions.

Qatar is reportedly leading a major push to bring the motion to a vote, pressuring UEFA members over the past week to secure a majority.

Only two or three countries currently oppose the move, with most favoring Israel’s removal.

https://x.com/ShaykhSulaiman/status/1969328799079686548?t=0Mk9dL73iqnJgEm29Ks7xw&s=19

Qatar don't have a vote in UEFA committees?

But hey, the guy's got posts championing the Taliban's record on women's rights, so he seems reliable.

If it does happen I'm certainly not going to be complaining - but doing it just because the Qataris now have so much influence over European football definitely feels like the worst way for it to happen.
I've been saying for years that a Champions League final is going to be played in Qatar or the UAE at some point. If the Qataris have got the ear of UEFA members on Israel then you can bet they might make moves on a showpiece final.

On the subject of Israel, I don't see why they're allowed to participate given the genocide currently playing out. More broadly, I've never understood why Israel is in UEFA. Maybe it's because the alternative is playing against Arab states regularly.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Exeter 77 on September 20, 2025, 04:56:43 PM
Israel were thrown out of the Asian Football Confederation due to the politics involved - no-one would play them - and at one point played in the Oceania World Cup qualifiers. Someone somewhere decided that the least contentious place for them was UEFA in around 1990.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 20, 2025, 04:57:37 PM
On the subject of Israel, I don't see why they're allowed to participate given the genocide currently playing out. More broadly, I've never understood why Israel is in UEFA. Maybe it's because the alternative is playing against Arab states regularly.

On the first it's because nobody has put anything forward to stop them.

If the other members had kicked off and demand they be kicked out then they probably would have been. But the loudest voices don't want them to be kicked out.

On the second, they were in the AFC until 1974 when they were voted out. They played in the OFC in the 80s and would have been at the 1990 World Cup representing Oceania but lost a play-off to Colombia.

After that they joined UEFA. Which seems more sensible than them playing New Zealand.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 20, 2025, 04:59:34 PM
More broadly, I've never understood why Israel is in UEFA. Maybe it's because the alternative is playing against Arab states regularly.

Wait till you hear Australia takes part in Eurovision, and is a member of the Asian Football Confederation.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris Harte on September 20, 2025, 05:03:13 PM
More broadly, I've never understood why Israel is in UEFA. Maybe it's because the alternative is playing against Arab states regularly.

Wait till you hear Australia takes part in Eurovision, and is a member of the Asian Football Confederation.
Oh, I knew that. The Eurovision thing was a sixtieth (?) anniversary thing that was meant to be a one-off that's no longer a one-off on account of EV being so popular there.

Edit, thanks Dave and Exeter. I didn't realise they'd moved around the difference conferences.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: andyh on September 20, 2025, 05:11:08 PM
No sign of my Bologna ticket.
Deleted and reloaded the App, ticket appeared.

That seems to be a regular thing now.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris Harte on September 20, 2025, 05:18:57 PM
No sign of my Bologna ticket.
Deleted and reloaded the App, ticket appeared.

That seems to be a regular thing now.
That app is garbage. It doesn't respect notification preferences. I had to switch off all notifications for the app in the phone settings.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: not3bad on September 20, 2025, 05:45:35 PM
BREAKING: UEFA’s executive committee is expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to suspend Israel’s national team and clubs from all European competitions.

Qatar is reportedly leading a major push to bring the motion to a vote, pressuring UEFA members over the past week to secure a majority.

Only two or three countries currently oppose the move, with most favoring Israel’s removal.

https://x.com/ShaykhSulaiman/status/1969328799079686548?t=0Mk9dL73iqnJgEm29Ks7xw&s=19

Qatar don't have a vote in UEFA committees?

But hey, the guy's got posts championing the Taliban's record on women's rights, so he seems reliable.

It appears his source is a report in the Israeli press.
https://www.israelhayom.co.il/sport/israeli-soccer/article/18887252
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on September 20, 2025, 05:47:50 PM
BREAKING: UEFA’s executive committee is expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to suspend Israel’s national team and clubs from all European competitions.

Qatar is reportedly leading a major push to bring the motion to a vote, pressuring UEFA members over the past week to secure a majority.

