Civil unrest forces Europa League tie Rennes – Olympiakos a day earlier

Europa League matches are normally played on Thursday, but the tie between Stade Rennes and Olympiakos Piraeus will be played on Wednesday.

The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 16:30, with Rennes and Olympiakos meeting each other.

Both clubs are still unbeaten in the group stage.

Reasons for the advancement

The UEFA decided last week to move the date forward by one day. The reason for this is the civil unrest in France. In recent weeks, large violent protests have taken place in many French cities.

On Thursday there will be again large‑scale strikes and protests, also in Rennes. French authorities told the UEFA that they could not guarantee the safety of supporters that day. Therefore, the UEFA, in consultation with Stade Rennes and Olympiakos, scheduled the match a day earlier.

Olympiakos remains flawless after three ties and is currently in fifth place. Rennes has collected five points and is in thirteenth place in the Europa League. On Thursday 26 November, NEC will host the French side at home. Dick Schreuder's team defeated Olympiakos last summer in the qualifying round of the Champions League.