Yesterday, the draw for the Europa League group stage took place. It was a special draw for the Gym, as they were returning to European competition after years of drought.
For its first participation in the Europa League group stage, OGC Nice has been placed in Group I. The Eaglets will face three rather tough teams: two seasoned European teams and one long trip. Here’s a quick overview of the opposing forces.
Schalke 04
By far the most formidable opponent in the group. Fifth in the last Bundesliga season, the club from North Rhine is a regular on the European stage, alternating between the Champions League (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015) and the Europa League (2012, 2016). Last year, Schalke was eliminated in the round of 32 by Shakhtar Donetsk.
The seven-time German champion has already won a European competition: the UEFA Cup in 1997. Their most recent title was the German Super Cup in 2011.
On the field, the German club can count on its striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, its captain Benedikt Höwedes, and recently transferred Benjamin Stambouli from Paris Saint-Germain.
Red Bull Salzburg
The Austrian club will also be a formidable opponent. It is indeed the reigning three-time champion of the Austrian Bundesliga, with a total of ten national titles since 1994. Salzburg has also won four Austrian Cups, with the most recent victory.
The club has been present in European competitions without interruption for ten years, advancing from the Europa League group stage in 2012 (Round of 16), 2014 (Round of 8), and 2015 (Round of 16). Last year, Red Bull Salzburg was eliminated in the Europa League playoffs by Dinamo Minsk, via penalty shootout. This year, after losing in the Champions League playoffs to Dinamo Zagreb, Salzburg found themselves in the Europa League.
Salzburg can rely on its captain, Jonathan Soriano, the team’s main star and a formidable striker.
FK Krasnodar
The Russian club from the southwest of the country (thankfully, not too far away) has the potential to be the surprise of the group. Founded in 2008 and making its way to the Russian elite in 2011, it quickly climbed the ranks to discover Europe as early as 2014.
Krasnodar quickly made their mark on the European stage with a surprise victory against Borussia Dortmund, which allowed them to finish first in their Europa League group. However, the Russian club was then eliminated in the round of 32 by Sparta Prague.
Key players in the team include captain Andreas Granqvist, Brazilian player Wanderson, and Charles Kaboré, a former player for Olympique de Marseille.
At the end of the draw, OGC Nice president Jean-Pierre Rivère said: “We are smiling, but it’s a strong group. There is a long trip (Krasnodar in Russia). We take the draw as it is.
There is no doubt, we are going to give it our all. A club like ours rarely gets the opportunity to play, we’ll see how far we go.”
