UEFA Europa League
5:45 p.mMarch 19, 2026
Round of 16
Lyon0 – 2
VAT:(0-0)
Added:(1-3)
Celta Vigo*Groupama Stadium
Referee: Irfan Peljto, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Lyon
Celta Vigo
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.24
Expected Goals (xG)
1.54
Passing by
238 (82%)
Accurate passes
499 (90%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Dominik Greif
7.6
16
d
Abner Vinicius
6.2
d
Nicholas Tagliafic
81′ 
90+6′ Unsportsmanlike conductd
Moussa Niakhate
19′ rough
22
d
Clinton’s eyes
6.3
60
d
Steve Kango
7.2
99
m
Noah Nartey
6.5
23
m
Tyler Morton
6.9
8
m
Corentin Tolisso (C)
6.5
77
F
Roman Yaremchuk
7.0
9
F
Endrick
6.9
UEFA Europa League Ranking – UEFA Europa League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: 1/16 final)
Celta Vigo secured an emphatic 2-0 away win against a beleaguered nine-man Lyon side in a dramatic UEFA Europa League clash.
The Spanish team took advantage of Lyon’s significant disciplinary problems at the Groupama Stadium. Goals from Javier Rueda and Ferran Jutglà sealed a crucial win for the visitors on March 19, 2026.
This critical European tie saw both teams eager to establish dominance. Lyon came into the game on the back of strong recent form in the competition, while Celta Vigo looked to upset their French rivals.
The match began with a fierce midfield battle as both sides looked for an early lead. However, the dynamic of the game changed dramatically in the 19th minute. Lyon defender M. Niakhate was shown a straight red card for a hard challenge, leaving the home side with ten men.
Celta de Vigo immediately tried to exploit their numerical superiority, pushing forward with more intent. Despite several attempts on goal, Lyon’s strong defense held firm under pressure. The visitors racked up yellow cards as the half wound down, with W. Swedberg and C. Starfelt booked.
Lyon faced an immense challenge at the half-time whistle, needing a heroic performance in the second half. Celta Vigo, meanwhile, looked set to turn their growing dominance into tangible goals.
The tie was finally broken by the visitors in the 61st minute. Javier Rueda fired a clinical shot past the Lyon goalkeeper, assisted by Hugo Álvarez, and gave Celta Vigo a deserved lead. The Lyon manager made tactical substitutions, including Roman Yaremchuk, in an attempt to regain some control.
Celta de Vigo continued the offensive pressure, registering numerous shots on goal throughout the second half. Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif put in a commendable performance, making six vital saves to keep his side in the contest, earning him a high rating.
As the match drew to a close, Celta de Vigo struck the decisive blow in stoppage time. Substitute Ferran Jutglà regularly scored in the 90th + 2nd minute, assisted by Javi Rodríguez, who effectively sealed the win. More misery piled up for Lyon when Nicolás Tagliafico received two swift yellow cards, leading to a second red for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 90+6th minute.
The statistics highlighted Celta Vigo’s complete control as they enjoyed 65% of the ball and had 14 shots in total, eight of which were on target. Lyon managed just four shots in total, with just one effort on target. Celta Vigo’s expected goals (xG) of 1.54 significantly beat Lyon’s paltry 0.24.
This comprehensive 2-0 defeat, compounded by finishing with nine men, leaves Lyon with a significant hurdle to overcome in the return leg. Celta Vigo now have a significant lead in this UEFA Europa League tie, setting up an intriguing second leg.