Only two or three countries currently oppose the move, with most favoring Israel’s removal.

https://x.com/ShaykhSulaiman/status/1969328799079686548?t=0Mk9dL73iqnJgEm29Ks7xw&s=19

Qatar don't have a vote in UEFA committees?

But hey, the guy's got posts championing the Taliban's record on women's rights, so he seems reliable.

It appears his source is a report in the Israeli press.
https://www.israelhayom.co.il/sport/israeli-soccer/article/18887252

Then why was his the first report you saw?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: not3bad on September 20, 2025, 05:59:50 PM
BREAKING: UEFA’s executive committee is expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to suspend Israel’s national team and clubs from all European competitions.

Qatar is reportedly leading a major push to bring the motion to a vote, pressuring UEFA members over the past week to secure a majority.

Only two or three countries currently oppose the move, with most favoring Israel’s removal.

https://x.com/ShaykhSulaiman/status/1969328799079686548?t=0Mk9dL73iqnJgEm29Ks7xw&s=19

Qatar don't have a vote in UEFA committees?

But hey, the guy's got posts championing the Taliban's record on women's rights, so he seems reliable.

It appears his source is a report in the Israeli press.
https://www.israelhayom.co.il/sport/israeli-soccer/article/18887252

Then why was his the first report you saw?

Because someone sent it to me!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on September 20, 2025, 06:01:51 PM
Cool cool cool.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: not3bad on September 20, 2025, 06:03:50 PM
Snarky today.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on September 20, 2025, 06:06:46 PM
Just remembering your pro bono media work on behalf of the Assad regime.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: not3bad on September 20, 2025, 06:08:06 PM
Yeah that turned out well didn't it. They have an Al Qaeda terrorist in charge now. You must be pleased.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Sexual Ealing on September 20, 2025, 06:08:37 PM
Just remembering your pro bono media work on behalf of the Assad regime.

What have you done?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Monty on September 20, 2025, 06:12:45 PM
Yeah that turned out well didn't it. They have an Al Qaeda terrorist in charge now. You must be pleased.

Just going to let this speak for itself, if I'm totally honest. By all means, keep defending children gassers and retweeting Taliban fanciers. For some reason you seem to think this gives you the moral high ground, and that's swell.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Richard E on September 20, 2025, 06:16:36 PM
I think we should kick all of the Syrian clubs out of the Europa League
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on September 20, 2025, 06:18:37 PM
Feyenoord away tickets apparently on sale on Monday from 9.30.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: WassallVillain on September 20, 2025, 06:34:38 PM
Screenshot won't work but if he emails the link to someone they should be able to download it to their Google/Apple Wallet. I transferred my Brugge ticket to a friend when I was ill at the last minute last season.
Thanks CDB. I thought it unlikely. Will tell him to try email route. If that doesn’t work my other brother gets to go to the pub and wait for me.

I have done the same last season too. The key is for you not to open the link when you receive the ticket as it will only allow one download IIRC

Dumb question. Will there be a link if the ticket is already in the app and not available until 3 hours before KO?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Bent Neilsens Screamer on September 20, 2025, 06:42:24 PM
If MTA are kicked out how would that work with regards points etc?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: ChicagoLion on September 21, 2025, 10:41:33 AM
If MTA are kicked out how would that work with regards points etc?
very tricky.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 21, 2025, 10:44:05 AM
I assume all their opponents just get awarded 3-0 wins. I'd still sue UEFA for loss of income from the lost home game. It's not like Israel wasn't committing genocide at the start of the season, we shouldn't lose money which could potentially be vital for FFP because of their intransigence.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: andyh on September 21, 2025, 11:02:51 AM
I assume all their opponents just get awarded 3-0 wins. I'd still sue UEFA for loss of income from the lost home game. It's not like Israel wasn't committing genocide at the start of the season, we shouldn't lose money which could potentially be vital for FFP because of their intransigence.
The easy bit is awarding the points to all of the opponents.
It certainly gets more tricky in compensating for the loss of income, they just need to come up with a solution.
In our case, just write of the CSR bollocks……simple.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Richard E on September 21, 2025, 11:28:47 AM
The fairest solution would be to give us a bye to the Final, with a 3 goal head start.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 21, 2025, 11:35:03 AM
Be so annoying watching us lose 4-3 to Ludogorets Razgrad.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on September 21, 2025, 09:13:58 PM
On sale from 2pm tomorrow.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pat McMahon on September 21, 2025, 09:19:08 PM
Screenshot won't work but if he emails the link to someone they should be able to download it to their Google/Apple Wallet. I transferred my Brugge ticket to a friend when I was ill at the last minute last season.
Thanks CDB. I thought it unlikely. Will tell him to try email route. If that doesn’t work my other brother gets to go to the pub and wait for me.

