The Olympique Lyonnais will learn this monday which team awaits them in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The draw will determine whether the Gones face Union Saint-Gilloise, Sparta Prague, NEC Nijmegen, or the winner of Sturm Graz-Hearts. The first leg is scheduled for August 4 or 5, with the return fixture set for August 11.

As the top seed in this qualifying path with a UEFA coefficient of 65.750, Lyon is expected to navigate this stage successfully. The Gones must advance through four matches—including a playoff round on August 18-19 and 25-26—to secure a spot in the group stage.

History suggests this path won’t be easy. Since the current format was introduced, only two Ligue 1 teams have advanced: Monaco in summer 2016 and Lille in 2024. Lyon knows this all too well—they fell short in August 2013, losing their playoff against Real Sociedad (0-2, 0-2) in Antoine Griezmann’s final match.

Among the possible opponents, the Union Saint-Gilloise stands out with a UEFA coefficient of 48.000. The Belgian side, crowned 2025 Belgian champions and 2026 Belgian Cup winners, narrowly missed the Champions League group stage last season after finishing 27th with nine points, just behind Olympique de Marseille.

The Sparta Prague (UEFA coefficient: 38.250) presents another tough challenge. Paulo Fonseca highlighted their aggressive pressing and physical approach after Lyon’s 0-2 loss to Slavia Prague during a friendly in Germany.

The NEC Nijmegen (UEFA coefficient: 13.585), ranked third in their domestic league, and the winner of Sturm Graz-Hearts complete the list of potential opponents. Lyon will need to refine their defensive organization after conceding eight goals in four preseason matches.

Defensive issues in preseason

The Gones have struggled defensively, conceding eight goals in four preseason friendlies. Key absences like Malick Fofana (ankle) and Moussa Niakhaté (suspension) will further test the squad’s depth as they prepare for this high-stakes campaign.