Key Takeaways:
- Celta Vigo secured a 2:1 victory over Lille at the Balaídos in the seventh round of the Europa League main stage
- The Spanish side guaranteed progression to the playoff stage, and a victory against Crvena Zvezda next week could send them directly to the round of 16
- Celta played with ten men for over an hour after Hugo Sotelo was sent off in the 29th minute
Match Analysis
Celta Vigo delivered a stirring performance to defeat Lille 2:1 at Balaídos in a crucial Europa League clash, despite being reduced to ten men for more than an hour. The result ensures the Galician club’s place in the competition’s playoff round, while keeping alive hopes of direct qualification for the round of 16, should they overcome Crvena Zvezda in their final group outing next week.
The hosts seized an early advantage, capitalising in the very first minute as Williot Swedberg turned in a gift after Lille defender Alejandro Ribeiro erred at the back. However, the contest took a dramatic turn in the 29th minute when Hugo Sotelo was shown a straight red card following a reckless challenge, leaving Celta with a numerical disadvantage for the remainder of the match.
🏁 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 con 𝗩𝗜-𝗧𝗢-𝗥𝗜𝗔! ❤️🔥
Tres PUNTAZOS para avanzar e soñar na Europa League, e cun home menos desde a primeira metade!
Grande EQUIPO, grande AFECCIÓN! 💪#CeltaLOSC ⋄ @EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/SQDHDwjJ2r
— Celta (@RCCelta) January 22, 2026
Key Moments and Player Performances
Lille were unable to make their extra man count in the immediate aftermath, and instead found themselves further behind in the 69th minute. Carl Starfelt doubled the hosts’ lead from a set piece, strengthening Celta’s grip on the tie.
The French side finally responded in the 86th minute, as veteran striker Olivier Giroud found the net to halve the deficit. Despite a total of 15 minutes added across both halves, the visitors could not find an equaliser, as Celta held firm to claim a memorable victory.
Group Implications and What’s Next
While Celta celebrate a historic win, Lille now face a must-win scenario against Freiburg in order to remain among the top 24 teams. The stakes remain high heading into the final round of group matches.
