Lyon’s Ligue 1 fixture with Auxerre to be decided by Champions League qualifier
The third qualifying round of the Champions League sees Olympique Lyonnais face Sparta Prague, with the outcome determining when their Ligue 1 clash with Auxerre will take place. The provisional schedule for the fourth matchday has been adjusted, but Lyon’s home game against Auxerre remains unconfirmed for the September weekend.
Ligue 1’s governing body released an eight-game schedule spanning from Thursday, September 3 to Sunday, September 6, but Lyon’s matchday slot is notably absent. The reason? The Rhône-based club’s calendar could shift depending on their Champions League progress in August.
Possible dates: September 4 or 5, 2026
Lyon’s Champions League campaign begins next week with a trip to Sparta Prague for the first leg on Tuesday at 20:00. The return leg at Parc OL is scheduled for August 11, though the exact kickoff time is still to be finalized. Only after this two-legged tie concludes will the Ligue 1 fixture against Auxerre be officially slotted into the calendar.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel has outlined the following scenarios:
- If Lyon advances to the Champions League play-offs: Their Ligue 1 match against Auxerre will be played on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 19:00 on Ligue 1+.
- If Lyon is eliminated in the third qualifying round: Their Ligue 1 clash with Auxerre will take place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 20:45 on Ligue 1+.
