Ligue 1’s domestic action takes a back seat tonight, Sunday, January 11, 2026, as Lille OSC and Olympique Lyonnais face off in a blockbuster Coupe de France Round of 32 encounter. Kick-off is set for 20:00 GMT at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
With both teams currently battling for Champions League qualification in the league—Lille in 4th and Lyon just two points behind in 5th—this cup tie offers a high-stakes psychological battle alongside a spot in the last 16.
The Storyline: Tactical Evolution & New Faces
Lille: Searching for Response
Bruno Génésio’s Lille side arrives at this fixture looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2–0 home defeat to Rennes last weekend. Despite that slip-up, the "Dogues" have been a formidable force at home this season, driven by the enduring quality of Olivier Giroud, who returned to France this season and continues to defy age at 39. For Lille, the cup represents a major trophy opportunity to crown a season where they have already outclassed the likes of Lorient and Marseille.
Lyon: The "Endrick" Era Begins?
The biggest story in French football this week is the arrival of Brazilian sensation Endrick at Lyon. On loan from Real Madrid, the 19-year-old forward is expected to make his competitive debut tonight. Under the guidance of former Lille boss Paulo Fonseca, Lyon has transformed into a high-possession, second-half juggernaut. They enter tonight on a four-match winning streak, most recently clinical in a 3–1 away win over Monaco.
Team News & Probable Lineups
Lille Team News
Suspended: A defensive crisis looms as Romain Perraud, Nathan Ngoy, and Alexsandro are all serving bans.
Injury Ward: Ethan Mbappé (knock) and André Gomes are major doubts. Ousmane Touré is a long-term absentee with an ACL tear.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Ozer; Meunier, Mbemba, Mandi, Verdonk; Andre, Bentaleb; Broholm, Haraldsson, Fernandez-Pardo; Giroud.
Lyon Team News
Injuries: Ernest Nuamah (ACL) and Malick Fofana (ankle) are sidelined.
International Duty: Defender Moussa Niakhaté is unavailable due to his commitments with Senegal at AFCON.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Descamps; Kluivert, Mata, Tagliafico; Maitland-Niles, Tolisso, Tessmann, Abner; Merah; Satriano, Sulc. (Note: Endrick is likely to start on the bench).
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
Recent Record: Lyon has won the last two meetings between these sides, including a 1–0 victory at this stadium earlier in the season.
Cup History: Lyon has reached the last 16 in seven of the last eight seasons, though they were famously upset in the Round of 32 last year.
Home Fortress: Lille has won five of their last six competitive matches at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
Late Show: Lille has scored 10 goals in the final 10 minutes of matches this season, more than any other team in France.
Tactical Analysis: Experience vs. Momentum
The tactical battle pits Génésio’s directness against Fonseca’s possession-based system. Lille will rely heavily on the aerial dominance of Olivier Giroud to bypass Lyon’s pressing. Lyon, meanwhile, will look to the Czech international Pavel Šulc, who has been in scintillating form with six goals in his last four appearances, to find space between Lille’s depleted defensive line.
Match Prediction
This is widely regarded as the most evenly matched tie of the Round of 32. While Lille has home advantage, their suspension-hit defense might struggle against a Lyon side that is high on confidence and bolstered by the arrival of Endrick.
Final Score Prediction: Lille 1–2 Lyon
