Group H analysis: Lyon, Valencia, Zenit, Gent
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Article summary
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.
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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
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.