Several French clubs have advanced in the 2024-2025 Europa League, with Lyon securing direct qualification to the round of 16 and Lille reaching the play-off round. Nice, however, was eliminated from the competition.
Lyon finished top of their group, while Lille secured a play-off spot after a last-minute penalty from Olivier Giroud.Nice finished bottom of their group with onyl 3 points.
Lyon’s Youthful Victory
Despite fielding a largely reserve team against PAOK, Lyon secured a 4-2 victory. 17-year-old Rémi Himbert scored his first professional goal,becoming the youngest goalscorer for Lyon in European competition,surpassing Karim Benzema’s previous record. lyon went ahead through Himbert, were then leveled, and then Khalis merah (18 years old) scored to make it 2-2. Late goals from Karabec (88th minute) and Alejandro Gomes (90+3 minute) sealed the win.
Karabec had previously missed a penalty during the match.
Giroud Secures Play-off Spot for Lille
Olivier Giroud,entering the match in the 82nd minute,scored a crucial penalty in added time (90+2 minute) to give Lille a 1-0 victory over Freiburg. This result ensured Lille’s qualification for the Europa League play-offs.Freiburg had already qualified and played the final minutes with 10 players.
Nice suffered a 1-0 defeat to Ludogorets, concluding their European campaign with 7 losses in 8 matches and finishing with only 3 points.
The current standings behind Lyon include Aston Villa, Midtjylland, Real Betis, Porto, Braga, Freiburg, and Roma. Lille will face either Celta Vigo or Red Star Belgrade in the play-offs. If Lille advances, they could perhaps face Aston Villa or Lyon in the round of 16.