As they aim for a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals for the second consecutive season, Lyon will host Celta Vigo at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday evening for the second leg of their last-16 encounter.
The French side secured a late equalizer in the first leg, leaving the tie finely balanced, while the Sky Blues must now regroup after squandering their lead on home turf.
Match preview
The initial leg concluded dramatically, with Lyon snatching a late equaliser to earn a crucial draw on Spanish soil, setting up a tense return leg.
Paulo Fonseca’s squad dictated much of the first leg, dominating possession and generating superior chances, yet they were left frustrated by their inability to convert in the final third.
Despite Lyon’s territorial superiority, it was Celta Vigo who unexpectedly broke the deadlock against the run of play, with Javi Rueda finding the net midway through the first half.
However, the game shifted significantly in the second half when Iglesias received a red card for an elbow on Clinton Mata, reducing Celta to 10 men and giving Lyon the momentum.
Even with the numerical advantage, Lyon had to wait until the final moments to capitalize, as Endrick struck from distance, an effort Ionut Radu failed to manage.
That dramatic late goal could prove pivotal, not only for the tie but also for Endrick’s confidence, as the Brazilian ended a four-game scoring drought in spectacular fashion.
Lyon’s recent European record also provides encouragement, having reached the quarter-finals in two of their last appearances in this competition.
While Lyon enjoyed an impressive 13-match winning streak from December to February, their recent form has taken a significant dip, with no victories in their last six matches across all competitions.
Three draws and three defeats during that period, including a Coupe de France exit on penalties to Lens, highlight the immense pressure on Fonseca’s team to perform in Europe.
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© Imago / Pressinphoto
Celta Vigo, conversely, will be ruing a lost opportunity after failing to maintain their lead in the first leg.
To their credit, Celta remained compact and disciplined, thwarting Lyon for extended periods, with Radu making several crucial saves to keep them ahead.
Claudio Giraldez’s squad is competing in Europe for the first time since the 2016-17 season, when they narrowly lost to Manchester United on aggregate in the semi-finals.
Despite their relative inexperience at this stage in recent years, Celta have displayed promising form, with two wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last five matches across all competitions.
Lyon Europa League form:
Lyon form (all competitions):
Celta Vigo Europa League form:
Celta Vigo form (all competitions):
Team News
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© Imago / Icon Sport
Lyon are grappling with numerous injury concerns, which could be contributing to their current slump.
Pavel Sulc, a key player with 14 goals this season, remains sidelined due to a hamstring injury.
Afonso Moreira is also unavailable with a similar issue, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles is struggling with an adductor problem.
Malick Fofana is recovering from an ankle injury, Ruben Kluivert is dealing with a muscle problem, and Ernest Nuamah is out with a cruciate ligament injury.
Noham Kamara and Remi Himbert are additionally on the casualty list, further depleting Fonseca’s squad depth.
Celta Vigo will be without Borja Iglesias, who is suspended after receiving a red card in the first leg.
Oscar Mingueza is also unavailable for selection due to an accumulation of yellow cards, resulting in a suspension.
Ferran Jutgla and Manu Fernandez are questionable due to head and muscle injuries, respectively, while Miguel Roman is confirmed out.
With Iglesias absent, Pablo Duran Fernandez might be given a starting role in attack, supported by the experienced forward Iago Aspas.
Lyon possible starting lineup:
Greif; Mata, Niakhate, Kango, Tagliafico; Morton, Tolisso, Tessmann; Vinicius, Endrick, Yaremchuk
Celta Vigo possible starting lineup:
Radu; Alonso, Starfelt, Rodriguez, Carreira; Moriba, Vecino, Rueda; Swedberg, Duran, Aspas
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We say: Lyon 2-1 Celta Vigo (Lyon win 3-2 on aggregate)
Despite Celta Vigo’s attacking capabilities, Lyon’s home advantage and the momentum from their late equalizer give them an edge. The hosts are anticipated to narrowly win a closely contested match and advance on aggregate.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.