I have done the same last season too. The key is for you not to open the link when you receive the ticket as it will only allow one download IIRC

Dumb question. Will there be a link if the ticket is already in the app and not available until 3 hours before KO?

I honestly don’t know. In the past I used to print the ticket as a back up but I don’t think I received it for Newcastle ( I missed Palace) as they were in the app ( eventually).
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: simboy on September 22, 2025, 09:45:29 AM
On sale from 2pm tomorrow.

Have you got the criteria?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pete3206 on September 22, 2025, 11:02:21 AM
https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2025/september/21/Feyenoord-ticket-details/
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: simboy on September 22, 2025, 12:13:48 PM
Thanks - may not get them on four aways last year, but will see.

So frustrating the club announce this late.   
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on September 22, 2025, 12:39:02 PM
Thanks - may not get them on four aways last year, but will see.

So frustrating the club announce this late.   

To be fair, this would be on Feyenoord, not us.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 22, 2025, 12:52:43 PM
Thanks - may not get them on four aways last year, but will see.

So frustrating the club announce this late.   

To be fair, this would be on Feyenoord, not us.

There was a post doing the rounds on social media saying  neither UEFA or Feyenoord knew why there was a delay in Villa fans being informed of the size of allocation.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on September 22, 2025, 02:12:53 PM
Always more than you think. There's only 250~ of us with full cards apparently.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 22, 2025, 03:00:16 PM
BREAKING: UEFA’s executive committee is expected to vote on Tuesday on whether to suspend Israel’s national team and clubs from all European competitions.

Qatar is reportedly leading a major push to bring the motion to a vote, pressuring UEFA members over the past week to secure a majority.

Only two or three countries currently oppose the move, with most favoring Israel’s removal.

https://x.com/ShaykhSulaiman/status/1969328799079686548?t=0Mk9dL73iqnJgEm29Ks7xw&s=19

Quote
If a club is disqualified or for any reason withdraws from the competition before all its matches in the league phase have been played, the results of all its matches played until that moment remain valid. A calculation of points will need to take place upon completion of the league phase to take the cancelled matches into account. Any club that has not been able to play its scheduled match against a disqualified/withdrawn club is awarded the average number of points earned by all clubs in its same seeding pot against the clubs in the same pot as that disqualified/withdrawn club in home matches, if the affected club was due to play at home, or in away matches if the affected club was due to play away. The league phase points of all matches that have been played, including the points obtained by clubs in matches involving the disqualified/withdrawn club before their disqualification/withdrawal are not adjusted in any way, and all taken into account for the average points calculation
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Meanwood Villa on September 22, 2025, 03:12:10 PM
There was I thinking it might be our only three goal win of the season.

This will make the qualification permutations fun come January.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 22, 2025, 03:17:43 PM
So it did matter which pot we were in after all! So we could end up with about 2.17 points for that game?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 22, 2025, 03:20:30 PM
Just checked and they were second seeds, so might not be a massive average there. Will just have to win our other games, and at least should be fresher for Bournemouth game. Possibly worth missing out on a possible 1.3 or so points depending on how we do, for the extra rest.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 22, 2025, 03:22:39 PM
Possibly worth missing out on a possible 1.3 or so points depending on how we do, for the extra rest.

And to avoid the fuss that would be caused by the protests / counter-protests that would inevitably happen.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 22, 2025, 03:30:18 PM
Indeed. Feels like the idiots could have taken the decision a lot earlier, and it seems morally dubious that a few Qataris dying* is considered worthy of action whereas tens of thousands of Palestinians being murdered wasn't, but better late than never, I suppose.

