Lyon lived up to their billing as group leaders on Thursday, defeating Dutch side Go Ahead Eagles 2-1 on Matchday 6 of the Europa League. The win moves OL closer to sealing direct qualification for the round of 16.
Elsewhere in European action, Nice’s nightmare run continues. The Aiglons extended their winless streak in Europe to 18 matches after a 1-0 loss to Braga. Lille also stumbled, falling 1–0 in Bern and missing a chance to break into the Top 8.
In the Europa Conference League, Strasbourg sit atop their group and booked a spot in the round of 16 after a 1-0 win at Aberdeen on Thursday.
A major challenge awaits Ahmed Kantari, the new Nantes manager, who begins his tenure on Friday away at Angers in the opening fixture of Ligue 1’s Matchday 16.
Morocco have punched their ticket to the Arab Cup semifinals, where a clash with Algeria could be on the horizon. Saudi Arabia also advanced after seeing off Palestine.
Roger Federer will be one of the stars of the Australian Open, where he is set to take part in an exhibition match during the tournament’s opening ceremony in January.
Finally, there was heartbreak for Paris Basketball, who fell in dramatic fashion to Zalgiris Kaunas of Lithuania.