Match Preview
Lille host Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League knockout play-off, with the tie starting in France before shifting to Belgrade for the return match. The opening leg at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy is a classic European test: Lille’s structured control against Red Star’s stubborn organisation and quick transitions.
This is the type of matchup where the first goal changes everything. Lille will want a clean lead to protect before traveling to one of Europe’s toughest away venues. Red Star, on the other hand, will treat this first leg as a survival mission: stay compact, frustrate the crowd, and keep the tie alive for the home return.
Lille’s game plan is likely to be built around territory and patience. Expect long spells of possession, full-backs pushing high, and repeated attempts to pull Red Star’s defensive block out of shape. The risk for Lille is over-committing and leaving space behind midfield exactly where Red Star can be dangerous with direct counters and set-piece pressure.
For Crvena Zvezda, the mindset is simple: win duels, protect the central lanes, and make every Lille attack feel uncomfortable. In a two-legged tie, an away draw (or even a narrow defeat) can be valuable especially when the second leg will be played in Belgrade with a completely different atmosphere and tempo.
Overall, don’t expect a wide-open shootout. First legs at this stage often become tactical battles, where discipline matters more than flair. Lille’s quality should create chances, but Red Star’s resilience can keep this close if they manage the early waves of pressure.
TV Broadcast and Livestreams
UEFA Europa League broadcast rights vary by region. For accurate matchday availability, check your local sports channels and streaming providers, and confirm the listed kick-off time in your country before the match begins.
Match Information
| Date | Thursday, 19 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Kick-off Time | 20:00 UTC |
| Venue | Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille (France) |
| Competition | UEFA Europa League 2025/26 – Knockout Round Play-offs (1st Leg) |
| 2nd Leg | Thursday, 26 February 2026 – Rajko Mitić Stadium, Belgrade |
Match schedule and venue details are based on listed competition fixtures.
Odds (1X2)
| Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| 1 Lille | N/A |
| X Draw | N/A |
| 2 Crvena Zvezda | N/A |
Market read: Home advantage and game control typically push Lille toward “favored” status in pricing, but Red Star’s ability to keep games tight often makes Under goals markets and Lille win by 1 goal style outcomes attractive, depending on your risk level.
Form and Head-to-Head
| Team | Recent Trend |
|---|---|
| Lille | Strong home structure and tempo control, often building pressure through wide play and sustained possession. |
| Crvena Zvezda | Compact approach in big European games, with high intensity, set-piece threat, and quick counter attacks. |
Head-to-Head note: These sides have already met in the Europa League this season, including a Red Star home win in early November 2025. That history adds extra edge to this two-leg rematch. Key Tactical Notes
- Lille’s priority: score first and avoid transitions that give Red Star counter-attacking space.
- Red Star’s priority: stay compact in central areas and turn set pieces into high-value chances.
- Game state: if Lille lead early, the tie can tilt quickly; if it stays level past 60 minutes, pressure increases on the hosts.
- First-leg logic: both teams usually protect shape more than usual—especially with a hostile second leg ahead.
Prediction
Final Score Prediction: Lille 2-0 Crvena Zvezda
Prediction: Lille should control the rhythm at home and create enough chances to build a cushion before traveling to Belgrade. Red Star can keep this tight for long spells, but sustained pressure and deeper squad options give Lille the edge in the final third.
Best bet lean: Lille to win • Under 3.5 goals • Lille clean sheet (small stake)