Match Preview

Maccabi Tel Aviv face Lyon in a UEFA Europa League 2025/26 league-phase clash on Thursday, 27 November 2025, with the game played at a neutral venue – TSC Arena / Gradski Stadion, Backa Topola, Serbia. It is officially a home fixture for Maccabi, but Lyon arrive as one of the best-placed sides in the overall Europa League table.

The new league-phase format puts all 36 clubs into a single table, each playing eight matches against eight different opponents. Only the top eight go straight to the round of 16, teams from 9th–24th enter the knockout play-offs, and the rest are eliminated – which means that every result across the eight matchdays carries real weight.

Coming into Matchday 5, Lyon are well-placed: they sit inside the top ten of the league-phase standings with 9 points from four games (3 wins, 0 draws, 1 loss, goal difference 5:2). Their strong campaign so far puts them on course for at least a knockout play-off spot and keeps alive hopes of a direct round-of-16 place. 

Maccabi Tel Aviv, by contrast, are near the bottom of the table, currently 34th with just 1 point (0 wins, 1 draw, 3 defeats, goals 1:8). Heavy losses to Midtjylland and Dinamo Zagreb, plus a 2–0 defeat away at Aston Villa on 6 November, have left them with a mountain to climb if they are to force their way into the top 24 spots. 

Tactically, Maccabi will likely adopt a compact shape, looking to protect their defensive third and strike on the break or from set pieces, especially given recent issues in defending transitions. Lyon, who are more comfortable on the ball and possess greater individual attacking quality, are expected to control possession, use their wide players aggressively and try to pin Maccabi back around their own box.

With Lyon pushing to secure a top-eight finish in the new format and Maccabi desperate to revive their campaign, this has the feel of a high-stakes match: a home upset would blow the race for the last qualifying spots wide open, while an away win would reinforce Lyon’s status as one of the competition’s form teams.

Match Information

Because of ongoing logistical and security considerations around Maccabi’s European fixtures, this match is staged in Serbia rather than Israel, with TSC Arena serving as the designated “home” ground for this tie.

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Lyon Odds (1X2)

Early market prices from leading bookmakers such as Bet365 show Lyon as clear favourites, even on neutral ground, with Maccabi viewed as underdogs and the draw priced in between.

The total-goals line is set around 2.5 goals, with both “Over” and “Under” priced near evens, indicating that the market expects a moderately open game but not a guaranteed goal fest.

*Odds are indicative pre-match prices from major bookmakers and may move closer to kick-off. Always check live odds with your chosen operator before placing any bets.

Key Stats & Head-to-Head Snapshot

• League-phase standings: Before Matchday 5, Lyon are 7th in the overall table with 9 points from four games (3–0–1, goals 5:2), while Maccabi Tel Aviv sit 34th with 1 point (0–1–3, goals 1:8).
• Maccabi’s Europa League form: Maccabi have struggled in the league phase, losing heavily at home to Midtjylland and Dinamo Zagreb, and more recently 2–0 away at Aston Villa in a match overshadowed by security restrictions on their travelling support. 
• Lyon’s European trajectory: Lyon are aiming to build on strong Europa League campaigns in recent seasons, including a top-six finish in the previous league phase and qualification for the last 16, underlining their status as one of the competition’s heavy hitters.
• Head-to-head history: This is a fresh pairing in European competition; there is no significant previous H2H record between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Lyon in UEFA tournaments.
• Venue factor: Although Maccabi are the “home” team on paper, playing in Backa Topola removes some of the usual home-field advantages and may tilt the balance further towards Lyon’s higher individual quality and deeper squad. 

Maccabi Tel Aviv vs Lyon Betting Tips

1X2 Market

Given the league-phase standings and underlying form, the straightforward call in the 1X2 market is Lyon to win (2). They have been far more consistent in this Europa League campaign, while Maccabi’s defensive record (1 goal scored, 8 conceded in four matches) is a concern against a side with Lyon’s offensive tools. 

For a slightly more conservative approach, Lyon Draw No Bet reduces risk: you still profit from an away win, but your stake is refunded if the match finishes level.

Goals Market (Over/Under)

The market’s balanced pricing on Over/Under 2.5 goals suggests no clear consensus on a high- or low-scoring contest. With Lyon likely to dominate territory and chances, a line such as Over 2.0 or 2.25 goals can appeal to those expecting Lyon to create enough to score at least twice, while still offering some protection if it ends 1–0.

Both Teams to Score (BTTS)

Maccabi have found it hard to score against the stronger teams in this league phase, but a neutral venue and the need to chase points may push them to take more risks. BTTS – No is a viable angle if you see Lyon controlling the match and limiting Maccabi’s chances, whereas BTTS – Yes becomes interesting if you believe the Israeli side can capitalise on set pieces or late game chaos.

Handicap Options

Those confident in the away side might look at small Asian handicaps such as Lyon -0.5 (equivalent to the straight away win) or -0.75 for a slightly bigger price. On the flip side, backing Maccabi Tel Aviv +1.0 appeals if you expect a tighter game where Lyon edge it but do not run away with the scoreline.

Betting always involves risk. Set limits, compare odds across several bookmakers and never bet more than you can afford to lose. This preview is informational only and not financial advice.

Prediction

Correct Score Prediction: Maccabi Tel Aviv 1–2 Lyon

Taking into account form, league-phase position, venue and market expectations, our main call is a narrow 2–1 win for Lyon. Paulo Fonseca’s side (or whoever is on the bench come matchday) have shown enough control and efficiency in this Europa League campaign to be trusted against a struggling Maccabi side, though Maccabi’s desperation for points and capacity to nick a goal on the break or from a set piece should not be entirely discounted.

Best basic angle: Lyon to win (2) or Lyon Draw No Bet.
Goals angle: Over 2.0/2.5 total goals, leaning towards Lyon scoring most of them.
Long-shot angle: Correct score 1–2 to Lyon.