Celta Vigo vs Lyon: Match Overview
Celta Vigo will face Lyon in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 matchup on March 12, 2026, at Abanca Balaídos. This encounter marks a significant moment for both teams, with Celta Vigo aiming to build on their recent success against French sides.
Historically, Celta Vigo has struggled against French teams in European competitions, having won none of their first four major matches against them (D2 L2). However, this season has seen a turnaround, as they have secured victories against Nice and Lille, both by a score of 2-1.
Lyon, on the other hand, is entering this match with a strong record, having won seven of their eight league phase matches in the Europa League, finishing with 21 points. This is their 34th meeting with Spanish clubs in major European competitions, but it will be their first encounter with Celta Vigo.
Celta Vigo has demonstrated resilience in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League, with only two losses in ten matches (W6 D2). Notably, both of those defeats occurred at home and in the first legs of their knockout ties.
In contrast, Lyon has been prolific in front of goal, scoring in each of their last 17 matches. Midfielder Adam Karabec has emerged as a key player for Lyon, contributing four goals and four assists in European play this season.
The only previous meeting between these two sides took place in 2023, where Celta Vigo emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. This adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming match, as Celta Vigo looks to maintain their edge over Lyon.
As the match approaches, observers are keen to see if Celta Vigo can continue their positive trend against French teams and if Lyon can leverage their strong scoring record to gain an advantage in the tie.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential injuries or lineup changes for either team ahead of the match.