Lyon will look to overcome a recent slump and advance to the quarter-finals of the Europa League when they host Celta Vigo on Thursday at the Groupama Stadium. A 1-1 draw in the first leg in Spain leaves the tie delicately poised, and a significant boost for Les Gones comes in the form of returning attackers Pavel Sulc, Afonso Moreira, and Malick Fofana. The return of these key players offers coach Paulo Fonseca more options as Lyon seeks a vital victory.
The French side has struggled for goals in recent weeks, compounded by a six-match winless streak across all competitions. The timing of the return of Sulc, Moreira, and Fofana couldn’t be better, as Fonseca’s team aims to break down a Celta Vigo side that will undoubtedly present a stern challenge. Lyon’s attacking options were severely limited in the lead-up to this crucial match, relying heavily on young Brazilian forward Endrick, who was subsequently called up to the Brazilian national team for friendlies against France and Croatia.
“We’ve recovered Malick (Fofana), Afonso (Moreira), and Pavel (Sulc), they will be in the squad tomorrow (Thursday),” Fonseca confirmed in a press conference on Wednesday, as reported by L’Équipe. “They can’t play 90 minutes, but they are ready to help the team. It’s remarkably positive for us. Having all three of them is really important. They can come into the match.”
Sulc, the team’s leading scorer, and Moreira, a dynamic winger, have both been sidelined with muscle injuries. Fofana has been out even longer, recovering from a serious ankle injury sustained in October. The Belgian’s absence has been keenly felt, particularly given his strong start to the season before the injury. Moreira stepped up in Fofana’s absence, quickly becoming a fan favorite at the Groupama Stadium.
Fonseca acknowledged he may have rushed Moreira back from injury prematurely in the past, eager to have the Portuguese player’s contributions – nine assists across all competitions – available to the team. He emphasized the individual flair and attacking impetus that both Fofana and Moreira bring to the side, qualities that have been sorely missed. Sulc, meanwhile, provides a crucial finishing touch, something Lyon has lacked in recent outings.
Defender Moussa Niakhaté echoed Fonseca’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of having these attacking options available. “Their return is a major asset for Thursday’s match, but also for the future,” Niakhaté said. “They’ve already given us a lot this season.”
While the return of these three players is a significant boost, Fonseca cautioned against expecting them to play a full 90 minutes. He stressed the need for a balanced approach against Celta Vigo, warning that the Spanish side is dangerous on the counter-attack. “We need to be patient,” Fonseca explained. “If we only suppose about attacking, we risk getting caught out.”
Lyon’s attacking struggles haven’t been solely down to injuries, however. Fonseca has also pointed to a dip in overall offensive efficiency. “We’ve had very intense matches, and the team has responded well, especially in the last two games,” he said. “But recently, we’ve had to change our system because we only had Roman Yaremchuk and Endrick available up front.”
The return of Fofana and Moreira, both known for their pace and individual initiative, is expected to address this issue. “They bring depth and shoot on goal. That’s what we’ve been missing,” Fonseca added. Sulc’s natural goal-scoring instinct will also be a welcome addition to the Lyon attack.
Beyond the Europa League, Lyon also has a crucial Ligue 1 fixture against Monaco on Sunday. The week represents a significant test for the club as they look to reignite their season on both fronts. Fonseca remains optimistic, stating, “All the players are aware of this, but we have no reason to be negative.”
The match against Celta Vigo is set for 18:45 CET (Central European Time) on Thursday, March 19th, 2026, at the Groupama Stadium in Décines-Charpieu, a suburb of Lyon, France. Fans can expect a lively atmosphere as Lyon aims to secure a place in the Europa League quarter-finals, where they would face the winners of the Freiburg-Genk tie. The stakes are high, and the return of key attacking players provides a much-needed lift for Paulo Fonseca’s side.
Lyon will need to improve their finishing, having created numerous opportunities in the first leg against Celta Vigo but only scoring once. The ability to convert chances will be crucial if they are to overcome the Spanish side and progress in the competition. The added firepower of Sulc, Moreira, and Fofana should certainly help in that regard.
The Europa League represents a significant opportunity for Lyon to achieve success this season. With a favorable home draw in the second leg and the return of key players, they are well-positioned to reach the quarter-finals. However, they must remain focused and disciplined against a Celta Vigo team that will be determined to defend their aggregate score.
What’s next for Lyon? Following the Europa League clash with Celta Vigo, they face a challenging Ligue 1 encounter against Monaco at the Groupama Stadium on Sunday. The outcome of these two matches will significantly impact Lyon’s season and their chances of securing European qualification.
What are your thoughts on Lyon’s chances against Celta Vigo? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
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