sports

Nottingham, Stuttgart lead Europa League playoffs

Nottingham Forest and Stuttgart both carry three-goal advantages into their Europa League return matches as they look to secure spots in the round of 16.

Nottingham Forest, led by new manager Vítor Pereira, will be favored to advance at the City Ground after their 3-0 first-leg victory at Fenerbahçe. The English club, struggling in 17th place in the Premier League, has not conceded a goal in its last three home European matches.

Stuttgart also has a commanding lead after beating Celtic 4-1 in front of a packed Celtic Park. Meanwhile, Genk leads Dinamo Zagreb 3-1, Bologna is 1-0 up against Brann, Celta holds a 2-1 advantage over PAOK, and Lille trails Red Star 1-0.