Rennes swept, Marseille and Lens hung on, Toulouse paid poorly

Two draws and two losses. French clubs are in a bad position on Thursday evening after being stopped at the last minute by AC Milan (3-0), or Marseille, Shakhtar Donetsk (2-2) in the first leg of the Europa League play-offs, like Rennes. ).

The evening started with the first disappointment, OM, who believed they had secured a precious victory against Shakhtar Donetsk. Twice, Marseille led, and twice, the Ukrainians immediately equalized, snatching a draw in extra time (90th + 3).

The Donetsk team was forced to play “at home” in Hamburg due to the war in their country, the Focaians, without enthusiasm, recorded a poor performance, which, according to their coach Gennaro Gattuso, “is a photograph of this team and this season.”

Rains almost eliminated

The bill was tougher for Rennes, who are unbeaten in nine matches at domestic level, but who fell heavily against AC Milan at the San Siro.

Breton, too soft, conceded to the Milanese, led by the Blues’ Theo Hernandez, Mike Magnan and Olivier Giroud. Beaten 3-0, they see their chances of qualification seriously damaged, a week ahead of the return leg at Rosen Park.

Mute the lens at home

Despite its Ballart Stadium support, Lens were pushed and held by Friborg (0-0). Not only did Sang et Or fail to take advantage in this first leg, but they were also dominated by the German club, in better shape ahead of the return match a week later, which will decide the fate of this encounter.

Lensois failed to create a real chance, unlike the Germans, who hit the crossbar (19th) and saw Kevin Denso deny them a goal thanks to a miraculous tackle on his line (58th).

De Maria executioner of Toulouse

On the French side, Smit may come from Lisbon, where Toulouse was long thought to have achieved its feat.

TFC, uncomplicated, showed its strength of character to return to 1-1, but two goals from penalties by Angel Di Maria, including one at the end of extra time (90th + 8), allowed the Lisbon team to win. An option before returning to the stadium.