Lyon vs Celta Vigo: Prediction, Team News & Lineups Preview

Lyon host Celta Vigo at the Groupama Stadium on Thursday night in the Europa League last-16 second leg. The tie is finely poised after a dramatic first-leg draw in Spain.

First-leg recap and recent form

Celta opened the scoring in the first meeting. Javi Rueda struck midway through the first half. The visitors then dropped to ten men when Borja Iglesias was sent off for an elbow on Clinton Mata.

Lyon levelled late when Endrick scored from distance. Ionut Radu could not hold the long-range effort. The goal ended Endrick’s four-game drought and shifted momentum ahead of the return.

Paulo Fonseca’s side controlled much of the ball in the first leg. They created more chances but lacked ruthlessness in the final third. Claudio Giráldez’s Celta stayed compact and relied on goalkeeper saves to stay in front.

Lyon have European pedigree. They reached the quarter-finals in two of their last appearances. The club also enjoyed a 13-match winning streak from December to February.

Recent form has dipped for Lyon. They have not won in six matches across all competitions. That sequence includes three draws, three defeats, and a Coupe de France exit on penalties to Lens.

Celta return to Europe for the first time since 2016-17. That season ended with a narrow aggregate defeat to Manchester United in the semi-finals. Their current run shows two wins, two draws, and one loss in five games.

Team news

Lyon face a raft of absences ahead of the second leg. Pavel Sulc is sidelined with a hamstring problem. He has scored 14 goals this season.

Afonso Moreira is also out with a hamstring issue. Ainsley Maitland-Niles has an adductor complaint. Malick Fofana recovers from an ankle injury. Ruben Kluivert is managing a muscle problem. Ernest Nuamah is ruled out with a cruciate ligament injury. Noham Kamara and Remi Himbert remain unavailable.

Celta will miss Borja Iglesias after his red card. Oscar Mingueza is suspended following accumulated yellow cards. Ferran Jutgla is doubtful with a head issue, while Manu Fernandez faces a muscle concern. Miguel Roman is ruled out.

With Iglesias absent, Pablo Duran Fernandez could start in attack. He would likely operate alongside veteran Iago Aspas.

Probable lineups

• Lyon (possible): Greif; Clinton Mata, Niakhate, Kango, Tagliafico; Morton, Tolisso, Tessmann; Vinicius, Endrick, Yaremchuk.
• Celta Vigo (possible): Ionut Radu; Alonso, Starfelt, Rodriguez, Carreira; Moriba, Vecino, Rueda; Swedberg, Duran, Aspas.

Prediction and outlook

The tie looks tight and tactical. Lyon benefit from home advantage and the late equaliser in Spain. Celta will miss key players and must manage without Iglesias upfront.

For readers seeking a Lyon vs Celta Vigo: Prediction, Team News & Lineups Preview, the hosts hold the edge. Filmogaz.com predicts a narrow home win. Final score forecast: Lyon 2-1 Celta Vigo, 3-2 on aggregate.