Lillestrøm SK learned their Europa League group stage opponents when the draw was held on Friday. The Canaries will face Real Sociedad, Lyon and six other teams in a new tournament format featuring 36 participants.
Who will Lillestrøm SK face in the Europa League?
Lillestrøm SK's eight opponents are now set. At home at Åråsen stadium, they will host Real Sociedad, Viktoria Plzen, Bournemouth, and Torreense. The away matches are against Lyon, Sparta Prague, Celta Vigo, and Levski Sofia. This is a new format where each team plays eight different opponents, four at home and four away. The final group stage round is played in late January 2027. Teams finishing 1st to 8th qualify directly for the round of 16, while those placed 9th to 24th enter a playoff. Teams finishing 25th to 36th are eliminated from the Europa League. You can follow the matches on our fixtures page.
What does the coach say about the draw?
Lillestrøm manager Hans Erik Ødegaard had a specific wish granted. He expressed delight at drawing Real Sociedad. "Det hadde vært moro å dra tilbake til. Der hadde jeg noen artige kamper." Ødegaard said. The connection is personal, as his son Martin Ødegaard had his breakthrough in Spanish football while on loan at Real Sociedad from Real Madrid in the 2019/20 season. Martin Ødegaard is now the captain of the Norwegian national team.
What are the sporting challenges?
The UEFA rankings show that Lillestrøm SK, placed 209th, face tough opposition. Real Sociedad is ranked 42nd, Viktoria Plzen 40th, and Lyon 45th. Sparta Prague (62nd), Bournemouth (97th), Celta Vigo (111th), Torreense (133rd), and Levski Sofia (223rd) complete the set of opponents. Viaplay expert Lars Tjærnås commented on the draw for VG. He said the draw was better for Brann than for Lillestrøm from a sporting perspective. "Jeg likte også trekningen til LSK i Europa League, der blir det mange attraktive kamper, selv om sjansen for avansement er mindre," Tjærnås said.
Which Norwegian players will Lillestrøm meet?
Several Norwegian players will be on opposing teams when Lillestrøm SK compete in the Europa League. Jones El-Abdellaoui plays for Celta Vigo. Sparta Prague has two Norwegians in their squad: Tobias Guddal, recently sold from Tromsø, and striker Jonathan Braut Brunes. Brunes previously played for Lillestrøm and is the cousin of Erling Braut Haaland. Both players were signed by Sparta Prague in the summer of 2025. These matches will provide a good measure of where the Norwegian players stand, and you can check Lillestrøm's own players on the squad page.
What does this mean for Lillestrøm SK?
The Europa League group stage represents a major challenge for Lillestrøm SK. With eight matches against varied opponents, the team will test itself against top European football over an extended period. The task requires squad depth, and manager Ødegaard must use his full rotation to handle a busy schedule. The club's UEFA ranking of 209th highlights their underdog status. Success will not only be measured by advancement but also by the experience and performances at home in front of their own supporters. The upcoming matches will be a significant part of the club's modern history, and the results could impact future rankings. For the most updated figures, check our stats page.
