Marseille, Lyon Draw Bayer Leverkusen in 2026‑27 Europa League Group Stage
French clubs Marseille and Lyon will face German side Leverkusen, while Rennes meet Juventus and England’s Bournemouth and Sunderland are drawn with AC Milan
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French clubs Marseille and Lyon will face German side Leverkusen, while Rennes meet Juventus and England’s Bournemouth and Sunderland are drawn with AC Milan Credit: Image: france24.com via source article · All rights reserved
Evidence ledger
What is confirmed
Marseille and Lyon having Leverkusen as opponents, Rennes against Juventus, and Bournemouth and Sunderland facing AC Milan[1]
What remains disputed or unverified
No disputed central claims are recorded for this story.
Group‑Stage Draw Results
On 28 August 2026, UEFA announced the group‑stage draw for the 2026‑27 Europa League. In the competition’s group phase, French club Olympique de Marseille will compete against German side Bayer Leverkusen, and the same German team will also face Lyon in the round. Meanwhile, Rennes will be placed in a group with Italian powerhouse Juventus. The English clubs Bournemouth and Sunderland closed the day by being drawn against AC Milan.[1]
Implications for the French Clubs
The fixtures place Marseille and Lyon in a group with a strong German side that has performed well in recent European competitions. Rennes will face a traditionally strong Juventus squad, presenting a challenging matchup for the French club. The draw will test the depth and quality of the French teams as they aim to progress from the group stage.[1]
English Clubs’ Upcoming Challenge
Bournemouth and Sunderland’s pairing against AC Milan offers a glamorous but daunting assignment. The Italian club's pedigree in European competitions means both English sides will have a tough path ahead in their respective groups.[1]
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