By Grok Sports Desk | November 27, 2025
As the UEFA Europa League league phase heats up, all eyes turn to the TSC Arena in Backa Topola, Serbia, where Maccabi Tel Aviv faces Olympique Lyon on Thursday, November 27, at 20:00 UTC (21:00 CET / 8:00 PM GMT). This neutral-venue showdown—necessitated by ongoing geopolitical challenges forcing Maccabi’s European “home” games abroad—pits a struggling Israeli giant against a French powerhouse aiming to solidify their knockout aspirations. With live broadcasts available across multiple platforms, fans worldwide won’t want to miss this intriguing matchup. Here’s everything you need to know, from viewing options to team insights and bold predictions.
How to Watch Maccabi Tel Aviv vs. Lyon: Live Broadcast and Streaming Details
Catching the action live is straightforward, thanks to UEFA’s broad distribution of Europa League rights. Here’s a breakdown of key broadcasters and streaming services by region:
| Region | TV Channel | Streaming Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| France | Canal+ Foot | Canal+ App / MyCanal | Full coverage starting at 21:00 CET; French commentary with pre-match analysis. |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports / Discovery+ | Discovery+ App | Kick-off at 8:00 PM GMT; includes highlights and replays. |
| United States | Paramount+ / CBS Sports Network | Paramount+ Stream | 3:00 PM ET start; ad-supported free trial available for new users. |
| Israel | Sport 5 | One.co.il / Sport5 App | Local coverage with Hebrew commentary; potential free-to-air elements. |
| Global (VPN Required) | UEFA.tv / YouTube (select regions) | Various (e.g., FuboTV, Sling TV) | Use a VPN for geo-restricted streams; check JustWatch for real-time availability. |
Pro Tip: For free options, official UEFA highlights will drop post-match on their YouTube channel, but avoid unofficial streams to support the teams and comply with broadcasting laws. Apps like Sofascore or FotMob offer live scores, stats, and even radio commentary as backups if you’re on the go.
Match Preview: Form, Key Battles, and What to Expect
Maccabi Tel Aviv enters this fixture under immense pressure, sitting 34th in the 36-team league phase with just one point from four matches—a goalless draw against PAOK their lone highlight. The Israeli champions have been leaky at the back, conceding 12 goals across those games, including defeats to Midtjylland (0-3), Dinamo Zagreb, and Aston Villa (0-2). Domestically, things haven’t fared much better: a humiliating 6-2 thrashing by Beitar Jerusalem last weekend exposed defensive frailties and sapped morale. Playing on neutral soil hasn’t helped, with the TSC Arena’s artificial turf adding an unfamiliar layer of challenge.
Lyon, by contrast, are flying high in seventh place with nine points from 12 (three wins, three draws), boasting one of the competition’s stingiest defenses—clean sheets in three of four outings. Les Gones have scored first in every group game and converted those starts into wins, showcasing Paulo Fonseca’s structured approach. Their Ligue 1 form is mixed—a recent 0-0 draw at Auxerre extended an unbeaten run to five (three draws, two losses)—but European nights have brought out the best. Historically, Lyon have never lost a competitive match against Israeli sides, adding psychological edge.
This is the sides’ first-ever meeting, so no head-to-head baggage exists. Expect Maccabi to push forward desperately for their maiden win, potentially leaving gaps for Lyon’s counter-attacks. The French side’s away form in Europe (unbeaten in their last five) suggests control, but Maccabi’s home-soil desperation (even if neutral) could spark chaos.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Maccabi Tel Aviv Injuries/Suspensions: Mohamed Aly Camara (injury) is the main absentee; otherwise, a near-full squad. Manager Zarko Lazetic may tweak for urgency, inserting flair where needed.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Mishpati; Asante, Shlomo, Heitor, Revivo; Davida, Sissoko, Noy; Varela, Peretz, Madmon.
Key Player: Dor Peretz—midfield dynamo with a knack for goals/assists; he’ll need to orchestrate from deep to feed forwards.
Lyon Injuries/Suspensions: A lengthy list hampers depth—Ernest Nuamah, Malick Fofana, Clinton Mata, Orel Mangala, Rachid Ghezzal, and Ruben Kluivert all sidelined. Fonseca will lean on youth and rotation.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Grief; Maitland-Niles, Niakhaté, Barisic, Tagliafico; Tessmann, Tolisso, Sulc; Karabec, Satriano, Molébé.
Key Player: Enzo Molébé—pacey winger whose direct runs could exploit Maccabi’s high line.
Predictions and Betting Insights
Lyon’s quality should shine through, but Maccabi’s need for points might force an open game. Our take: Lyon edges a professional 2-1 victory, extending their unbeaten European start while denting Maccabi’s hopes. Both teams to score (BTTS Yes) feels likely at -132 odds, given Maccabi’s defensive woes (12 goals conceded in five) and Lyon’s away trends (under 2.5 in three of five).
- Score Prediction: Maccabi Tel Aviv 1-2 Lyon
- Top Bet: Lyon to Win @ 4/5 (1.80 decimal)—55% implied probability, backed by their 75% win rate in group games.
- Player Prop: Molébé Anytime Goalscorer @ +250—his speed vs. tired legs post-international break.
- Goal Total: Over 2.5 Goals @ Evens—four of Maccabi’s last five have hit this mark.
Stats to Watch:
- Lyon: 100% win rate when scoring first (three from three this season).
- Maccabi: Just one goal in their last three Europe games; zero clean sheets.
Why This Match Matters
For Maccabi, a result here is survival—another loss could relegate them to Conference League playoffs or worse. Lyon, eyeing a seeded knockout spot, can’t afford complacency amid Ligue 1 pressures. In a group featuring powerhouses like Aston Villa, this could be a defining night for both.
Tune in tonight and witness if underdogs Maccabi conjure magic or if Lyon’s sophistication prevails. For live updates, follow @UEFAEuropaLeague on X. Halftime thoughts? Drop them below—who’s your pick to advance?