Olympique Lyonnais climbs as Marseille slips in Europa League

Olympique Lyonnais have made the strongest start among France’s three Europa League representatives, while Marseille face an early setback at the bottom end of the standings. Rennes remain in a middle position after taking a point away from home, but Marseille’s difficult start to the Ligue 1 season has now been followed by a damaging European defeat.

Lyon are 11th after beating Anderlecht 2-1 in Belgium. Rennes are 19th after a goalless draw at Sturm Graz, while Marseille sit 32nd following a 4-1 loss to Besiktas in Istanbul. The result leaves Marseille with little margin for error before Sunday’s Ligue 1 meeting with Paris Saint-Germain and the Europa League visit of Olympiacos on October 15.

Juventus lead the overall table after defeating NEC Nijmegen 5-0. Crystal Palace, Sparta Prague and Besiktas occupy the places immediately behind the Italian side. Nijmegen are last, with Lech Poznan 34th and Viktoria Plzen 35th.

Lyon will next face Crystal Palace, with former coach Pierre Sage’s side among the next challenges for the French club. Rennes are scheduled to host OFI Crete. The opening round therefore leaves Lyon in a position to build on an away victory, Rennes needing a first win and Marseille under pressure to recover quickly.