The Park is getting ready for another European night. On Wednesday evening at 21:00, the Mauves welcome Lyon on Matchday 1 of the League Phase of the Europa League. "This is what you play for when you are at a club like RSC Anderlecht," Léo Petrot said ahead of the game. "We’re not here to hide, we want to win."

Léo Petrot was one of the first summer signings of the Mauves. The Frenchman quickly established himself as a regular in the heart of the defence and has not missed a single minute this season. "I feel good at RSCA. Since I arrived, I had to adapt quickly because the games were coming thick and fast. I had to settle in and integrate quickly, but I feel at home here and I’m happy to have already played so many games."

Petrot made 99 appearances for Saint-Étienne’s first team. He also played in the Derby against neighbours Lyon on several occasions, with Lyon now set to face the Mauve et Blanc in their Europa League opener. "As a Stéphanois, I know how important it is. I was also born in Saint-Étienne and have supported the club since I was young, so I know the rivalry between Saint-Étienne and Lyon. It is always special for me to play against them, but I am now part of RSCA and the most important thing is our performance on the pitch tomorrow."

Since the start of the season, Petrot has formed a central defensive partnership with fellow Frenchman Giulian Biancone, who also joined RSCA this summer. Against Lyon, however, the duo will not start together for the first time this season. Biancone was forced off with an injury against KV Mechelen last weekend. "It’s a real shame for Giulian, but as a group we have to be able to deal with absences. We need every player and we know that, whoever plays, we will approach tomorrow’s game as we always do. We are all pulling in the same direction and that competition can only be good for the team."

For Vítor Bruno, the game will also be a reunion with a familiar face. "I have known Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca for a very long time, from when he was still a young player. He was part of the team coached by my father at FC Barreirense. After his playing career, he also built a very good coaching career, with spells at major Portuguese and other European clubs." For the Portuguese coach, RSCA - Lyon will therefore be a clash between a coach with plenty of experience and one who is at the beginning of his coaching career. "Paulo loves good football and always wants the ball, just like me. We’ll see tomorrow who comes out on top."

The head coach of RSCA is expecting an entertaining game. "It will be a difficult, high-level game for both teams. We know Lyon are a team with a lot of experience." Fonseca’s side narrowly missed out on Champions League football this season, being eliminated by Fenerbahçe in the play-offs. "When you look at their games, you can see how easily they can change their system. They are a very well-organised team, but we will approach the game just like any other. The aim is to be predictable for my team, but unpredictable for our opponent."

See you on Wednesday 16 September at 21:00 at the Lotto Park for RSCA - Lyon, the first game of the League Phase of the Europa League.