Conference League 2025-2026: Rayo Vallecano-AEK Athens, the likely lineups

This evening completes the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Europa League and Conference League, two competitions that are providing spectacle and great balance.

In the Europa League, the focus is all on the 9 p.m. challenges, where very different teams face each other but share the ambition to go all the way. Bologna hosts Aston Villa in a fascinating match that pits Italian and English soccer against each other. Also at the same time, Porto takes on Nottingham Forest in a confrontation with an international flavor and rich history. Completing the picture is Freiburg-Celta Vigo, a more unpredictable but no less interesting challenge, where balance could be the real protagonist.

At the same time, the Conference League also offers encounters to watch carefully, starting with Rayo Vallecano vs. AEK Athens, a match that promises intensity and high pace at 6:45 p.m. At 9 p.m. the other three challenges, including one between Crystal Palace and Fiorentina.

Probable lineups

Rayo Vallecano (4-2-3-1): Batalla; Ratiu, Lejeune, Luiz Felipe, Chavarria; Lopez, Valentin; de Frutos, Palazon, Garcia; Alemao. All. Perez.

Aek Athens (4-4-2): Strakosha; Rota, Moukoudi, Relvas, Pilios; Pineda, Marina, Koita, Gacinovic; Jovic, Varga. All. Nikolic.