The draw for the group stage of the Europa League 2025-2026 was held this Friday in Monaco. OGC Nice now knows its opponents and is preparing for a European campaign full of promises and challenges.
Gala evenings at the Allianz Riviera
Nice supporters will enjoy some great European nights in their stadium. The arrival of AS Roma will undoubtedly be the highlight of this group stage. The Italian club, a regular in the Champions League and major European events, will bring a unique flair to the Allianz Riviera. Braga, a solid Portuguese club, and Freiburg, a rising German team, won’t come as mere tourists. As for the Dutch from Go Ahead Eagles, they seem less equipped at first glance, but their enthusiasm can be surprising. These four home matches will provide Nice with an opportunity to showcase its progress and offer its fans unforgettable evenings.
A taste of Europe with away games
Europe also means the adventure of away games. And for Nice, it will be a complete experience. Playing in Porto, in a stadium filled with history and against a club with a prestigious record, will be a real test. The trip to Istanbul to face Fenerbahçe promises a fiery atmosphere that will put the Eagles under pressure. Ludogorets, in Bulgaria, is a regular in these competitions and often capable of upsetting predictions. Finally, Celta Vigo will remind us of the talent of Spanish football, with a team always difficult to maneuver at home. All these trips will require resilience and maturity.
The Taste of Revenge as a Driving Force
The frustration from the previous campaign still lingers. The Eagles saw their European journey end without a single victory. This draw, challenging as it may be, offers them the chance to set the record straight. Embarking on a new quest for Europe, erasing disappointments, and proving the club has grown: this is the main theme of this continental season.
The official schedule will be released in the coming hours, but one thing is certain: from mid-September, the Allianz Riviera will once again resonate as it hopes to write a happier chapter than the last one…
Fabrice Bocquet’s Reaction
The general manager of OGC Nice, Fabrice Bocquet, shared his thoughts. “It’s a very tough challenge for us. We play these competitions for these kinds of games,” he said. He also recalled the frustration of the past season: “We want our revenge compared to last year.” Finally, just days before the transfer window closes, he spoke about potential adjustments: “We also want to adjust the team; there are three days left in the transfer window.” His comments reflect both the club’s realism and ambition as it embarks on this European campaign.
At home:
• AS Roma
• Sporting Braga
• SC Freiburg
• Go Ahead Eagles
Away:
• FC Porto
• Fenerbahçe
• Ludogorets Razgrad
• Celta Vigo
