UEFA Europa League Matchday 1 betting predictions | September 25

The 2025/26 UEFA Europa League rolls into Thursday, September 25, with nine league-phase openers featuring several heavyweight travelers and strong home favorites.

Highlights include European heavyweights FC Porto clashing with Salzburg and the Premier League’s Aston Villa hosting Serie A side Bologna.

Continue reading to find our free soccer betting predictions for each of the matches in Europe’s second-tier club competition.

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Lille vs Brann

Thursday, September 25 – 6:45pm CEST – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille, France

Lille are a reliable home side and should control territory and chances against a Brann outfit stepping up in class. With deeper attacking options and better set-piece delivery, the Ligue 1 club is well placed to start fast and finish the job.

Go Ahead Eagles vs FCSB

Thursday, September 25 – 6:45pm CEST – Stadion De Adelaarshorst, Deventer, Netherlands

Go Ahead Eagles are tough to break down at Stadion De Adelaarshorst and play with high energy. FCSB bring European know-how but can sit deep for long spells. Back the home crowd lift and the Dutch side’s pressure to produce the key moments.

Rangers vs Genk

Thursday, September 25 – 8pm BST – Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland

Ibrox Stadium is a major advantage on European nights for Rangers. The Scottish side typically create steady chances from crosses and second balls, while Genk’s away form can dip under pressure. Take the insurance on the home team in a competitive game.

FC Salzburg vs FC Porto

Thursday, September 25 – 9pm CEST – Red Bull Arena, Kleßheim, Austria

Salzburg’s young side play at speed, but FC Porto’s experience and composure in tight away ties often tell late. With more match-winners in attack and set-piece quality, the Portuguese giants make sense at even money with top sportsbooks.

Aston Villa vs Bologna

Thursday, September 25 – 8pm BST – Villa Park, Birmingham, England

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa are strong at Villa Park; however, they have only scored two goals in six games this season. Bologna are organized but usually create fewer big chances away. Expect a tight clash with few chances.

Ferencváros vs Viktoria Plzeň

Thursday, September 25 – 9pm CEST – Groupama Arena, Budapest, Hungary

Both Ferencváros and Viktoria Plzeň carry attacking threats and are comfortable trading chances, especially from wide areas and set pieces. With neither defense a lock on the road or at home, the goal angle is the simplest play.

Young Boys vs Panathinaikos

Thursday, September 25 – 9pm CEST – Wankdorf Stadium, Bern, Switzerland

Young Boys are lively in Bern and tend to start well on their artificial surface. Panathinaikos are disciplined but may concede territory for long spells. Back the home team to get the job done.

VfB Stuttgart vs Celta Vigo

Thursday, September 25 – 9pm CEST – MHP Arena, Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart’s front line is direct and dangerous, and they have been strong at home this season. Celta Vigo can frustrate, but they often struggle to contain sustained pressure away. The German side is stronger, but both teams should carve out enough quality chances to find the back of the net.

FC Utrecht vs Lyon

Thursday, September 25 – 9pm CEST – Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht, Netherlands

Utrecht are solid at home, yet Lyon bring superior individual quality and should control midfield. With better finishers and set-piece threats, the visitors are the side to trust.