Lyon vs Celta Vigo: Europa League Last-16 Second Leg Preview & Prediction

Lyon and Celta Vigo face off at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday night with the Europa League quarter-finals in sight. The tie is delicately balanced after a 1-1 draw in Spain, where Javi Rueda gave Celta Vigo the lead before a late strike from Lyon’s Endrick secured a crucial equaliser.

Paulo Fonseca’s Lyon side will be aiming to replicate their strong European form from recent seasons, having reached the quarter-finals in two of their last appearances in the competition. However, their recent domestic form has been a cause for concern, with the French club currently experiencing a six-match winless streak across all competitions, including elimination from the Coupe de France on penalties against Lens.

Celta Vigo, competing in Europe for the first time since the 2016-17 season, will be looking to build on a solid performance in the first leg. Despite failing to hold onto their lead at home, Claudio Giraldez’s team demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, frustrating Lyon for extended periods. They have recorded two wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last five matches.

Lyon are grappling with a significant injury list ahead of the return leg. Key forward Pavel Sulc remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, alongside Afonso Moreira who has a similar issue. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is battling an adductor problem, while Malick Fofana is recovering from an ankle injury. Ruben Kluivert is dealing with a muscle issue, and Ernest Nuamah is ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury. Noham Kamara and Remi Himbert add to Fonseca’s selection concerns.

Celta Vigo will be without Borja Iglesias, who is suspended following his red card in the first leg. Oscar Mingueza is likewise unavailable due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards. Ferran Jutgla and Manu Fernandez are doubtful due to head and muscle injuries respectively, with Miguel Roman also ruled out. Pablo Duran Fernandez is expected to lead the attack in Iglesias’ absence, supported by Iago Aspas.

Lyon are expected to field a starting lineup featuring Greif in goal, with Mata, Niakhate, and Kango in defence, and Tagliafico at left-back. Morton, Tolisso, and Tessmann will likely form the midfield, while Vinicius, Endrick, and Yaremchuk will lead the attack. Celta Vigo are anticipated to start Radu in goal, with Alonso, Starfelt, and Rodriguez in defence, and Carreira at left-back. Moriba, Vecino, and Rueda will likely occupy the midfield, with Swedberg, Duran, and Aspas forming the forward line.