Red Star Belgrade vs Lille Prediction: Red Star Belgrade will likely defeat Lille 1-0 in the second leg at Rajko Mitic Stadium on February 26, 2026, advancing 2-0 on aggregate to the Europa League Round of 16, as the Serbian side holds a 1-0 first-leg advantage and maintains an unbeaten home record in European knockout matches this decade.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | UEFA Europa League – Round of 16 (Second Leg) |
| Date | Thursday, February 26, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 11:15 PM Local Time |
| Venue | Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia |
| First Leg Result | Lille 0-1 Red Star Belgrade |
| Aggregate Score | Red Star Belgrade leads 1-0 |
| Referee | To be confirmed |
Key Facts
- Red Star Belgrade holds a crucial 1-0 advantage from the first leg played in France on February 20, 2026.
- Franklin Tebo Uchenna scored the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time during the opening match.
- Red Star Belgrade remains unbeaten in their last six competitive matches under manager Dejan Stankovic.
- Lille must score at least one goal to keep their Europa League campaign alive.
- Red Star Belgrade has not lost a home Europa League knockout match this decade beyond the group phase.
- Lille has lost their last three away matches in the Europa League competition.
- Red Star Belgrade will miss Vladimir Lucic due to suspension after receiving a yellow card in the first leg.
- Both teams are fighting for a spot in the Europa League Round of 16 for the first time since different years.
On This Page
Red Star Belgrade vs Lille Preview
Red Star Belgrade welcomes Lille to the Serbian capital with momentum firmly on their side.
The hosts secured a vital away goal in France last week, putting them in the driver’s seat for qualification.
Dejan Stankovic has transformed the team since returning for his second stint as manager, maintaining an unbeaten record across all competitive fixtures.
The Serbian champions have been exceptional at home throughout this Europa League campaign.
They have not conceded defeat at Rajko Mitic Stadium in any knockout tie this decade, demonstrating their fortress mentality.
Their defensive organization has been particularly impressive, keeping clean sheets in three consecutive matches across all competitions.
Lille faces a challenging task. Bruno Genesio’s side must overturn the deficit while preventing Red Star from scoring an away goal that would make their task even more difficult.
The French club has struggled on the road in European competition recently, losing three consecutive away matches in the Europa League. Their last away victory in this competition came against Roma in October 2025.
The first leg showcased Red Star’s tactical discipline and clinical finishing. Matheus Magalhaes made two crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet, while Uchenna’s goal demonstrated their ability to capitalize on limited opportunities.
Lille managed only two shots on target throughout the 90 minutes, highlighting their struggles in breaking down organized defenses.
Predicted Red Star Belgrade vs Lille Lineups
Red Star Belgrade (4-2-3-1): Matheus; Erakovic, Uchenna, Rodrigao; Seol, Handel, Krunic, Tiknizyan; Duarte, Katai; Enem
Lille (4-3-3): Ozer; Bouaddi, Mandi, Ngoy, Perraud; Bentaleb, Andre; Perrin, Harraldsson, Correia; Fernandez-Pardo
Team Injuries and Suspensions
Red Star Belgrade
- Vladimir Lucic (Suspended) – The Serbian winger received a yellow card in the first leg and will miss this crucial match.
Lille
- Alexsandro (Doubtful) – Calf strain may keep the defender sidelined.
- Thomas Meunier (Doubtful) – Hamstring issue threatens his availability.
- Osame Sahraoui (Doubtful) – Groin problem makes him questionable.
- Hamza Igamane (Out) – Cruciate ligament tear rules him out completely.
- Ethan Mbappe Lottin (Doubtful) – Leg injury likely keeps him unavailable.
- Ousmane Toure (Out) – Recovering from cruciate ligament tear.
- Marc-Aurele Caillard (Questionable) – Elbow problem under assessment.
Lille’s injury crisis significantly impacts their squad depth and tactical options. The absence of key defensive and attacking players limits Genesio’s ability to rotate and adjust his game plan.
Key Players to Watch
Red Star Belgrade
- Franklin Tebo Uchenna: The first-leg hero will be central to Red Star’s attacking threat. His physical presence and finishing ability make him dangerous.
- Matheus Magalhaes: The goalkeeper’s shot-stopping ability will be crucial in protecting the aggregate lead.
- Rade Krunic: The experienced midfielder controls tempo and provides defensive stability.
Lille
- Matias Fernandez-Pardo: The attacking midfielder must create chances and break down Red Star’s defense.
- Benjamin Andre: The captain’s leadership and midfield control will be vital in Lille’s quest for goals.
- Ayyoub Bouaddi: The young talent needs to step up in the absence of several injured teammates.
Tactical Analysis
Red Star Belgrade operates with a compact defensive structure that transitions quickly into attack.
Their 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to control midfield areas while maintaining defensive solidity.
The wing-backs provide width, and the central midfielders shield the defense effectively.
Lille typically employs a 4-3-3 system that emphasizes possession and build-up play. However, their struggles in the first leg suggest they may need tactical adjustments.
Genesio might consider a more direct approach to create scoring opportunities against Red Star’s organized defense.
