Match Preview
The new-look UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – League Phase reaches its final round as Olympique Lyonnais welcome PAOK to the imposing Groupama Stadium. With all 36 clubs ranked together in a single table, Matchday 8 in Lyon still carries serious consequences for seeding and knockout ambitions.
Lyon come into this fixture as one of the standout teams of the competition. They sit right at the top of the league-phase standings, reflecting a run of strong performances that include a spectacular 6–0 away victory at Maccabi Tel Aviv on Matchday 5. That result, combined with earlier wins and only one defeat, has underlined their attacking power and overall balance in European competition.
PAOK have also enjoyed an impressive campaign. After five league-phase games they have collected 8 points from 2 wins, 2 draws and 1 defeat, scoring 10 goals and conceding 7. That record places them around 17th in the combined table – comfortably inside the knockout play-off positions, but still with work to do if they want to push higher and improve their seeding.
The clash in Lyon therefore sets up as a meeting between a competition frontrunner and a dangerous, in-form challenger. Lyon’s strength at home, their high technical level and their depth across the pitch make them favourites on paper, but PAOK’s blend of physicality, organisation and quick transitions means they are more than capable of making life difficult for any opponent.
TV Broadcast and Livestreams
The Lyon vs PAOK showdown will be broadcast live by official Europa League partners across the globe. In many European countries, coverage is scheduled in the usual Thursday evening slot, while fans in other regions can follow the match via regional rights holders and licensed streaming platforms.
Supporters should check local TV listings and official competition information to confirm the exact channel or streaming service showing the game in their country.
Match Information
| Date | Thursday 29 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Time | 20:00 UTC / 21:00 local time (Lyon) |
| Venue | Groupama Stadium, Lyon, France |
| Home Team | Olympique Lyonnais (France) |
| Away Team | PAOK (Greece) |
| Competition | UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – League Phase, Matchday 8 |
| Format | Single league-phase fixture – result counts towards the 36-team overall table |
Form Guide and League-Phase Records
| Team | League-Phase Record (after 5 games) | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Approx. Position* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | Strong winning record with just one defeat | High-scoring attack | Low goals conceded | Healthy positive GD | 1st |
| PAOK | 2 wins, 2 draws, 1 defeat – 8 pts | 10 | 7 | +3 | 17th |
Lyon recent form: Lyon’s league-phase story has included some eye-catching results. A heavy 6–0 win away at Maccabi Tel Aviv showcased their attacking ceiling, while a defeat at Real Betis earlier in the campaign served as a reminder that they are not invincible. Domestically, they remain competitive in Ligue 1, combining high-scoring wins with the occasional setback, but overall their trajectory is upward as they approach the final league-phase round.
PAOK recent form: PAOK have pieced together a quietly impressive sequence of results. In the league phase they routed BSC Young Boys 4–0 in Thessaloniki and earned a solid 1–1 draw at home to Brann, while in the Greek Super League they have been scoring freely, including a 3–0 victory over Kifisia and a hard-fought 3–2 away win at Levadiakos. Their only recent European setback was a tight loss away to Panathinaikos, underlining that they are rarely outclassed, even in difficult away fixtures.
*Positions are approximate and based on the latest league-phase standings prior to Matchday 8.
Head-to-Head History
The history between Lyon and PAOK in official UEFA competition stretches back over half a century. In the 1973/74 European Cup Winners’ Cup last 16, the sides met in a memorable two-legged tie. Lyon drew 3–3 at home in the first leg, before PAOK produced a famous 4–0 win in Thessaloniki to progress 7–3 on aggregate.
More recently, records show at least one friendly meeting won by Lyon, but in competitive European terms PAOK still hold the edge thanks to that historic Cup Winners’ Cup triumph. The current generation of players will know that history only counts for so much, yet it adds a layer of narrative to this modern Europa League encounter: Lyon are aiming to assert their status as league-phase leaders, while PAOK would love to spoil the party once again.
Tactical Outlook
How Lyon are likely to approach the game
At Groupama Stadium, Lyon are expected to take the initiative and push the tempo. Their likely game plan includes:
- High possession and structured build-up, with centre-backs and a deep-lying midfielder orchestrating play from the back.
- Width from full-backs and wingers, looking to stretch PAOK’s defensive block and create cut-back opportunities in the box.
- Rotations between midfield and attack, with No.10s and forwards dropping into pockets to drag defenders out of position.
- Selective high pressing after turnovers, particularly when PAOK attempt to play short from goal kicks or deep free-kicks.
Where PAOK can cause problems
PAOK are unlikely to be overawed by the occasion. Their recent European and domestic form suggests they will aim to:
- Stay compact between the lines, protecting central areas and forcing Lyon to circulate the ball in front of their block.
- Counter quickly through wide players, exploiting any space left by Lyon’s advanced full-backs.
- Attack set-pieces aggressively, where their aerial power and delivery have been a real weapon in both the league and Europe.
- Vary the pressing height, occasionally stepping up to disrupt Lyon’s build-up while otherwise sitting in a controlled mid-block.
If Lyon can move the ball fast enough to pull PAOK’s defensive structure apart, they will fancy their chances of creating multiple high-quality chances. However, if PAOK succeed in slowing the tempo and turning the match into a more physical, transitional battle, the visitors are capable of turning the evening into a real contest.
Standings Context – League Phase Table
| Team | Current Zone* | Points (after 5 games) | Qualification Picture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyon | Top-eight (currently 1st) | High double-digit total | On track for a direct place in the Round of 16 if they maintain their position in the top eight. |
| PAOK | Knockout play-off zone (around 17th) | 8 | Well-placed to reach the play-offs; a positive result in Lyon would boost seeding and security. |
*Zones based on the Europa League league-phase format: 1–8 direct to Round of 16, 9–24 into knockout play-offs, 25–36 eliminated.
Match Outlook and Prediction
Predicted Final Score: Lyon 2–1 PAOK
Taking into account league-phase standings, recent form and home advantage, Lyon go into this match as favourites. Their attacking depth and ability to dominate the ball, especially at Groupama Stadium, suggest they will be able to create enough chances over 90 minutes.
That said, PAOK have shown throughout the campaign that they can compete with strong opposition. Their solid defensive organisation, threat on the counter and dangerous set-pieces mean they are unlikely to be overwhelmed and should have moments of their own.
The most balanced expectation is a tight, high-quality contest in which Lyon do just enough to edge it, while PAOK keep the game competitive from start to finish. A projected scoreline of 2–1 to Lyon reflects the difference in league-phase ranking, but also respects PAOK’s ability to score and push the group leaders hard.
Important: This prediction is purely a football opinion. It is not advice or encouragement to place bets. Any form of gambling is strictly for adults, must comply with local laws and should always be approached responsibly.