SK Sturm Graz vs Stade Rennais

Sturm Graz and Rennes kicked off their Europa League campaigns with a goalless stalemate, a result shaped almost entirely by VAR. Both sides had the ball in the net only to see the goals wiped off, leaving a cagey, error-strewn contest with little quality to show for it. The first half was so sluggish that Sturm didn't manage a shot on target until the 38th minute. Rennes thought they'd broken through when Adrien Thomasson converted, but the goal was chalked off for handball. Sturm Graz had their own moment of joy cancelled out too, as Paul-Friedrich Koller headed in a deflection from Joshua Quarshie, only for the flag to go up for offside. Bryan Reynolds and Estéban Lepaul both squandered glorious chances for Rennes, while goalkeeper Brice Samba kept the hosts at bay when needed. A point apiece leaves both sides with work to do. Rennes, back in Europe after 937 days away and riding good domestic form, will be frustrated not to have turned their dominance into three points, and now look to their next fixture against OFI Crete to kickstart their campaign. Sturm Graz, playing the underdog role at home, will happily take the clean sheet and a share of the spoils to start their group stage.