* I am not suggesting that a few Qataris dying isn't A Bad Thing.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 22, 2025, 03:39:43 PM
This week's top seeds at home to second seeds match (UK time):

Wednesday 8pm
Dinamo Zagreb vs Fenerbahçe
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on September 22, 2025, 04:06:00 PM
Sneaked in for a Feyenoord ticket at the opening of second tier as I only have 5 home from CL last season.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 22, 2025, 04:41:40 PM
https://www.heroesandvillains.info/forumv3/index.php?topic=66166.msg4903215#new
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 22, 2025, 05:19:55 PM
Has their been any valid sources that UEFA are looking at doing anything?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris Harte on September 22, 2025, 05:27:27 PM
Has their been any valid sources that UEFA are looking at doing anything?
I searched that question only yesterday and saw nothing about UEFA kicking Israeli sides out.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 22, 2025, 05:35:34 PM
The two links being used seems to be an anti-Israel twitter account and a pro-Israel anti-Qatar newspaper.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Chris Harte on September 22, 2025, 05:42:43 PM
I'm imagine Maccabi's visit on November 6th will bring anti-Israel/pro-Palestine protesters.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave P on September 22, 2025, 06:53:46 PM
They play PAOK on Wednesday so they need to decide soon.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 22, 2025, 07:17:41 PM
They play PAOK on Wednesday so they need to decide soon.

If there's minimal trouble when they play Palestine Action OK, then it should be fine when they come to Brum.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on September 22, 2025, 09:13:58 PM
Always more than you think. There's only 250~ of us with full cards apparently.


Ooh that means I’m ok for Go Ahead Eagles.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Pat McMahon on September 22, 2025, 09:14:55 PM
Thanks - may not get them on four aways last year, but will see.

So frustrating the club announce this late.   

To be fair, this would be on Feyenoord, not us.

There was a post doing the rounds on social media saying  neither UEFA or Feyenoord knew why there was a delay in Villa fans being informed of the size of allocation.

Seems a bit slow on their end too. On the Feyenoord website it says tickets go on sale on Saturday which is stunningly late, though I did hear that they had offered a 4 game package so possibly waiting for those sales to be sorted first.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Lsvilla on September 22, 2025, 09:39:23 PM
Always more than you think. There's only 250~ of us with full cards apparently.


Ooh that means I’m ok for Go Ahead Eagles.
And me if that's right. Unless the corporates nick them first.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: AV82EC on September 22, 2025, 09:42:37 PM
Always more than you think. There's only 250~ of us with full cards apparently.


Ooh that means I’m ok for Go Ahead Eagles.
And me if that's right. Unless the corporates nick them first.

I’m sure there will be a Corporate and GA+ allocation but tbf some of them are STHs just like you and me. Anyway it’ll be 500-600 tickets I reckon and a nice day out in Deventer.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 22, 2025, 09:44:48 PM
Any reason why people can't use the "Tickets and Travel" section of the site?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 23, 2025, 05:18:36 PM
Has their been any valid sources that UEFA are looking at doing anything?

Guessing that if it were, a few more non-partisan sources might have picked up on it by now.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 23, 2025, 05:21:29 PM
All the sources are just quoting the original sources.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 23, 2025, 05:38:18 PM
Yup. Which is probably a good sign that it was nonsense.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 23, 2025, 05:41:09 PM
Poor show if so. Even more so after they had the banners out before the Super Cup Final.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Crown Hill on September 23, 2025, 08:17:51 PM
Surprised how easy it was to get a Feyenoord ticket. I had three sections to choose from. Presume even demand for away games now slacking off. Anyway looking forward to next week! 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 23, 2025, 08:28:27 PM
Surprised how easy it was to get a Feyenoord ticket. I had three sections to choose from. Presume even demand for away games now slacking off.

Plus we never do anything of note in Rotterdam.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on September 23, 2025, 08:41:52 PM
Oooh might be able to get the misso a legit ticket tomorrow morning.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: claret+blue ed on September 24, 2025, 07:45:50 AM
Surprised how easy it was to get a Feyenoord ticket. I had three sections to choose from. Presume even demand for away games now slacking off. Anyway looking forward to next week! 

