2023-12-11 22:44:00
This Tuesday morning, a few hours before the start of the last day of the group stage of European competitions, it is difficult to know whether, on Friday, the glass of French clubs will be half empty, or half full. From a strict arithmetic point of view, oh so important since the UEFA coefficient, capital for Ligue 1, is thus governed, the French teams have undoubtedly done the hardest part.
Factually, on the index France (58,831 points) is still behind the Netherlands (59,300), who occupy this dear fifth place offering four tickets (three direct, one via a third qualifying round) for the 2024 edition -2025 Champions League. But virtually, she is in front.
Five French clubs guaranteed to play in a European Cup in the spring… but which one?
Indeed, this strange trompe-l’oeil is linked to the fact that five bonus points have already been credited to PSV Eindhoven, whose qualification for the knockout stages of the Champions League is assured. Marseille and Rennes, first in their groups in the Europa League, will only need a draw on Thursday to benefit too.
As a reminder, here is how the UEFA coefficient points are allocated:
– Any victory from the group stage (C1, C3, C4): 2 points
– Any victory during qualifying and play-off matches (C1, C3, C4): 1 point
– Any draw from the group stage (C1, C3, C4): 1 point
– Any draw during qualifying and play-off matches (C1, C3, C4): 0.5 points
– Bonus for participation in the group stage (C1, C3): 4 points
– Bonus for participation in the round of 16 (C1): 4 points
– Group winners (C3): 4 points
– Second group (C3): 2 points
– Group winners (C4): 2 points
– Second group (C4): 1 point
– Each round reached by the clubs from the round of 16 (C1, C3, C4): 1 point
The total is then divided by the number of clubs in the association having participated in European competitions.
Apart from Lens, who still have to secure their third place in the Champions League group against Seville – a draw is enough for that – all the French teams (PSG in C1, Marseille, Toulouse, Rennes in C3 and Lille in C4) ensured a European future.
“The yellow wall is absolutely deafening”
The PSG paradox
But they still need to escape the roadblocks, as much as possible. In the event of a bad European week, Ligue 1 could find itself with… five clubs in the “round of 32” of the Europa League, and the risk of a monumental breakdown next February. The Lens fervor and its one-night triumph against Arsenal, OM’s explosive European meetings or even Toulouse’s exploit against Liverpool undoubtedly deserve much better.
This is therefore obviously not desirable – while Marseille and Rennes are in favorable waivers to obtain a direct ticket for the round of 16 of the Europa League – since this would mean that Ligue 1 would have no representative in the round of 16 of the Champions League . Which would be a first in 21 years, the era of the old C1 format. That would say a lot about the real health of the championship.
It would especially be a disaster for Paris Saint-Germain, which has never experienced such disappointment since it was under the Qatari flag, and even though its sporting project seemed clear and well-constructed. In Dortmund, the French champion can qualify by finishing first in the toughest group of this group stage, or finish third and be transferred to the Europa League play-offs. A funny paradox, ultimately like the European week which is looming for French clubs.
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