Stade Rennais FC has confirmed the full fixture list for its 2023-2024 Europa League league phase campaign. The Breton club will play eight matches between September and January in the reformed competition, as reported by Stade Rennais on Wednesday.
The club's management highlighted the format change. "Nouvelle formule oblige, la première phase d'Europa League ne débutera pas par l'habituelle phase de poule." Stade Rennais said. This season marks a clear break from the old group stage system of four teams.
What are the away fixtures?
The European campaign will start with a long trip to Austria. Stade Rennais FC will face Sturm Graz at the Merkur Arena on September 16 at 9 PM. Another major away day is scheduled for November 5 at 6:45 PM at the Juventus Stadium, for a clash with Juventus Turin. The final away match of this phase will be played on November 26 at 9 PM at the Stadion de Goffert against NEC Nijmegen. These three trips represent significant logistical and sporting challenges for the squad.
The complete schedule of matches is available on our fixtures page. Supporters can now plan their follow-up of SRFC's European campaign.
When are the home games at Roazhon Park?
Stade Rennais FC' home ground, Roazhon Park, will host four of the eight matches in this phase. The first home game will be on October 15 at 9 PM against OFI Crete. This will be followed by the visit of Olympiacos on October 22 at 6:45 PM, Dinamo Zagreb on December 10 at 6:45 PM, and finally Sparta Prague on January 28 at 9 PM. The match against Sparta Prague on January 28 will conclude the league phase for the Rouge et Noir. These European nights at home will be key for accumulating points.
The composition of the squad set to play these matches can be viewed on our squad page. Several players will have the chance to make their mark on this continental campaign.
How does the new format work?
UEFA has completely overhauled the preliminary phase of the Europa League for this edition. All 36 qualified clubs are placed in a single league. Each team faces eight different opponents, four at home and four away. The fixtures are determined by a draw based on seeding pots. After these eight matchdays, the top 24 teams qualify for the knockout phase, while the top eight receive a bye straight into the round of 16.
This new format guarantees a high level of competition in every match and avoids predetermined groups. For Stade Rennais FC, the objective is clear: finish among the top 24 to continue the adventure in February. Their Ligue 1 performance, visible on our standings page, will also be an indicator of the team's form.
The kick-off for this European adventure will be on September 16 at 9 PM in Austria against Sturm Graz.
