Crvena Zvezda Vs Losc: crvena zvezda vs losc preview and team news
Red Star Belgrade's 1-0 away victory in the opening leg has put the Serbian side in control ahead of the return at Rajko Mitic Stadium, with a place in the Europa League last 16 at stake. The crvena zvezda vs losc second leg is decisive because the visiting team must overturn that slender deficit to keep progression hopes alive.
Crvena Zvezda Vs Losc tie outlook
Red Star take a 1-0 advantage from the first meeting, a scoreline that leaves them on the brink of reaching the last 16 for the first time since 2022. That opening-leg goal arrived in first-half stoppage time and proved decisive. The home side enter the return on a strong run: they have not conceded in their last three matches across all competitions and have scored a combined 19 goals in six matches this month. At home in the current Europa League campaign they remain unbeaten in four matches excluding friendlies, and the club has avoided defeat at home in knockout-phase ties beyond the group stage this decade.
Historical notes that are part of the context for the fixture: Red Star have not recorded a home victory over French opposition in European competition this century, their only such win having occurred in 1998 when the tournament had a different name. That statistic frames the significance of the upcoming home tie.
crvena zvezda vs losc team news
Squad availability could influence the outcome. Red Star will be without Vladimir Lucic after he received another caution in the win in France. From the visiting side, a calf strain may keep Alexsandro sidelined; Thomas Meunier is carrying a sore hamstring; Osame Sahraoui is doubtful with a groin issue; and Hamza Igamane will not feature due to a cruciate ligament tear. Those absences and doubts were listed ahead of the decisive fixture.
On form, Lille arrive needing a win after a difficult opening-leg display at home. They come into the match having recently beaten Angers 1-0 in league action, which was their first away win of 2026. A victory in Belgrade would end a three-game losing run as visitors in this European competition and would mark their first Europa League triumph on the road since a win at Roma. Historical patterns noted for the visitors include a stretch in which they have lost their last two knockout fixtures away from home in Europe since a 3-0 away win at Sturm Graz in 2024, and a broader trend that after failing to win the first match of a knockout tie beyond the group phase of a European tournament this century, they have not advanced.
Key scenarios and what to watch
The immediate observable indicator is the 1-0 scoreline from the opening leg: Red Star's slender advantage means the tie is still open, but the margin keeps the home side firmly in control. Defensive form is a crucial factor — Red Star's recent clean sheets and scoring run give them momentum going into the return. The visitors' path is clear: they must win away to maintain hopes of progression.
Possible conditional scenarios are straightforward and grounded in present indicators. If Red Star maintain their run of shutouts, they will be well placed to progress; if Lille are able to find an early goal, the tie will swing back into contention for the visitors. With the decisive fixture set for Rajko Mitic Stadium, both teams' available personnel and recent form will determine whether the first-leg result proves decisive or the tie remains alive for a second act.
Key takeaway: A 1-0 opening-leg win leaves Red Star with the advantage, but Lille's available players and immediate attacking response will be decisive in the second leg.
