Prediction: Lille vs Red Star Belgrade

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: BetUS

Lille return to Europa League knockout football on Thursday night as they host Red Star Belgrade at the Stade Pierre‑Mauroy for the opening leg of their playoff tie.

Both sides finished within three places of one another in the league phase—Lille in 18th, Red Star in 15th—setting up an intriguing matchup between two teams arriving in contrasting domestic form.

Lille

Lille have endured a difficult run domestically, but their European campaign ended the league phase on a positive note. Bruno Genesio’s men defeated Freiburg 1‑0 on the final matchday—Lille’s only victory so far in 2026—while in Ligue 1 they have now dropped points in six straight outings.

Despite domestic frustrations, their Europa League home form offers reasons for optimism. Lille won three of their four league‑phase matches at the Stade Pierre‑Mauroy, keeping two clean sheets in the process. Their return to the knockout phase marks their first appearance since 2021, when they were eliminated in the playoff round by Ajax (4‑2 on aggregate).

Lille’s recent knockout history is mixed: they have lost their last three Europa League knockout ties, yet they remain unbeaten in three of their last four knockout home games—including a memorable victory over Liverpool in 2010. This fixture also represents only their second home match against Serbian opposition, having defeated Sloboda Užice 2‑0 back in 2010.

Team News

Noah Edjouma and Thomas Meunier are expected to miss out with hamstring injuries, while Osame Sahraoui is sidelined with a groin issue. Marc‑Aurèle Caillard is nursing an elbow problem, Ethan Mbappé Lottin is doubtful with a leg concern, and both Hamza Igamane and Ousmane Touré remain out with cruciate ligament tears.

Olivier Giroud converted a 92nd‑minute penalty on matchday eight, while goalkeeper Berke Özer kept a clean sheet without facing a single shot.

Red Star Belgrade

After a slow opening to the league phase—just one point from their first two games—Red Star Belgrade surged into form at the end of 2025 and carried that momentum into the new year. Under Dejan Stanković, the Serbian champions enter the knockout stage unbeaten in six consecutive matches across all competitions.

Their only defeat of 2026 came in a friendly against Red Bull Salzburg (2‑0). Otherwise, February has been emphatic: four competitive wins by a combined scoreline of 15‑2 demonstrate a team hitting peak form at the perfect time.

In Europe, Red Star have also been impressive away from home, winning their last two Europa League road games by identical 1‑0 scorelines. However, they now seek their first‑ever away victory in France in normal time. Their only prior meeting with Lille ended in a 1‑0 win in Serbia during the league phase—another psychological boost heading into Thursday’s trip.

Team News

Between matchdays seven and eight, Stanković made three changes to his starting XI: Vasilije Kostov, Nikola Stanković and Aleksandar Katai came in for Mirko Ivanić, Tomás Händel and Milson—the latter having since joined Al Jazira on loan.

Bruno Duarte made a decisive contribution last time out, scoring shortly before the 90th minute after coming on for Marko Arnautović to secure a valuable draw.

Head‑to‑Head

This will be just the second meeting between the clubs, with Red Star earning a 1‑0 win in the league phase. Lille have hosted Serbian opposition only once before—winning 2‑0 over Sloboda Užice in 2010.

The Toumba Stadium is known for its atmosphere, while Lille’s Stade Pierre‑Mauroy has been reliable in Europe this season, making this an intriguing contrast of styles and momentum.

Conclusion

Lille may appear stronger on paper, but momentum favours Red Star Belgrade, who arrive full of confidence after a dominant February and a solid run in Europe.

Genesio’s side, by contrast, look fragile and short of belief. With form and psychology pointing toward the visitors, Red Star seem capable of earning a positive result in the first leg in France.

Verdict: Draw

Best odds: 3/1

Bookmaker: BetUS