LOSC Lille are set to host SK Brann on September 25, 2025, at the Decathlon Arena – Stade Pierre Mauroy in Lille, France, for their opening UEFA Europa League group stage match[3]. Lille seek a strong Europa League start after coming off a heavy 3-0 domestic defeat, but maintain solid European form, losing just four group or league phase matches in European competitions since 2020/21[1].
Brann arrive in excellent form, unbeaten in their last seven domestic matches (six wins and one draw), following a 3-0 league win, but replicating that success in Europe presents a challenge; they have only one win against teams from Europe’s top-five leagues this century[1]. Brann remain undefeated in their away qualifying matches for this campaign[1].
This fixture marks Lille’s first-ever competitive match against Norwegian opposition, while Brann have previously faced French clubs three times without a win[1]. Lille’s last five Europa League home games saw both teams score, and they have avoided defeat in five of the last six UEL home matches when conceding first[1]. Conversely, Brann have failed to win 13 of their last 14 away games in major European competition, but have managed to score at least twice in each of their last six away fixtures[1].
Notable players to watch include Olivier Giroud for Lille, who has 19 goal involvements in 25 Europa League appearances, and Sævar Magnússon for Brann, who has three goals in UEFA qualifiers and a recent run of away scoring form[1]. Lille will be missing Thomas Meunier and Alexsandro due to injury, and Romain Perraud is also a doubt following an injury in their last league match. Brann are without Sakarias Opsahl and Japhet Sery Larsen[1].
The match is scheduled to begin at 16:45 UTC, and both teams’ lineups, statistics, and live updates will be available through major sports platforms covering the Europa League[3].