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Group H analysis: Lyon, Valencia, Zenit, Gent

UEFA.com crunches the numbers for Group H, featuring regulars Zenit, two returning sides with plenty of pedigree in Valencia and Lyon, and debutants Gent.

Group H analysis: Lyon, Valencia, Zenit, Gent
Group H analysis: Lyon, Valencia, Zenit, Gent ©UEFA.com

Group H pedigree

Lyon (FRA) – Pot 3
Previous group stage campaigns: 12 (last appearance: 2011/12)
Last season: UEFA Europa League play-offs
Best European Cup performance: semi-finals (2009/10)

Valencia (ESP) – Pot 2
Previous group stage campaigns: 8 (last appearance: 2012/13)
Last season: did not take part in UEFA competition
Best European Cup performance: runners-up (1999/2000, 2000/01)

Zenit (RUS) – Pot 1
Previous group stage campaigns: 5 (last appearance: 2014/15)
Last season: UEFA Champions League group stage/UEFA Europa League quarter-finals
Best European Cup performance: round of 16 (1985/86, 2011/12, 2013/14)

Gent (BEL) – Pot 4
Previous group stage campaigns: none
Last season: did not take part in UEFA competition
Best European Cup performance: third qualifying round (2011/12)

Matchday one fixtures (Wednesday 16 September)
Valencia v Zenit
Gent v Lyon

Lyon are in the group stage for the first time since 2011/12
Lyon are in the group stage for the first time since 2011/12©AFP/Getty Images

Key group facts

  • Zenit have never played any of their three Group H opponents.
  • Valencia recorded home (1-0) and away (2-1) victories against Lyon in the 2000/01 first group stage.
  • While Gent have never met Lyon, they lost 2-0 against Valencia in the 2005 UEFA Intertoto Cup third round, going down by that scoreline in Spain following a goalless home draw.

Reaction to the draw
Hubert Fournier, Lyon coach
It's quite even. Hopefully we can advance. We have a chance of progress. There are no great names in this group, but some good teams.

Zenit midfielder Javi García
There are no clear favourites in our group. I am happy we will visit Valencia – it's close to my home town Murcia. All my family and friends will have a chance to get to this game. We will fight for the top places in the group, that goes without saying.

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