Rennes’ Europa League roadmap: from Graz draw to OFI at home

Stade Rennais kicked off their Ligue Europa campaign with a 0-0 at Sturm Graz, a result they would have preferred to turn into a win. Still, as L'Équipe points out, the French side has seven matches left to chase the maximum points and secure qualification for the play-offs, or even better.

Rennes’ next key stretch

First up is the second matchday: Rennes will play at home against OFI Crete on October 15 at 21:00. The next test is considerably tougher, with a trip to Turin on October 22 to face Juventus at 18:45.

Beyond those two fixtures, L'Équipe lists several other important meetings that will shape the race for positioning in the phase: Rennes face Olympiakos, NEC Nijmegen and Dinamo Zagreb, then close out the run with games against Omonia Nicosia and Sparta Prague.

After a goalless opening, the immediate challenge is straightforward: make home advantage count quickly, then show up strong on the hardest away nights to put themselves in a good place for qualification.