VIGO, Spain (Jan. 22, 2026) (Interstat) — AD Ceuta FC opened its Europa League campaign with a 2-1 upset of French side Lille on Thursday at Estadio Abanca Balaídos.

The match turned early when Ceuta’s Hugo Sotelo received a red card in the 29th minute. Despite being a man down, Ceuta took the lead in the 31st minute through Williot Swedberg’s goal. Defender Carl Starfelt doubled the advantage in the 69th minute, assisted by Óscar Mingueza.

Lille’s Olivier Giroud scored a late goal in the 86th minute, but the comeback fell short. The game was contentious, featuring seven yellow cards in addition to the early dismissal. The result defied pre-match projections that favored Lille.