Europa League Thursday Drama: Celtic, Lille, and Porto Battle for Knockout Survival

Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering sport.

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Image Source: UEFA

The UEFA Europa League 2025/26 group stage has reached a boiling point, and Thursday’s fixtures delivered high‑stakes tension for three historic clubs—Celtic, Lille, and Porto—each fighting to stay alive in the competition. With three rounds played, all three teams have amassed six points, and their paths to the knockout phase remain perilously tight.

Celtic: Grit and Gaps

Celtic’s campaign has been defined by narrow margins and late drama. After a gritty draw against Crvena Zvezda and a crucial win over Panathinaikos, the Scottish champions suffered a setback against Feyenoord. Their goal difference stands at –1, with three goals scored and four conceded, placing them in a precarious position despite a balanced record of one win, one draw, and one loss.

Key fixture ahead: Celtic must travel to Rotterdam for a rematch with Feyenoord, where a win could vault them into a knockout spot. Defensive discipline and midfield control will be essential.

Lille: Firepower with Fragility

Lille’s attacking flair has kept them in contention. With six goals scored and five conceded, they’ve shown both potency and vulnerability. Their recent 2–1 win over SK Brann showcased their ability to break down compact defenses, but their earlier loss exposed defensive lapses.

Key fixture ahead: Lille face Dinamo Zagreb next, a team with strong form and a +4 goal difference. Lille will need to tighten their back line while maintaining their attacking rhythm.

Porto: Precision and Pressure

Porto’s campaign has been efficient but tense. With three goals scored and three conceded, they’ve managed two wins and one loss, including a vital 1–0 victory over RB Salzburg. Their goal difference is neutral, and their tactical discipline has kept them competitive.

Key fixture ahead: Porto host Nice in a match that could decide their fate. A win would likely secure a playoff spot, but a loss could leave them vulnerable to tiebreakers.

Group Standings Snapshot (After Matchday 3)

Club	Played	Wins	Draws	Losses	Points
Celtic	3	1	1	1	4
Lille	3	2	0	1	6
Porto	3	2	0	1	6

What’s at Stake?

With only two matchdays remaining, the margin for error is razor‑thin. The top two teams in each group advance to the Round of 16, while third‑place finishers enter the knockout playoff round. For Celtic, Lille, and Porto, every fixture now carries knockout implications.