The French Premier League (Ligue 1) has confirmed that two clubs - Rennes and Nice - have qualified for the Europa League, marking their first appearances in the competition since the league's return from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rennes is set to face Real Madrid in the group stage while Nice will take on Manchester United in the round of 16. The teams were both selected as the most likely candidates for qualification due to their performances this season, with Rennes having won four out of six games and Nice winning three of five.
The Europa League is one of the most prestigious football competitions in Europe, featuring some of the best clubs in the world. It was established in 2004 and has become increasingly popular over the years, attracting top clubs from across the continent.
The selection process for the Europa League is quite complex, involving several rounds of matches between the participating clubs. Each team plays against each other once in the qualifying stages before advancing to the knockout phase.
In France, the UEFA Europa League is usually played at the end of the season, with the final taking place in May or June. However, this year's edition has been delayed due to the ongoing pandemic.
It remains to be seen how well these two clubs perform in the competition, but it is certainly exciting news for fans of the sport. With the return of the Premier League, there is always hope for more success in European football.