Team Form and Recent Results
Red Star Belgrade Recent Matches
- February 22: Red Star 3-0 Partizan (Serbian League) – Won
- February 20: Lille 0-1 Red Star (Europa League) – Won
- February 14: Zeleznicar Pancevo 0-3 Red Star (Serbian League) – Won
- February 11: Buducnost Dobanovci 1-4 Red Star (Cup) – Won
- February 7: Red Star 5-0 Novi Pazar (Serbian League) – Won
Lille Recent Matches
- February 22: Angers 0-1 Lille (Ligue 1) – Won
- February 20: Lille 0-1 Red Star (Europa League) – Lost
- February 14: Lille 1-1 Brest (Ligue 1) – Draw
- February 7: Metz 0-0 Lille (Ligue 1) – Draw
- February 1: Lyon 1-0 Lille (Ligue 1) – Lost
Red Star has scored 19 goals in their last six matches, demonstrating exceptional attacking prowess. Lille’s recent form shows inconsistency, particularly in finding the back of the net away from home.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The two clubs have limited history against each other. Their Europa League group stage meetings earlier this season saw Red Star win 1-0 at home on November 6, 2025.
The recent first leg continued this pattern with another 1-0 victory for the Serbian side.
Red Star has never lost a home match against French opposition in Europe this century.
Their only victory against French teams came in 1998 against Metz (2-1) during the UEFA Cup era. This historical context adds pressure on Lille to break this long-standing trend.
Read all Football Predictions.
Current Standings
UEFA Europa League Table (Top 18 – Knockout Qualification Zone):
Red Star Belgrade sits in 15th position with 14 points from 8 matches (4 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses). They have scored 7 goals and conceded 6, maintaining a +1 goal difference.
Lille occupies 18th place with 12 points from 8 matches (4 wins, 0 draws, 4 losses). They have scored 12 goals and conceded 9, holding a +3 goal difference.
Both teams qualified for the knockout playoff round, with positions 9-24 entering this phase. The winners advance to the Round of 16.
Where to Watch Live
India: Sony LIV, SONY TEN 1, SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3, SONY TEN 4, SONY TEN 5, JioTV
Global Coverage: The match will be broadcast across 150+ countries through various official broadcasters including TNT Sports (UK/Ireland), Paramount+ (USA), DAZN (Canada, Portugal), Sky Sport (Austria, Italy), and beIN Sports (Middle East, Asia-Pacific).
Red Star Belgrade vs Lille Prediction
Red Star Belgrade enters this match as favorites based on their home record, current form, and aggregate advantage.
Lille must adopt an aggressive approach from the opening whistle, which could leave them vulnerable to counter-attacks.
The Serbian side’s defensive organization and ability to absorb pressure make them difficult to break down.
Their recent scoring form suggests they can find the net even while defending a lead.
Lille’s injury problems and poor away form in Europe create significant obstacles.
They have not shown the attacking quality needed to overcome a deficit against well-organized opposition.
Predicted Result: Red Star Belgrade 1-0 Lille (Red Star advances 2-0 on aggregate)
Red Star’s home advantage, superior form, and tactical discipline should see them through to the Round of 16. Lille will need a perfect performance to overcome these challenges, which seems unlikely given their recent struggles.
FAQs
Where To Watch Red Star Belgrade vs Lille Live?
Fans in India can watch Red Star Belgrade vs Lille live on Sony LIV, SONY TEN 1, SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3, SONY TEN 4, and SONY TEN 5 streaming platforms, while global viewers can access the Europa League match through TNT Sports (UK/Ireland), Paramount+ (USA), DAZN (Canada/Portugal), and beIN Sports (Middle East/Asia-Pacific) on February 26, 2026.
Who Will Win Red Star Belgrade vs Lille Match?
Red Star Belgrade will likely win the match against Lille based on their unbeaten six-match winning streak under manager Dejan Stankovic, perfect home record in Europa League knockout matches this decade, and Lille’s three consecutive away defeats in the competition, combined with the Serbian side’s 1-0 first-leg advantage.
What is Red Star Belgrade vs Lille Match Kick-Off Time?
Red Star Belgrade vs Lille kicks off at 11:15 PM local time on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, Serbia, for the Europa League Round of 16 playoff second leg.
Are There Any Injuries in Red Star Belgrade vs Lille Match?
Red Star Belgrade will miss suspended winger Vladimir Lucic due to yellow card accumulation, while Lille faces a severe injury crisis with Hamza Igamane (cruciate ligament tear) and Ousmane Toure (cruciate ligament tear) ruled out, plus doubts over Alexsandro (calf strain), Thomas Meunier (hamstring), Osame Sahraoui (groin), Ethan Mbappe Lottin (leg injury), and Marc-Aurele Caillard (elbow problem).
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For Red Star Belgrade vs Lille Match?
Red Star Belgrade will defeat Lille 1-0 in the second leg at Rajko Mitic Stadium, securing a 2-0 aggregate victory to advance to the Europa League Round of 16, as the Serbian champions’ defensive solidity (three consecutive clean sheets) and home dominance overcome Lille’s injury-depleted squad and poor away form (three straight European road losses).
Lille Standing with Points?
Lille occupies 18th position in the UEFA Europa League standings with 12 points from 8 matches, recording 4 wins, 0 draws, and 4 losses, with 12 goals scored and 9 conceded for a +3 goal difference, qualifying for the knockout playoff round.
Red Star Belgrade Standing With Points?
Red Star Belgrade sits in 15th position in the UEFA Europa League table with 14 points from 8 matches, achieving 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses, with 7 goals scored and 6 conceded for a +1 goal difference, securing their place in the knockout playoff stage.