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Lille have been drawn to face Aston Villa in the Europa League RO16 following today’s draw at UEFA’s Nyon headquarters. _Les Dogues_ qualified for the knockout stage of Europe’s second-tier competition after a [gutsy away win last night against Red Star Belgrade in the playoff round](https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2026/player-ratings-crvena-zvezda-0-2-lille-1-2-agg-les-dogues-on-comeback-trail-in-serbia/). Lille qualified in Serbia courtesy of goals from Olivier Giroud and Nathan Ngoy.
Lille could have drawn Ligue 1 rivals Lyon, who topped the standings in the opening phase. However, they’ll face second-placed Aston Villa, which means the return leg will be held at Villa Park. Aston Villa and Lyon previously faced _Les Dogues_ two years ago in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals. Should Lille were to overcome Unai Emery’s Premier League side, they would face a Serie A team in the quarter-finals, either Bologna or AS Roma.
Meanhwile, Lyon have been drawn to face Liga side RC Celta Viga. _Les Gones_ have been given a relatively kind draw given they have been placed in a quite open silver path. Should they beat RC Celta over two legs, Paulo Fonseca’s _Les Gones_ would face Genk or Feriburg in the quarter-finals.
GFFN | Bastien Cheval