UEFA Conference League: Knockout Play-offs Reach Decisive Conclusion
PARIS, 26 February 2026 – The UEFA Conference League knockout round play-offs reach their climax tonight as clubs across the continent battle for a place in the Round of 16. With the final second-leg fixtures taking place this evening, established names and emerging forces alike face high-stakes encounters to keep their European ambitions alive.
Palace and Fiorentina Eye Progress
Premier League side Crystal Palace enter their second-leg tie against HŠK Zrinjski Mostar looking to build on the momentum provided by Ismaila Sarr. The Senegalese forward proved decisive in the first leg, though the South London club has faced internal pressure following a period of fractious relations between supporters and manager Oliver Glasner. Despite domestic inconsistencies, the Eagles remain favourites to advance to the next stage.
In Italy, Fiorentina appear well-positioned to continue their journey in a competition where they have historically excelled. Following a dominant 3-0 victory against Jagiellonia Białystok in the first leg in Poland, the Viola are expected to rotate their squad in Florence tonight. Meanwhile, Swiss outfit Lausanne-Sport face a “do-or-die” scenario against Sigma Olomouc at 21:00, with the tie currently balanced at 1-1. Local analysts suggest this could be a pivotal moment for Swiss coefficient rankings, which have come under significant pressure this season.
Key Fixtures and Matchday Schedule
| Fixture (Second Leg) | Kick-off Time (CET) | First Leg Score |
|---|---|---|
| HNK Rijeka vs Omonia Nicosia | 18:45 | 1-0 |
| NK Celje vs Drita | 18:45 | 3-2 |
| Lausanne-Sport vs Sigma Olomouc | 21:00 | 1-1 |
| Samsunspor vs Shkëndija | 21:00 | N/A |
| AZ Alkmaar vs Noah | 21:00 | N/A |
Tournament Roadmap
The winners of tonight’s play-offs will join the eight league-phase group winners in the Round of 16. The draw for the next stage is scheduled to take place shortly, with the matches set for 12 March and 19 March 2024. This season marks the continued evolution of the competition’s format, which transitioned to a 36-team league phase earlier in the cycle to ensure broader representation across UEFA’s member associations.
While traditional powers like Fiorentina remain the bookmakers’ choice, the 2025/26 campaign has seen notable performances from smaller nations. Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps recorded a historic 2-1 victory over Lech Poznań earlier in the tournament, highlighting the increased parity the Conference League was designed to foster.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the aggregate score is level after 90 minutes?
If the scores are level at the end of the second leg, the match will go to extra time (two periods of 15 minutes). If the score remains tied, the winner will be decided by a penalty shoot-out. The “away goals rule” is no longer in effect.
When is the UEFA Conference League Final?
The final of the 2025/26 UEFA Conference League is scheduled to take place in May 2026 at a neutral venue. The exact path to the final will be determined during the upcoming quarter-final and semi-final draws in March.
How does the new format differ from previous years?
Starting from the 2024/25 season, the competition moved from a traditional group stage to a single league phase consisting of 36 teams. This allows for more matches against a wider variety of opponents before entering the knockout rounds.