Remi Garde: 'Winning Europa League start crucial for Lyon'

Lyon coach Remi Garde has insisted that it is important for his side to get off to a winning start in the Europa League this season.

Les Gones, who were beaten by La Liga outfit Real Sociedad in the Champions League playoffs, travel to Spanish side Real Betis on Thursday for their opening match of Group I.

The French club go into the match without a win in their last five games, but Garde believes that the clash with Betis is the perfect time to stop the rut.

"It's the first match and a good start is always important," Garde said in his press conference.

"We will try to win. Yes, we need to be careful, but we also need to have ambition – and we have plenty of ambition in Europe."

The match gets underway at 8.05pm.