Match Overview: Lyon vs Basel

The third-round match of the Europa League 2025/26 general stage between Lyon (France) and Basel (Switzerland) will take place on October 23 at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais stadium. This preview provides an in-depth match prediction, betting tips, odds analysis, and statistical insights for the Lyon vs Basel encounter.

Lyon Performance Analysis

Lyon’s Strong Start in Europa League

Paulo Fonseca’s squad is among the elite seven teams that have maintained a perfect record in the first two rounds of the Europa League. While their away fixture against Utrecht was a tense affair, Lyon secured a narrow victory with a decisive goal just 15 minutes from time. Following this, the French side comfortably defeated Salzburg 2-0, effectively settling the outcome early in the second half. After two matches, the club currently sits in 5th place in the overall standings. A particularly impressive feat is that Lyon has yet to concede a single goal in these fixtures, a distinction shared by only two other teams. Furthermore, their scoring streak in the Europa League now extends to seven consecutive matches.

Recent Form and Statistics for Lyon

• Lyon has remained undefeated in 10 of their last 11 Europa League matches (6 wins, 4 draws).
• At least two goals were scored in 6 of the club’s last 7 matches in this European competition.
• Lyon’s unbeaten home run in the Europa League extends to 5 matches (3 wins, 2 draws).

Lyon’s Provisional Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)*

Dominik Greif – Ruben Kluivert, Clinton Mata, Moussa Niakhate, Nicolas Tagliafico – Mathis de Carvalho, Tanner Tessmann – Adam Karabec, Corentin Tolisso, Pavel Schulz – Martin Satriano.

Goalkeeper Rémy Deschamps, midfielder Orel Mangala, and forward Ernest Nuamah are sidelined due to injuries.

Basel’s Europa League Journey

Basel’s Europa League Campaign

Participating in the Europa League for the first time since 2020, Basel commenced their campaign with an away defeat against Freiburg. Despite this less-than-ideal start, the club rebounded a week later, securing a victory over another German team, Stuttgart. In their most recent fixture, the Swiss side kept a clean sheet, a notable improvement given they had previously conceded goals in 5 consecutive Europa League matches. It’s also worth mentioning that their scoring streak in this European competition now stands at 11 games. Ludovic Magnin’s team currently occupies the 14th position in the tournament standings.

Basel’s Current Statistics and Performance

• Basel has secured victories in 8 of their last 11 Europa League matches.
• The club’s all-or-nothing streak in this tournament spans 14 matches (10 wins, 4 losses).
• At least three goals were scored in 5 of the Swiss side’s last 6 Europa League fixtures.

Basel’s Provisional Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)*

Marvin Hitz – Nicolas Vouilloz, Flavius Daniliuc, Jonas Adjetey, Dominik Schmid – Koba Koindredi, Léo Leroy – Filip Otele, Xherdan Shaqiri, Jeremy Agbonifo – Albian Ajeti.

Key striker Albian Ajeti is serving a suspension. Defenders Keigo Tsunemoto and Finn van Bremen are unavailable due to injuries.

Referee Analysis

Referee Profile: Manfredas Lukjancukas

Manfredas Lukjancukas (Lithuania)

Matches officiated – 18 (International fixtures, 2024/25-2025/26);

Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 76;

Average yellow cards per match – 4.2;

Red cards shown – 4;

Average fouls per match – 23;

Penalties awarded – 33%.

Match Prediction: Lyon vs Basel

Lyon’s Offensive Prowess and Defensive Gaps

Thanks to their well-structured attacking play and a strong roster of individual talents, Lyon very rarely finishes a Europa League match without scoring. The team has consistently found the net in their last 7 tournament outings, often scoring at least two goals. Playing in front of their home crowd, the French side poses a significant threat to almost any opponent, as evidenced by their 5-game home scoring streak in the Europa League. However, even on home turf, Lyon’s defense isn’t always impenetrable; consequently, they have kept only 3 clean sheets in their last 10 home Europa League fixtures.

Basel’s Consistent Goal-Scoring Despite Underdog Status

Despite their underdog status, Basel has managed to score in both of their Europa League matches this season. Across this European competition, the club has consistently scored at least one goal in 11 consecutive fixtures. However, it’s worth noting that prior to their most recent game, the Swiss side had not kept a clean sheet in 5 matches. When considering their away performance exclusively, Basel has found the back of the net in their last 5 Europa League road games.

Final Prediction

Given these observations, the most compelling prediction is: “Both Teams to Score – Yes”.

Note on Lineups

*The starting lineup for each team refers to their last match in this tournament.