UEL: Lyon Holds Celta Vigo to 1-1 Draw in Europa League

Endrick rescues Lyon with late equalizer against Celta Vigo

Olympique Lyonnais scored late against 10-man RC Celta de Vigo to go into the second leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie on level terms, with the 1-1 scoreline secured thanks to Endrick’s leveller.

Endrick's 87th-minute goal gave Lyon a 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo in the Europa League last-16 first leg...

Olympique Lyonnais secured a late 1-1 draw against 10-man RC Celta de Vigo, thanks to Endrick's leveller, setting up an exciting second leg in the UEFA Europa League last-16 tie. Celta had taken an early lead through Javi Rueda, but Lyon's pressure paid off in the 87th minute with Endrick's powerful shot.

Despite Lyon's dominance in possession, Celta's direct approach in the early stages gave them the upper hand. However, Borja Iglesias' red card in the 55th minute changed the game's dynamics, allowing Lyon to push for an equalizer. Endrick's late strike not only salvaged a draw but also maintained Lyon's unbeaten run in the competition.

Endrick leaves it late for Lyon 😮‍💨#UEL pic.twitter.com/uSTslqXa8N

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 12, 2026

Borja Iglesias registered the Sky Blues’ first shot on target, and while Corentin Tolisso did similarly at the other end, it was the hosts who forged ahead.

Countering after a spell of Lyon possession, Williot Swedberg powered down the left and bobbled a cross to Javir Rueda, who swept in from the centre of the area.

The visitors struggled to respond, but they did have most of the subsequent possession and troubled through Endrick on more than one occasion.

Lyon's dominance continued after half-time, with Celta struggling when Borja Iglesias received a second yellow card for a challenge on Clinton Mata, reducing the home side to 10 men for the final 35 minutes.

This setback for Celta allowed Lyon to push for a goal, and they eventually equalized in the 87th minute through Endrick's powerful shot from distance. The result leaves the tie finely poised heading into the second leg in France

Radu stopped Endrick and Tyler Morton's efforts, keeping his side ahead for the time being, before Steeve Kango hit the outside of the post, nearly scoring on his professional debut for Lyon.

Radu produced his best save yet with 15 minutes remaining to keep out Roman Yaremchuk’s close-range header.

But the Romanian stopper’s fortune finally ran out with just a few minutes to play when he couldn’t deal with the power of Endrick’s low shot from distance, and could only fumble it over the line.

Celta’s failure to hang on may well come back to bite them when they travel to France for the second leg next week, as might Iglesias’ suspension for that game.

While Lyon’s remarkable 13-match winning run between December and February now seems like a distant memory, their courage to draw level in this one will inspire confidence that they can progress to the UEL quarter-finals for the second successive season.