Lyon and Porto Set to Capitalize on Home Advantage in Europa League Clash
Europa League second-leg action returns on Thursday with several ties finely poised. Lyon, Porto and Real Betis all host decisive games. Each match carries consequences for domestic and European hopes.
Lyon vs Celta Vigo
Lyon travel to Decines-Charpieu to complete their tie with Celta Vigo. The first leg finished level at 1-1 after action at Balaidos.
Celta striker Borja Iglesias was dismissed in that game. He received a second yellow and will be suspended for the return. Paulo Fonseca’s side have not won in their last five matches. That run follows a previous streak of 13 consecutive victories. Fonseca will also have one eye on Sunday’s league meeting with Monaco.
Match details
- Kick-off: Thursday, 5.45pm
- Broadcast: TNT Sports 4 & 5
Real Betis vs Panathinaikos
Real Betis host Panathinaikos after a narrow first-leg defeat. The Greek side won 1-0 despite being reduced to ten men for the final half-hour.
Vicente Taborda converted a late penalty to decide the tie. Rafael Benítez outmaneuvered Manuel Pellegrini in the opening encounter. Betis have failed to win in their last five matches. They are playing home fixtures at the temporary La Cartuja ground.
Match details
- Kick-off: Thursday, 8pm
- Broadcast: TNT Sports 4
Porto vs VfB Stuttgart
Porto hold a 2-1 advantage after the first leg at the MHP Arena. They scored twice in the opening 30 minutes to earn that lead.
Francesco Farioli’s side were strong at the Dragao in the group stage. Porto won all four home matches in the league phase against Red Star Belgrade, Nice, Malmö and Rangers. However, they recorded just one clean sheet in those four games. Stuttgart have found the net in each of their last six away matches. Sebastian Hoeness’ team will need to overturn Porto’s lead on Thursday.
Match details
- Kick-off: Thursday, 8pm
- Broadcast: TNT Sports 3 & 6
Betting pointers and selections
- Lyon to beat Celta Vigo — selection quoted at 21-20 (2pts).
- Panathinaikos or draw (double chance) vs Real Betis — selection quoted at 2-1 (1pt).
- Porto to win and both teams to score vs Stuttgart — selection quoted at 7-2 (1pt) with Bet365, Hills and Paddy Power.
These fixtures offer high stakes and home advantage matters. Lyon and Porto can both seek to capitalize on home advantage in this Europa League round. For match coverage and streaming, consult local listings and your TNT Sports provider.
Filmogaz.com will provide further previews and expert analysis as the ties conclude.
