Haise without a win in 17 Europa League matches, Rennes held to a draw in Graz

Stade Rennais failed to win away at Sturm Graz on Wednesday, drawing 0-0 in the first matchday of the Europa League league phase. For Franck Haise, this result extends his streak to 17 consecutive European matches without a victory.

The figure rings like a cruel paradox for one of French football’s most respected tacticians. Yet comfortable in Ligue 1, Haise has been hitting a continental ceiling for over a year: 5 draws and 12 defeats in 17 Europa League matches, without a single success.

To trace Haise’s last European victory, you have to go back to December 12, 2023. That evening, in the UEFA Champions League, his RC Lens beat Sevilla FC 2-1 at Bollaert-Delelis. A moment that led nowhere.

The losing streak began in early 2024, when Lens dropped into the Europa League. Facing Freiburg, the Sang et Or drew at home, then lost in extra time away (3-2 a.e.t.) despite a two-goal lead. The move to Nice changed nothing: the 2024-2025 campaign ended without a win (3 draws, 5 defeats), followed by a run of 6 defeats in 6 matches the following season. Ironically, OGC Nice found European success immediately after Haise’s departure, beating Go Ahead Eagles 3-1 in their first match.

Now in charge of Rennes, a club accustomed to continental competition in recent years, Haise has at least seven league-phase matches to reverse the trend. The next one will be at home against OFI Crete. Another slip-up would further weigh on a record that is beginning to raise questions.