DSince Friday, Anderlecht has known the names of its opponents for the new Europa League format. The Purple and Whites will face top teams such as FC Porto (at home) or Real Sociedad (away), but they will also host Ferencváros, Ludogorets and Hoffenheim and travel to Slavia Prague, Viktoria Plzen and FK Riga.
“I’m quite happy with the draw. It’s a group with good prospects,” said Brian Riemer, the Mauves coach. “There are certainly some tough opponents among them. I’ve already played in Porto with FC Copenhagen, and now we’re meeting them at home, which will be a great experience. Real Sociedad have had some excellent performances in Spain in recent years, it will be a good test to see where we are. Hoffenheim, a Bundesliga club, will also be a difficult match.”
“That said, I see possibilities. We are not here as tourists, we are here to take part in the competition and achieve something. We fought all last season to qualify for the Europa League,” commented Riemer.
CEO Sports Jesper Fredberg finds that “it’s a very interesting mix. The home game against Porto, a big club with a great tradition, is a great match. Sociedad has performed exceptionally well in recent seasons and has provided Spain with many players at the Euros. And then there are teams like Ludogorets that we already know. I have to say that I’m happy that we’re playing them at home.”