Lyon, Marseille and Rennes Start Europa League on Separate Roads
This week marks the start of the Europa League journeys for Lyon, Marseille, and Rennes, each heading into the competition with distinct challenges. Lyon will host Anderlecht on Wednesday at 21:00. Marseille travel to face Besiktas on Thursday at 21:00, while Rennes take on Sturm Graz.
Marseille's Struggles
According to Le Progres, OM enters their trip to Turkey without the confidence they had after a strong 4-0 win over Strasbourg to open their season. The summer saw a major squad overhaul aimed at generating cash, which left the team notably thinner.
Their recent form shows three straight losses in Ligue 1, including a 3-2 defeat to Paris FC at the Vélodrome stadium. Upcoming fixtures are tough, with a match against Paris SG just three days after Besiktas and later games against Bayer Leverkusen, Olympiakos, and Celtic Glasgow adding pressure.
Lyon’s Europa League Challenge
Lyon face different problems. After failing to advance past Fenerbahçe in the Champions League play-offs, they were relegated to the Europa League, which means less prize money. Financial scrutiny from the DNCG is ongoing. Their first test against Anderlecht will reveal if they have moved past that disappointment and could signal if they are contenders here.
Domestically, Lyon sit fifth but remain unsettled, as demonstrated by their recent uninspiring 0-0 draw with Paris FC.
Rennes Looking Strong
Rennes appear ready for the challenge. They are co-leaders in Ligue 1 with three wins and one draw. More than two years after losing in the round of 16 to AC Milan in February 2024 and still without a European quarter-final appearance, Rennes need a solid start against Sturm Graz.
- Europa League Matches This Week:
- Lyon vs Anderlecht: Wednesday at 21:00
- Besiktas vs Marseille: Thursday at 21:00
- Rennes vs Sturm Graz: Date and time not specified
Source: Le Progres
