After suffering its first defeat of pre-season preparations—a 0-2 loss to Slavia Prague on Saturday—the Olympique Lyonnais squad will discover a crucial piece of information that could shape their European campaign. The third qualifying round draw, taking place at noon, will reveal who Les Gones will face in a potential path to the group stage. With the best UEFA coefficient (65.750) among the potential opponents, Lyon holds the top seeding in this qualifying path.
A challenging path in recent history
Looking at the past thirteen seasons since this two-legged third qualifying round format was introduced, only two Ligue 1 teams have successfully navigated this stage: AS Monaco in summer 2016 and Lille in 2024. Lyon’s own attempt in August 2013 ended in failure against Real Sociedad (0-2, 0-2), a memory that still lingers for the club’s supporters.
Potential opponents and their strengths
The draw could present several formidable challenges:
- Union Saint-Gilloise (Belgium) – Currently boasting the highest UEFA coefficient (48.000) among potential opponents, the Brussels-based side reached the Champions League group stage last season. Despite falling short to Marseille in December (2-3), they narrowly missed the knockout rounds on goal difference. With domestic titles in 2025 and domestic cup success in 2026, the Belgian champions represent a significant threat.
- Sparta Prague (Czech Republic) – Holding a UEFA coefficient of 38.250, the Czech side’s aggressive pressing style could pose problems for Lyon. The Rhône-Alpes team’s recent 0-2 defeat to Slavia Prague highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that will need addressing.
- NEC Nijmegen (Netherlands) – With a coefficient of 13.585, the Dutch side finished third in their domestic league and will be competing in their first European campaign in years. Their direct qualification makes them a dangerous opponent.
- Sturm Graz vs Hearts winner – The Austrian champions (26.000) face Scottish runners-up Hearts of Midlothian in a playoff whose winner will join the third qualifying round. Either team would present a physical challenge for Lyon’s squad.
Defensive concerns ahead of potential clash
Lyon’s preparation has been far from perfect, conceding eight goals in four pre-season matches. The team faces Sparta Prague (0-2), Union Saint-Gilloise (0-4 after extra time), PSV Eindhoven (3-3 after 75 minutes before losing 0-4), and a 4-0 victory over Romanian outfit S. Bucarest (4-0) in their four warm-up fixtures. The defensive issues will need immediate attention regardless of who emerges from the draw.