Lyon start cautiously in the Europa League at Anderlecht's ground

Olympique Lyonnais begin this Wednesday their campaign in the Europa League against Sporting Anderlecht at 9 p.m., at the Belgian stadium. Coach Paulo Fonseca announced on Tuesday that his squad would be rotated for this match. After two consecutive eliminations, the Lyon side approach the group stage cautiously.

Recent eliminations in the Europa League

Lyon were eliminated in the quarter‑finals then in the round of 16 in the last two editions of the Europa League. These setbacks led the staff to adopt measured ambitions for the new campaign.

A setback in the Champions League

Olympique Lyonnais players could not get past Fenerbahçe in the Champions League playoff, with a first leg 1‑1 in Istanbul and a second leg 1‑2 in the Rhône. This defeat reinforced the desire to bounce back in Europe.

Third adventure in the Europa League

This Wednesday marks the third top‑flight campaign in the Europa League for the Lyon side, their eighth participation in twelve years. Lyon hope to surpass the performances of previous seasons.

Rotation planned by the coach

Paulo Fonseca is planning a significant rotation against Anderlecht, retaining only three survivors from the match that saw Lyon face Paris FC last weekend. Dominik Greif is expected to be replaced by Rémy Descamps between the posts.

Uncertain starters

Keito Nakamura could make his first start since his arrival at Les Gones from Stade de Reims. Moussa Niakhaté, Tyler Morton and Lois Openda are expected to keep their places.

The European calendar

Lyon will first face Anderlecht in Belgium, then host Stade Rennais, considered a direct rival for Champions League qualification in Ligue 1. Both matches will be decisive for the club's progress in Europe.

Goal: Europe

Despite a cautious start, Lyon keep the objective of performing sustainably in Europe this season, leveraging the depth of their squad and Paulo Fonseca's tactical flexibility.