Did it look like there were many left??
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Ads on September 24, 2025, 08:07:05 AM
You can't tell how many are left, you choose your block and that's as far as it goes. Two blocks left to choose from.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: claret+blue ed on September 24, 2025, 08:28:58 AM
Thanks, I did think they'd all go before it got to ST's, as I only went to Monaco last year in the Neutral section I didn't expect to get one, so it's good that I even have a chance this morning
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Luffbralion on September 24, 2025, 12:48:16 PM
Grr. There were supposed to be a couple of hundred available for season ticket holders this morning, logged on in advance to five different devices (roping the family in as well).  We all had fingers on buzzers ready....gone in five seconds.  If anyone can recommend a reputable ticket site to buy in the home end then I'll just have to work on my Dutch accent.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: simon ward 50 on September 24, 2025, 01:50:20 PM
Grr. There were supposed to be a couple of hundred available for season ticket holders this morning, logged on in advance to five different devices (roping the family in as well).  We all had fingers on buzzers ready....gone in five seconds.  If anyone can recommend a reputable ticket site to buy in the home end then I'll just have to work on my Dutch accent.

Steve MacLaren can help on the accent!
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Luffbralion on September 24, 2025, 02:11:53 PM
Grr. There were supposed to be a couple of hundred available for season ticket holders this morning, logged on in advance to five different devices (roping the family in as well).  We all had fingers on buzzers ready....gone in five seconds.  If anyone can recommend a reputable ticket site to buy in the home end then I'll just have to work on my Dutch accent.

Steve MacLaren can help on the accent!

Can anyone lend me a brolly?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 24, 2025, 04:22:55 PM
UEFA have shit the bed under pressure from the US.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 24, 2025, 04:38:13 PM
Based on what?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 24, 2025, 04:43:03 PM
Oophs, I meant to include a link.

https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/09/23/israel-spared-immediate-expulsion-from-uefa-after-us-pressure/
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Dave on September 24, 2025, 05:00:19 PM
Hmm.

Maybe I'm just being overly cynical, but we have a disreputable, right-wing Israeli media outlet reporting that under Qatari pressure Israel are going to be kicked out of UEFA.

No reputable outlets report the same.

The same disreputable, right-wing Israeli media outlet then reports that under US pressure UEFA have decided not kick Israel out after all.

No reputable outlets report any of this as ever having happened.

Doesn't really pass the smell test to me.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: olaftab on September 24, 2025, 05:18:00 PM
Qatar and USA pressuring a European body....just bollocks.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 24, 2025, 05:31:36 PM
Maybe I'm just being overly cynical, but we have a disreputable, right-wing Israeli media outlet reporting that under Qatari pressure Israel are going to be kicked out of UEFA.

I'm not going to click the link but as they were stating it was the Qatari bought FIFA who was apparently pressuring UEFA the first time, were the US pressuring FIFA not to force UEFA, with threats of cancelling the World Cup (or even worse, going to charge tax on FIFA)?
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Brazilian Villain on September 24, 2025, 05:33:49 PM
Maybe I'm just being overly cynical, but we have a disreputable, right-wing Israeli media outlet reporting that under Qatari pressure Israel are going to be kicked out of UEFA.

I'm not going to click the link but as they were stating it was the Qatari bought FIFA who was apparently pressuring UEFA the first time, were the US pressuring FIFA not to force UEFA, with threats of cancelling the World Cup (or even worse, going to charge tax on FIFA)?

My view (and I'd imagine Dave's) is that no one was pressuring anyone. It was, as Aftab said, just bollocks.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 24, 2025, 05:57:50 PM
I know no-one was doing it really, the paper were just making up a story that their readers will swallow on why Israeli teams are still in the competition. As they were stating initially that the Qatari's had bought FIFA and using their influence there to pressure UEFA, I was wondering what bollocks they imagined the Americans were bringing to counter Qatari's money.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on September 24, 2025, 08:38:27 PM
Pro-Palestinian protesters, most of them PAOK fans, gather ahead of a Europa League soccer match between PAOK and Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv in the port city of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025.


