Téfécé created a sensation at home against Liverpool on Thursday (3-2), while Rennes and OM, respectively winners of Panathinaikos (3-1) and AEK Athens (0-2), are leading the their group.
A perfect evening for French clubs in the Europa League, Thursday November 9. Overtaken at Anfield two weeks ago (5-1), Toulouse offered a prestigious victory to its supporters at the Stadium (3-2) at the end of a match full of twists and turns. Respectively winners of Panathinaikos (3-1) and AEK Athens (0-2), Stade Rennais and Olympique de Marseille remain at the top of their group. In the Europa Conference League, Lille was held to a draw against the Slovaks of Slovan Bratislava (1-1), but also retains first place in its group.
A landmark evening for Toulouse
To experience a historic evening, you need a great evening atmosphere. And the Stadium responded on Thursday, to allow TFC to achieve a prestigious success against Liverpool (3-2). A little more than 32,000 spectators were present in the aisles of the stadium, to set an attendance record dating from Euro 2016. They offered a great show in the stands with a touch of humor, as evidenced by this tifo “On a misunderstanding, it can work!” adorned with the head of the actor Michel Blanca sign that hope was possible but that it was slim.
The Violets supporters witnessed a lively encounter until the last second, and the equalizing goal was denied. Jarell Quansah for a handball by Alexis Mac Allister (90+9th minute). The stadium stood up as one and celebrated this announcement like a goal scored by its own. Beyond the prestige, this success allows Toulouse to be in a good position to qualify for the final phase. Here they are second in Group E, two points behind the Reds, and thanks to the defeat of Union Saint-Gilloise on the Linz pitch (0-3).
OM one step away from qualification
Friends in the stands but adversaries on the pitch on Thursday, OM and AEK Athens did not offer an unforgettable spectacle to the supporters. But the Phocaeans secured the essentials with this victory in Greece (0-2). The Marseillais were keen to salute Valentin Rongier, unavailable for several months after a knee injury, when Chancel Mbemba opened the score (25th). An assured success at the end of the match with Ismaïla Sarr’s goal after a lot of work from Jordan Veretout (90th + 3).
With this victory, Gennaro Gattuso’s men are at the top of Group B, one point ahead of Brighton, winner of Ajax Amsterdam who fell to the bottom of the abyss a little earlier (0-2). A victory at home against the Dutch on the next day will be enough to qualify for the C3 final phase.
Rennes comes out on top ten against eleven
The evening started well for Rennes, but it could quickly have turned into disillusionment. While the Breton club led 1-0 following the opener from Fabian Rieder (9th) after a huge error by the goalkeeper, Jeanuël Belocian saw red when conceding a penalty (33rd). Fotis Ioannidis converted it to put the two teams back on level terms.
But Bruno Genesio’s men, reduced to ten against eleven, showed character to leave Roazhon Park with three points after goals from Ibrahim Salah (65th) and Ludovic Blas (70th). A performance acclaimed by the Rennes coach at a press conference. “We showed a face that I like and is essential to achieve a high level performance. Taking this penalty and the expulsion of Jeanuël (Belocian) allowed us to have a trigger which triggered collective revolt.”.
The Rouge et Noir, winners of Pana for the second time in two weeks, are leaders of Group F ahead of Villarreal, who have a game in hand. A breath of fresh air for a team in difficulty in Ligue 1 with four games in a row without a victory, but which shines on the European scene.