Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two camps who will be looking to claim their own respective first-leg advantages on Thursday night, Celta Vigo will welcome Lyon to Spain.
Celta Vigo
Starting with the hosts, while Celta Vigo might have suffered major last-gasp heartbreak at home against Spanish icons Real Madrid last time out as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss in Galicia, the Sky Blues should take plenty of positives away from what has been an eye-catching turn in fortunes over the past few weeks. Extending on their Europa League adventure on February 26th as they secured a 3-1 aggregate victory against PAOK, Claudio Giraldez’s side have won each of their other four appearances across all competitions. Likewise, despite suffering major heartbreak at the hands of Los Blancos last time out, Celta should be excited by their overall success on home soil. Getting the New Year underway with a dominant 4-1 romp against Valencia, Giraldez’s camp have won six of their last eight showdowns in front of their own supporters.
Celta Vigo Team News
Dealing with a recent knee issue and missing each of Celta Vigo’s previous three appearances, academy graduate Pablo Duran remains a doubt on Thursday night. However, bagging a first-leg strike away at PAOK on February 19th, veteran striker Iago Aspas should be handed a full recall.
Now in his second campaign at Balaidos, one-time Chelsea star Marcos Alonso will once again be deployed at the heart of Giraldez’s defence. Enjoying what has become a breakout campaign, Miguel Roman will start in the middle of the park.
Lyon
As for the visitors, enjoying what was a sensational 13-match winning run across all competitions on either side of opening 2026, Lyon had rightfully received a string of plaudits from across the continent. However, missing out on what they had billed as a potential opportunity over the weekend as they had to settle for a 1-1 stalemate at home against Paris FC, Paulo Fonseca’s side are searching for some recent stability. Getting March underway with a rollercoaster 3-2 defeat at the hands of bitter domestic rivals Marseille, Lyon have failed to win any of their previous four appearances across all competitions – their longest winless run since back in November. Nevertheless, embarking on a stunning group stage romp this season, it should be highlighted that the former Roma boss saw his title dreamers win seven of their eight European showdown.
Lyon Team News
Both dealing with respective long-term injury issues, Lyon will travel to Spain on Thursday night without the duo of Malick Fofana and Ernest Nuamah. However, despite missing out over the weekend with a reported abductor injury, ex-Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles could make an immediate full return.
Enjoying what has been a sensational run of form and now finding the net in four of his previous five appearances, former Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso will play a leading role in the middle of the park. Likewise, arriving from Liverpool on a permeant deal last summer, Tyler Morton will also feature.
Celta Vigo vs Lyon Key Factors to Consider
- Thursday’s showdown in Spain will be the first competitive meetings between Celta Vigo and Lyon.
- Lyon remarkably won seven of their eight Europa League group stage showdowns during this year’s tournament.
- Celta Vigo have won six of their previous eight appearances at Balaidos.
- Former Bayern Munich star Corentin Tolisso has found the net in four of his previous five domestic appearances.
- Lyon’s first seven away fixtures of 2026 have produced 24 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Two camps who will know the importance of claiming their own respective first-leg advantages on Thursday night, we could be treated to an enjoyable Europa League showdown here. Watching Lyon remarkably win seven of their eight group stage appearances, Les Gones have also gained a recent reputation for their lively outcomes. With the French outfit seeing their first seven away fixtures of 2026 produce 24 goals at both ends of the pitch, they will also meet a Celta Vigo squad who have impressed with their domestic success at Balaidos.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 8/11
Bookmaker: Luckster
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