Lille Eliminates Crvena Zvezda from Europa League, Calvin Verdonk Key Contribution in Extra Time. (82 characters)

Lille OSC secured their place in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16. The club, strengthened by Indonesian National Team defender Calvin Verdonk, eliminated Crvena Zvezda with a 2-1 aggregate win. The drama extending into extra time at the Rajko Mitic Stadium early Friday WIB became the stage for a perfect comeback by the French representatives.

Bearing the burden of a 0-1 first-leg defeat, Lille played aggressively from the start. Olivier Giroud's quick goal in the fourth minute changed the match's atmosphere. 

However, the certainty of qualification only came in the 99th minute when Nathan Ngoy scored in extra time. The 2-0 second-leg victory overturned the aggregate to 2-1.

Amidst the tension, Calvin Verdonk played his part. The 28-year-old left-back came on in the 106th minute, replacing Romain Perraud. 

Although his appearance was brief, his contribution was crucial in preserving the lead.

Sofascore recorded Verdonk making two clearances, two recoveries, 11 touches, and nine passes with 56% accuracy during his time on the pitch. 

This match marked Verdonk's 22nd appearance for Lille this season, a consistent record further solidifying his role in the squad rotation.

English representatives Nottingham Forest also secured their ticket to the Round of 16 despite losing 1-2 to Fenerbahce at the City Ground. 

Relying on their 3-0 first-leg win, Forest maintained a 4-2 aggregate advantage. Two goals from Kerem Akturkoglu (22', P 47') briefly put the hosts under pressure before Callum Hudson-Odoi (68') reduced the deficit and secured qualification.

A similar path was followed by VfB Stuttgart. Playing at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Stuttgart lost 0-1 to Celtic FC due to Luke McCowan's early goal (1'). 

However, their 4-1 victory at Celtic Park in the first leg ensured they progressed with a 4-2 aggregate.

The most tense drama unfolded at the Doosan Arena, where Panathinaikos became the only team to advance via a penalty shootout.

Andreas Tetteh's goal was answered by Karel Spacil, resulting in a 1-1 score after normal and extra time, and a 3-3 aggregate.

In the penalty shootout, Cheick Souare's failure ensured Rafael Benitez's team won 4-3.

Besides Lille, Forest, Stuttgart, and Panathinaikos, the four other teams advancing from the playoffs were KRC Genk, Bologna FC 1909, Celta Vigo, and Ferencvaros.

They will join the eight teams that qualified automatically: Midtjylland, Real Betis, FC Porto, SC Braga, SC Freiburg, and AS Roma, in addition to Lyon and Aston Villa.

The draw for the 2025/2026 Europa League Round of 16 will be held Friday evening, pitting the eight playoff winners against the eight seeded teams.