(https://i.ibb.co/B2H58dJY/pro-palestinian-protesters-most-of-them-paok-fans-gather-ahead-of-a-europa-league-soccer-match-betwe.jpg) (https://ibb.co/B2H58dJY)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 25, 2025, 12:11:24 PM
Seems Sky is the first other news source to cover it. Although most seems to be gathering thoughts from different people rather then anything concrete.

https://news.sky.com/story/high-level-talks-in-european-football-about-whether-to-ban-israel-from-international-competitions-13437606

https://news.sky.com/story/trump-administration-will-work-to-prevent-banning-israel-from-international-football-13437794
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 25, 2025, 11:05:14 PM
After the first round of matches, England are fourth in the 5th place CL coefficient with our rivals main rivals between 0.5 and 1.0 below us. The three teams above us will soon drop down as they are smaller nations won't go far but have fluked a win.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on September 26, 2025, 07:45:29 AM
What will happens points wise for us if the Tel Aviv match is cancelled.

Regulation 29.03 states...

"If a club is disqualified or for any reason withdraws from the competition before all its matches in the league phase have been played, the results of all its matches played until that moment remain valid. A calculation of points will need to take place upon completion of the league phase to take the cancelled matches into account. Any club that has not been able to play its scheduled match against a disqualified/withdrawn club is awarded the average number of points earned by all clubs in its same seeding pot against the clubs in the same pot as that disqualified/withdrawn club in home matches, if the affected club was due to play at home, or in away matches if the affected club was due to play away. The league phase points of all matches that have been played, including the points obtained by clubs in matches involving the disqualified/withdrawn club before their disqualification/withdrawal are not adjusted in any way, and all taken into account for the average points calculation."

https://documents.uefa.com/r/Regulations-of-the-UEFA-Europa-League-2025/26/Article-29-Refusal-to-play-and-similar-cases-Online
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 26, 2025, 08:05:09 AM
So, it would be better to play them and win (assuming we can win) rather then not play them and rely on others from Pot1.

A reminder of the current pots.
Roma, Porto, Rangers,Feyenoord,Lille,GNK Dinamo, Real Betis, Salzburg, Us.

Fenerbache, Braga, Crvena Zvezda, Lyon, Paok, Plzen, Fenecvaros, Celtic, Maccabi,

In the two matches so far between the teams in the two pots, it is 1-1. (Braga beat Feynoord. GNK beat Fenerbache)
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 26, 2025, 10:15:12 AM
It's just games where pot 1 is at home to pot 2, isn't it? So ignore the Braga game. Played one, won one so far.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Andy_Lochhead_in_the_air on September 26, 2025, 10:25:46 AM
As complicated as coefficients. My super dooper back of a fag packet opta computer prediction says if they were chucked out next week we would need 15.654321 points to finish top 8. 
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 26, 2025, 10:26:52 AM
If it does happen, and assuming points aren't rounded up or down, it basically means that goal difference doesn't matter. Because chances are loads of teams will finish on 15.327 points or something like that, quite unlikely to finish level. You'd be dividing by seven, I think, which isn't a great number for divisions.
Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: Somniloquism on September 26, 2025, 12:28:16 PM
At the moment the average points is three isn't it then.

If they are banned before we play them, then the matches to watch out for {Pot1 home v Pot2 away}

Dinamo Zagreb v Fenerbache (Matchweek 1) 3 points.
Porto v Red Star  (Matchweek 2)
Rangers V Braga     (Matchweek 5)
Feyenoord v Celtic  (Matchweek 5)
Lille v POAK  (Matchweek 3)
Betis v Lyon  (Matchday 4)
Red Bull Salzburg v (Robbie Keane's) Ferencvaros

If they are banned after we play them then we get whatever points we accrued that night. No mention of goal difference adjustments either.





Title: Re: Europa League 2025-26
Post by: cdbearsfan on September 26, 2025, 12:59:55 PM
Not having goal difference adjustments seems a bit mad, though probably won't make a difference unless the seven teams get a nice divisible number of points, eg 7 or 14.
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