UEL: Nice defeated by Freiburg, Lille edged by Crvena Zvezda

Nice collapse after bright start against Freiburg

OGC Nice’s wait for a first Europa League win this season goes on after a damaging 3-1 home defeat to German side SC Freiburg on Thursday evening. Franck Haise’s men briefly led thanks to Kevin Carlos’ first-half opener, but a brutal 15-minute spell before the interval saw the visitors hit back three times to all but seal the points before the break.

The Allianz Riviera had reason to believe when Kevin Carlos struck a fine opener in the 25th minute, smashing into the top corner after neat interplay between Diop and Vanhoutte. However, the lead evaporated almost instantly. A costly mistake from Melvin Bard inside his own box handed Fribourg an equaliser, as Suzuki intercepted and squared for Manzambi to finish powerfully past Diouf.

That error proved the turning point. Bard’s nightmare continued when he conceded a penalty just ten minutes later, fouling Suzuki in the area. Captain Vincenzo Grifo stepped up to convert from the spot and put the visitors ahead. Worse was to come for the hosts moments later when David Scherhant drilled home Freiburg’s third following a neat assist from Ginter, completing a devastating burst that left Haise visibly dejected on the touchline.

Despite an improved second-half showing with Boga, Diop, and substitute Louchet all creating danger. Les Aiglons could not find a route back. They twice appealed for penalties for handball, while Gouveia saw a deflected cross rebound off the bar. Haise’s late tactical changes injected some life, but Freiburg’s defensive discipline and game management saw them through comfortably.

The defeat leaves Nice bottom of their UEFA Europa League group with zero points from four matches, while Freiburg strengthened their position in the top two.

Late penalty sinks Lille as Genesio’s men suffer another European setback

Lille endured a painful evening in Belgrade as Marko Arnautović’s late penalty handed Crvena Zvezda a 1-0 victory and condemned the Dogues to a second straight Europa League defeat. Despite controlling possession and territory, Bruno Genesio’s side once again failed to turn dominance into goals — and were punished at the death.

The match began in the cauldron-like atmosphere of the Marakana, where Lille quickly took control of the ball and tempo. Broholm, Bouaddi, and Bentaleb dictated play in midfield, while Igamane and Correia provided movement in attack. The Dogues’ best chance of the first half came through Igamane, whose effort was superbly kept out by Matheus. Yet, for all their possession, Lille lacked precision in the final third and went into the break goalless.

The pattern continued after the interval, with the visitors keeping 61% possession and completing over 550 passes. Giroud and Meunier were introduced to add cutting edge, while Haraldsson came on to inject fresh energy. However, it was the hosts who found the decisive moment late on. With just five minutes remaining, goalkeeper Özer rushed out and collided clumsily with Ivanic, conceding a penalty and receiving a yellow card. Arnautović stepped up and calmly slotted home to give the Serbian champions the lead.

Lille’s response was almost immediate. Giroud saw his shot saved before Bouaddi rattled the crossbar in stoppage time - but the equaliser never came. As the final whistle blew, frustration was etched across Genesio’s face, his side again left to regret missed chances and lapses in focus.

The result leaves Lille slipping to 15th place in the Europa League phase standings.