Crvena Zvezda vs Lille prediction 26.02.2026 | Europa League

Crvena Zvezda have been super dominant in Serbia, winning the past nine Serbian league titles. This season, the Red and Whites weren't as dominant as we are used to them, but with the win over Partizan in the previous round, they created a comfortable four-point lead in the league table. However, in Europe, this is their best showing in a long time, especially on the road, where they had massive problems in recent years. After a 1:0 win on the road against Lille, the bookies see them as a clear favorite to advance, with the odds of only 1.3 on that bet.

Winger Vladimir Lucic received his third yellow card and will serve his one-game suspension. Despite starting in the previous game against Lille, Lucic isn't in the greatest form, and his absence might not be such a bad thing for Crvena Zvezda. Also, besides suspended Lucic, Mirko Ivanic will remain sidelined with an injury, and Nemanja Radonjic is still out with a club suspension. 

Lille have been fourth and fifth (twice) in the past three seasons in Ligue 1. This season, the popular Mastiffs are again around their usual placement, but their results from January have been simply terrible, winning only two games in 11 games across competitions. However, they are still sitting in 5th place in Ligue 1, only three points away from 4th place and the Champions League Qualifiers. Still, their overall form is undoubtedly a major reason for concern. 

For the Crvena Zvezda game, coach Bruno Genesio will have no new absences, but seven players who missed the previous leg due to injury should remain sidelined: Alexsandro, Caillard, Igamane, Ethan Mbappe, Meunier, Sahraoui, and Toure.