Europa League: OM face Leverkusen, Lyon take on Juventus as Rennes learn their opponents
The Europa League league phase draw has delivered its verdicts on Friday for the three French clubs competing: Marseille, Lyon and Rennes now know their eight respective opponents.
Olympique de Marseille, Olympique Lyonnais and Stade Rennais have learned their opponents in the Europa League league phase following the draw held on Friday. The three French clubs have been handed contrasting schedules, with prestigious matchups on the agenda for each of them.
OM find themselves in the most demanding group on paper. The Marseille side will face Bayer Leverkusen, the reigning German champions, as well as Celtic, Olympiakos, Anderlecht, Celta Vigo, Sturm Graz, Besiktas and Levski Sofia. The trip to Germany to face Xabi Alonso’s side looms immediately as the most demanding test of the Phocaeans’ campaign.
Lyon, for their part, also face Leverkusen at home and will have to contend with trips to Hoffenheim, Real Sociedad and Jagiellonia. The Lyonnais will host Union Saint-Gilloise, Anderlecht, Crystal Palace and Norwegian side Lillestrom.
Stade Rennais have drawn a tighter schedule, with only two matchups revealed in the available material: an away trip to Turin to face Juventus and a home fixture against Olympiakos. The Bretons’ full schedule has not yet been fully communicated.
The three French clubs will therefore compete in their league phase in an unprecedented eight-match format, with the competition having adopted this season a single league formula replacing the old four-team groups.
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