The first leg of the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16 between FCSB (Romania) and Lyon (France) will take place on March 6 at the National Arena in Bucharest. FCSB vs. Lyon: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
FCSB
Elias Charalambous' team overcame PAOK in the previous round (2-0, 2-1). Thus, the Romanians have not lost in 6 of their last 7 Europa League matches (4 wins, 2 draws), keeping a clean sheet in four of those games. However, prior to the second leg against the Greeks, FCSB conceded in three consecutive matches in this tournament. Reaching the Europa League Round of 16 matches the team's best achievement in this European competition.
- At least one opponent failed to score in 7 of the last 9 Europa League matches involving the Romanians.
- At home, the club has not lost 5 of their last 6 Europa League matches (4 wins, 1 draw).
- In 8 of the last 10 home games in this tournament, FCSB has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for FCSB (4-5-1)
Ștefan Târnovanu – Risto Radunović, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mihai Popescu, Valentin Crețu – Adrian Șut, Vlad Chiricheș, Florin Tănase, Yuri Chizotti, David Miculescu – Daniel Birligea.
Defender Valentin Crețu is suspended. Forward Daniel Birligea and midfielder Darius Olaru are injured.
Lyon
The French side had an excellent group stage, remaining unbeaten in 7 of 8 matches (4 wins, 3 draws). Although the team managed to keep only two clean sheets, only three clubs conceded fewer goals than Lyon among the top eight. Meanwhile, with 16 goals scored, the team ranks fourth in terms of overall scoring. The last time Lyon reached the Europa League Round of 16 was in the 2021/22 season, where they successfully advanced by defeating Porto (1-1, 1-0).
- The French have not lost in 11 consecutive away Europa League matches (8 wins, 3 draws).
- Lyon has scored in 10 of their last 11 away games in this tournament.
- In 5 of the last 6 Europa League away games, the team has not conceded more than one goal.
Predicted lineup for Lyon (4-3-3)
Lucas Perry – Abner, Moussa Niakhaté, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Ainsley Maitland-Niles – Tanner Tessmann, Jordan Veretout, Corentin Tolisso – Ernest Nuamah, Georges Mikautadze, Rayan Cherki.
Referee
Tobias Stieler (Germany)
Matches – 11 (International matches, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 52;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.7;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 22;
Penalties – 27%.
FCSB vs. Lyon: Match Prediction
Although the Romanians cannot boast a prolific attack, Elias Charalambous' side scores regularly. In their last four Europa League matches, FCSB failed to score only against Manchester United. At home in this tournament, the team has scored in 17 of their last 22 matches.
The French side conceded only against Olympiacos and Fenerbahçe in the group stage. However, these teams managed only 9 goals each. Out of the 24 clubs that advanced to the playoffs, 22 have a higher scoring rate. Away from home, Lyon has failed to keep a clean sheet in 6 of their last 8 Europa League matches. Even in their national championship, Lyon's defense is not reliable, with no team in the top six conceding more than Paulo Fonseca's side.
My prediction: FCSB Individual Total Over 0.5
