Despite a decent weekly record, France continues to lose ground to Portugal in the UEFA rankings, jeopardizing its fifth place and its European quota.
The race for the UEFA coefficient is intensifying. Although French clubs delivered a rather encouraging week, with three wins, three draws and a single defeat, it proved costly for Lens. This apparently honorable record is not enough to stem the Portuguese momentum, which is nibbling away week after week at France's lead in the nations ranking.
The UEFA index is based on the cumulative results of clubs involved in European competitions over several seasons. France is thus paying for past performances that have been less consistent than those of its main rival. Portugal, powered by clubs such as Benfica, Porto and Sporting, is capitalizing on a consistency that France struggles to match, despite the presence of its heavyweights in the Champions League.
This fifth place is not merely symbolic. It determines the number of French representatives in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League for the seasons to come. Losing that rank would mechanically reduce the opportunities for French clubs to shine on the continental stage, and could create a vicious circle: fewer places, fewer points, less visibility.
The coming weeks will be decisive. Every match counts, every point is precious. French clubs must not only maintain their level, but also hope that their Portuguese rivals stumble. The margin is slim, and the danger is real. The fifth spot, long considered a given, is now more threatened than ever.
The UEFA index is based on the cumulative results of clubs involved in European competitions over several seasons. France is thus paying for past performances that have been less consistent than those of its main rival. Portugal, powered by clubs such as Benfica, Porto and Sporting, is capitalizing on a consistency that France struggles to match, despite the presence of its heavyweights in the Champions League.
This fifth place is not merely symbolic. It determines the number of French representatives in the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League for the seasons to come. Losing that rank would mechanically reduce the opportunities for French clubs to shine on the continental stage, and could create a vicious circle: fewer places, fewer points, less visibility.
The coming weeks will be decisive. Every match counts, every point is precious. French clubs must not only maintain their level, but also hope that their Portuguese rivals stumble. The margin is slim, and the danger is real. The fifth spot, long considered a given, is now more threatened than ever.
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Source: Ouest-France