The UEFA Europa League round of 16 second leg between Olympique Lyonnais and Celta de Vigo promises to be a thrilling encounter. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Vigo, everything is still to play for as both sides aim to secure a quarter-final spot. The winner of this tie will face either Genk or Freiburg in the next round. With Lyon playing at home, their supporters will expect a strong performance to continue their impressive European record.

Olympique Lyonnais: Home Strength and European Pedigree

Olympique Lyonnais enter this decisive match with a solid record in European competitions. They have reached at least the quarter-finals in each of their last three continental campaigns, and their current Europa League season has been impressive with 7 wins, 1 draw, and 1 defeat. The French side averages 2.1 goals scored and only 0.7 conceded per match in this tournament, underlining their attacking power and defensive discipline.

Despite this, Lyon’s recent form across all competitions has been less convincing. They have gone six matches without a win, drawing four and losing one of their last five. Their most recent outing was a 0-0 draw against Le Havre on March 15, a result that extended their run of stalemates. However, their home record remains a major strength — they have scored at least one goal in each of their last 20 home matches and have not trailed at half time in 18 of their last 20 at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.

In terms of personnel, Lyon face several absences through injury, including Ernest Nuamah, Ruben Kluivert, Afonso Moreira, Pavel Sulc, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles. The absence of Sulc, their top scorer with 13 goals and 7 assists, is particularly significant. Nevertheless, the team can rely on Corentin Tolisso and Endrick to provide attacking impetus. Endrick, on loan from Real Madrid, scored the crucial equalizer in the first leg and has already netted six goals in the competition.

• Europa League record: W 7 · D 1 · L 1


• Average goals scored: 2.1


• Average goals conceded: 0.7


• At least one goal scored in last 20 home matches


• Unbeaten at half time in 18 of last 20 home matches


• Under 8.5 corners in last 8 Europa League matches

Celta de Vigo: Seeking a Historic European Run

Celta de Vigo travel to France hoping to make history by reaching the Europa League quarter-finals for the first time since the 2016–17 season. They currently top their Europa League group ranking with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 3 defeats, averaging 1.7 goals scored and 1.2 conceded per game. The Spanish side’s recent form has been mixed, with 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat in their last five matches. Their latest result was a 1-1 draw against Real Betis on March 15.

In the first leg, Javier Rueda opened the scoring for Celta before Borja Iglesias was sent off, a dismissal that leaves him suspended for this return fixture. The absence of their top scorer is a major setback, as is the continued injury of Miguel Roman. However, Willot Swedberg remains a key attacking threat, having been involved in six Europa League goals this season, scoring four himself. Celta’s attacking play often improves in the second half, with over 0.5 goals scored after the break in 36 of their last 40 matches.

• Europa League record: W 6 · D 2 · L 3


• Average goals scored: 1.7


• Average goals conceded: 1.2


• Under 1.5 goals at half time in 23 of last 25 matches


• Over 0.5 goals in second half in 36 of last 40 matches


• Under 0.5 goals in 3 of last 12 away matches

Although Celta have shown resilience, their away form remains inconsistent. They will need to overcome both Lyon’s home advantage and their own disciplinary and injury issues to progress. The Sky Blues’ ability to stay compact in the first half and strike late could be crucial in this encounter.

Lyon vs Celta Vigo: Tactical Overview and Key Factors

With the tie finely balanced after the 1-1 draw in Vigo, both teams are expected to approach this match with caution early on before opening up as the game progresses. Lyon’s home record and attacking depth make them slight favorites, but Celta’s counter-attacking style and second-half scoring trend could pose problems for the hosts.

Both sides have shown defensive vulnerabilities in recent weeks, and their respective statistics suggest another match where both teams could find the net. Lyon have seen both teams score in four of their last five matches, while Celta have done so in four of their last four. The first leg followed this pattern, and with both teams’ attacking strengths and defensive lapses, a repeat scenario is likely.

Historically, this is only the second meeting between the two clubs, with the first ending 1-1. The balance of probabilities and form indicators point toward another tight contest, possibly extending into extra time if neither side can find a decisive breakthrough in regulation time.

BetMines Prediction: Lyon vs Celta Vigo

BetMines prediction: Both Teams To Score – Yes (51% probability).
Given the attacking potential on both sides and their recent defensive records, goals at both ends appear likely once again in this decisive Europa League clash.