Preview: Chance to clinch knockout berth | OneFootball

Victory in Lyon would confirm Eintracht’s place in the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League, but the Eagles are expecting a “difficult away game” in the Rhône-Alpes region.

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Dino Toppmöller’s side return to action after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with FC Augsburg at Deutsche Bank Park with a trip to Olympique Lyonnais, who are currently seventh in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League. The game on Thursday 12 December gets under way at 21:00 CET. Third-placed Eintracht head into Matchday 6 in third place, knowing that another three points at the Groupama Stadium will confirm their place in the knockout stages of the competition. Lyon have lost two of their past three Europa League home games – as many defeats as in their previous 23 encounters in the competition in front of their own supporters (W16 D5 L2) – but board member for sport Markus Krösche is not underestimating the French side. “Olympique Lyon are a very good team with a lot of quality,” he said. “We’re in for a difficult away game.”

The trip to France is the Eagles’ fourth match out of six in an incredibly busy December. “The lads are going beyond their boundaries, and I’m sure they’ll do the same in our upcoming games,” Toppmöller said after the Augsburg match. “Next up are trips to Lyon and Leipzig. We want to give our all and give a good account of ourselves.”

The Eagles head into the game on a consistent run of form in Europe. They have scored in every league phase game so far, while their record of five goals conceded is the best in the tournament in 2024/25. “We have an opportunity to cement our place near the top with a win,” said Ansgar Knauff. “We have a good chance of finishing in the top eight. It’s a new week and we’re looking to get our next three points in the competition.”

Pierre Sage’s side won their dress rehearsal ahead of Thursday’s clash, beating Angers SCO 3-0 in Ligue 1. “The team played very well – that’s exactly what we’ve been trying to achieve for a long time now,” said the Lyon boss. “We were also able to rest players who have been playing a lot, like Alexandre Lacazette and Rayan Cherki.”