Anderlecht challenges OL in Conference League after Fenerbahçe and Lyon

L'OL, knocked out in the third qualifying round after its elimination in the Champions League playoffs against Fenerbahçe, travels this Wednesday at 9 pm to the pitch of Lotto Park in Anderlecht. The clash pits the Gones, fifth in Ligue 1, against the Belgian Mauves, already solid in Europe.

Anderlecht's European journey

Unlike L'OL, Anderlecht had to battle during the summer to secure its ticket for the league phase of the Europa League. The Mauves have passed three qualifying rounds, eliminating first Hammarby (1‑1, 3‑1), then PAOK Thessaloniki (1‑0, 3‑2) and finally Kairat Almaty (3‑0, 3‑0). Since the start of the season, the Belgian club has played six European matches, with a record of five wins and one draw.

In the league, Anderlecht has experienced a contrast: heavily beaten 3‑0 by Union Saint‑Gilloise, then a 1‑0 win against Courtrai, a 0‑0 draw with Genk and a 1‑0 success in Mechelen. This run of three consecutive matches without conceding a goal provides a defensive solidity that will be crucial against L'OL, even though several absences weaken the back line. Danylo Sikan, a Ukrainian striker, has already scored five goals in the six European matches, while Mihajlo Cvetkovic has been particularly effective since the start of the campaign.

Recent form of Olympique Lyonnais

Olympique Lyonnais would have preferred to start its European campaign in the Champions League, but it was knocked out in the third qualifying round after a penalty shootout loss to Fenerbahçe (1‑1 at home, 1‑2 away). In the Europa League, the Gones know the competition well, having finished first in their group last season before being eliminated in the round of 16 by Celta Vigo.

In Ligue 1, the French club has won two of its first four matches and sits in fifth place in the table. After an opening defeat, Lyon bounced back with 2‑0 victories over Toulouse and 3‑1 over Auxerre, then a 0‑0 point against Paris FC, having conceded only two goals. Paulo Fonseca can rely on an almost complete squad, and the summer arrival of Loïs Openda, former RC Lens striker, has already borne fruit with two goals scored.

Expert predictions lean towards a tight match, with both teams having a solid defence and recent European experience. Anderlecht relies on its home advantage and its experience of the group stages, while L'OL counts on the individual quality of its players to bounce back after the defeat to Fenerbahçe.

A favourable result for Anderlecht would extend its run of three matches without conceding in the league and consolidate its status as a European contender. Conversely, a win for L'OL would allow the Gones to confirm their good momentum in Belgium and revive their ambitions in the Europa League.