VIGO, Spain – Olympique Lyonnais secured a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday night, thanks to a late goal from Brazilian forward Endrick. However, the match wasn’t without controversy, as Celta Vigo’s coach voiced strong objections to the officiating following the final whistle. The draw leaves the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg in France.
Javi Rueda had given Celta Vigo the lead in the 25th minute, capitalizing on a counter-attack after a period of sustained pressure from Lyon. But the complexion of the match shifted dramatically in the 54th minute when Celta striker Borja Iglesias was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. Lyon, despite dominating possession for much of the contest, struggled to break down the resilient Spanish defense until Endrick’s 87th-minute strike.
Frustration Boils Over for Celta Vigo Coach
Following the match, Celta Vigo’s coach expressed his frustration with the referee’s decisions, particularly the sending-off of Borja Iglesias. According to reports, the coach initially acknowledged the effort put in by his team, stating, “Too bad to concede in the 90th, the team made a huge effort against a superb team. OL demonstrated its talent, we are still alive, playing half an hour down a man. I perceive we can do something positive on the return.” However, his tone quickly shifted when addressing the refereeing.
The coach questioned the justification for Iglesias’s dismissal, stating, “I wanted to know why he sent him off, but the explanation wasn’t convincing. He says it wasn’t a second yellow, and then when Paulo [presumably a substitute] was ready to reach on for Borja, he changed his mind. It’s bizarre.” This suggests a perceived inconsistency in the referee’s application of the rules, leaving the coach feeling aggrieved by the decision.
Lyon Dominates Possession, But Faces Tenacious Defense
The match at Balaídos stadium saw Olympique Lyonnais control a significant portion of the possession, particularly in the first half. Players like Corentin Tolisso were instrumental in orchestrating play in midfield, consistently driving the attack towards Celta Vigo’s goal, guarded by Ionut Radu. Despite their dominance, Lyon struggled to convert their opportunities into goals until Endrick’s late intervention.
Even after Iglesias’s red card, Celta Vigo demonstrated a resolute defensive performance, dropping deep and attempting to frustrate Lyon’s attacking efforts. Coach Claudio Giráldez reinforced the left side of the defense with Mihailo Ristic, specifically to contain the threat posed by Endrick, who had already develop into a constant menace. However, the Brazilian ultimately found a way through, securing a crucial away goal for Lyon.
Endrick’s Late Strike Rescues a Point for Lyon
As the clock ticked down, Lyon continued to press for a goal, with several players coming close. Young defender Steeve Kango even struck the post with a powerful effort from distance. Finally, in the 87th minute, Endrick delivered, firing a shot past Radu to level the score and silence the home crowd. The goal was a testament to Lyon’s persistence and determination, and it sets up an intriguing second leg.
The late equalizer will undoubtedly boost Lyon’s confidence heading into the return fixture. However, they will need to be wary of Celta Vigo’s resilience and ability to defend with a man down. The Spanish side will be looking to replicate their defensive solidity at the Groupama Stadium and potentially snatch a victory on away goals.
What’s Next for Lyon and Celta Vigo?
The second leg of this Europa League round of 16 tie will be played at the Groupama Stadium in Lyon on March 19, 2026. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 PM CET (3:00 PM ET). Lyon will be hoping to capitalize on their home advantage and secure a place in the quarter-finals, although Celta Vigo will be aiming to pull off an upset and progress to the next round. Fans can follow the match live on beIN SPORTS and other major sports broadcasters.
