Europa League - Who Will Take Charge on Matchday 3?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Thobelani Moyo
SK Brann vs. Rangers
- Date and Time: 23 October 2025, 18:45
- Venue: Brann Stadion, Bergen, Norway.
SK Brann began the UEFA Europa League with a trip to Stade Pierre-Mauroy. It was going to be an arduous task facing Lille as they suffered a 2-1 defeat. That result extended their winless run against French opposition in Europe to four games.
Freyr Alexandersson's men did not let that setback get in the way of snatching their first-ever win in the tournament. On matchday two, the pride of Bergen welcomed FC Utrecht to the Brann Stadion, and Saevar Magnusson's goal in the 41st minute was enough to see them secure a 1-0 victory. The main goal for the home team coming into this match is to record their second consecutive win.
Rangers FC have been nothing but a headache for their supporters this season. Having recently parted ways with head coach Russell Martin, they have not been performing to the standards required of them this season. After eight games in the Scottish Premiership, the team sits in sixth place and are 13 points behind the top spot.
The Gers are under new management, with former Sheffield Wednesday head coach Danny Rohl tasked with leading the Dutch powerhouse to greener pastures. The 36-year-old's first assignment is ending a two-match losing streak in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase. Last time out, the team suffered a 2-1 away defeat against Sturm Graz and are one of six teams yet to register a point. With a new head coach at the helm, will this be the turning point where we see an upturn in form?
Go Ahead Eagles vs. Aston Villa
- Date and Time: 23 October 2025, 18:45
- Venue: De Adelaarshorst, Deventer, Netherlands.
Against a side that has a European pedigree and a head coach renowned for his success in European competitions, Go Ahead Eagles are aware that their chances of success in this one are slim. However, they mustn't be underestimated, considering their last match in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase saw them stun Panathinaikos in a 2-1 away victory. This was consolation for their opening defeat against FCSB.
Aston Villa boasts an impressive record against Dutch opposition. They've crossed paths with teams in this category six times, recording five wins and one draw. The Villans will undoubtedly be out to reaffirm their dominance and secure a comfortable win. Even our SportyTrader betting experts firmly believe in their success. Check out what they have to say in our Go Ahead Eagles vs Aston Villa prediction.
Unai Emery's charges have made an impressive start in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase. They have won two consecutive matches and sit third in the standings. Their last match was a comfortable 2-0 win against Feyenoord.
Celtic vs. Sturm Graz
- Date and Time: 23 October 2025, 21:00
- Venue: Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland.
Celtic FC are seeking a swift response after suffering a shock 2-0 away defeat against Dundee FC in the Scottish Premiership. It was a historic defeat considering they had not lost away against this side since 1988.
The Hoops shift their focus to the UEFA Europa League (UEL) league phase, where they have had an unimpressive start to the competition. For a team of their caliber, they've managed just one point, which came against Crvena Zvezda in the opener. After that, they lost 2-0 at home against Braga.
Sturm Graz could make their opponents wait for a first win in this competition, just like they did to Rangers FC on matchday two, another Dutch opposition.
However, our SportyTrader betting experts are standing in Celtic's corner to win here, considering Jurgen Saumel's men have not been performing well on the road, particularly in Europe. Find out what they have to say in our Celtic FC vs Sturm Graz prediction.
Other matchday 3 fixtures to watch out for
- Braga vs Crvena Zvezda
- FCSB vs Bologna
- Fenerbahce vs Stuttgart
- Feyenoord vs Panathinaikos
- Genk vs Real Betis
- Lyon vs Basel
- Salzburg vs Ferencvaros
- AS Roma vs Viktoria Plzen
- Celta Vigo vs Nice
- Freiburg vs FC Utrecht
- Lille vs PAOK
- Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Midtjylland
- Malmo FF vs Dinamo Zagreb
- Nottingham Forest vs FC Porto
- Young Boys vs Ludogorets
