Lyon vs Celta Vigo Prediction 19.03.2026 | UEFA Europa League

Olympique Lyon head into this crucial second-leg European encounter as slight favorites after demonstrating immense character to salvage a 1-1 draw in Vigo last week, courtesy of a late 87th-minute strike from super-sub Endrick.

Paulo Fonseca’s side have turned Groupama Stadium into a fortress on the continental stage this term, claiming a maximum 12 points from four home fixtures during the league phase while averaging 2.5 goals per game in front of their fans.

However, Les Gones will approach Thursday’s showdown with caution, having failed to register a win in four March outings, their last victory coming over OGC Nice a month ago with a routine 2-0 scoreline, a winless streak that includes three draws and three defeats.

Lyon also face notable absences for this fixture against Celta Vigo, with Ruben Kluivert, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Pavel Šulc, and wingers Alfonso Moreira and Ernest Nuamah all sidelined, though Brazilian sensation Endrick is pushing for a start.

In contrast, Celta head to France aware that they let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers in last week’s first leg, having controlled large periods before Borja Iglesias’ second-half red card swung the momentum in Lyon’s favor.

The Galician outfit have now gone three consecutive matches without a win, drawing 1-1 with fellow European contenders Real Betis and remaining in the final spot for continental qualification next season. Despite this, their focus must now shift to Thursday’s crucial fixture.

Manager Claudio Giraldez will be confident his side can remain resilient over 90 minutes on French soil, having established Celta as a tough unit away from Vigo, currently on a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions (W2 D4).

It is evident that the suspension of Borja Iglesias represents a significant blow for the Galician side, leaving a notable gap in an attack that has struggled to be consistently threatening on the road this season.