Porto and Roma ended their Europa League knockout phase play-off first leg in a 1-1 draw. Zeki Celik scored first for Roma, but Francisco Moura equalised for Porto. The match saw Paulo Dybala leave due to injury in the first half. Roma's Bryan Cristante received a second yellow card, leaving his team with ten players.
AZ Alkmaar secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Galatasaray, setting up a strong position for the return leg in Istanbul. Sven Mijnans opened the scoring with a brilliant free-kick, which Roland Sallai matched with an impressive long-range goal. However, Troy Parrott restored AZ's lead with a penalty before halftime.

Kaan Ayhan's dismissal for two yellow cards left Galatasaray struggling. AZ capitalised on this advantage as Jordy Clasie and David Wolfe added goals, putting them in control of the tie. This result leaves AZ poised to advance to the next round.
In another thrilling encounter, FC Twente edged past Bodo/Glimt 2-1 thanks to Ricky van Wolfswinkel's last-minute penalty. Sayfallah Ltaief had initially put Twente ahead with a superb solo effort, only for Patrick Berg to level the score with Bodo/Glimt's first shot on target.
FCSB came from behind to defeat PAOK 2-1 in Thessaloniki. Mbwana Samatta initially gave PAOK the lead, but Taison's red card just before halftime shifted momentum. FCSB substitutes Andrei Gheorghita and Joyskim Dawa scored in the second half to secure victory.
The matches showcased intense competition and dramatic moments across Europe. Teams will now prepare for their respective second legs, aiming to secure their places in the next round of the tournament.