The UEFA Europa League group stage is approaching its decisive moment, with the tournament’s knockout picture starting to take shape. As the final round of group matches looms, clarity is emerging over which clubs have already secured their place in the next phase of Europe’s second-tier competition.

So far, two teams have done enough to book direct passage into the Round of 16. English side Aston Villa and French giants Olympique Lyonnais have mathematically guaranteed top positions in their groups, allowing them to bypass the play-off round and move straight into the last 16.

In addition, no fewer than 17 clubs have already ensured their participation in the Europa League knockout play-offs, keeping their European ambitions firmly alive. The confirmed teams are:

Bologna (Italy), SC Braga (Portugal), Celta Vigo (Spain), Red Star Belgrade (Serbia), Fenerbahce (Turkey), Ferencvaros (Hungary), Freiburg (Germany), Genk (Belgium), FC Midtjylland (Denmark), Nottingham Forest (England), Panathinaikos (Greece), PAOK (Greece), FC Porto (Portugal), Real Betis (Spain), AS Roma (Italy), VfB Stuttgart (Germany) and Viktoria Plzen (Czech Republic).