UEFA Ranking: Ligue 1 Extends Lead Over Portugal for Fifth Place

Ligue 1 clubs consolidated their fifth place in the UEFA ranking by securing four victories from seven matches this week, bringing their total to 70.296 points against 66.550 for Portugal, a gap of 3.746 units.

The week had started very badly. On Tuesday, Lille collapsed away at Arsenal (0-3) while Lens conceded a home defeat to Sporting CP (0-2) — the only direct Franco-Portuguese encounter in the league phase this season. This double setback raised fears of a reversal of fortunes.

The turnaround came Wednesday and Thursday. PSG led the way by overturning Manchester City (3-2), followed by Olympique Lyonnais against Crystal Palace (3-2), Stade Rennais against OFI Crete (2-1) and Monaco in Sofia (2-1). Only Olympique de Marseille worsened the record by losing at the Vélodrome to Olympiacos (0-1). On the Portuguese side, the balance proved far more disappointing with only two victories for three defeats, Porto, Torreense and Braga all falling.

Despite this favorable record, the situation remains precarious. This summer, the UEFA coefficient calculation — smoothed over five seasons — erased France’s highly productive 2021-2022 season (18.416 points), reducing an advantage that exceeded ten points to just over three units in September.

The stakes are considerable for French football. Maintaining fifth place guarantees seven representatives in European competitions, including four spots for the Ligue des Champions (three direct qualifications, one via the third qualifying round). A slip to sixth place would cost one European club and qualify only two teams directly for the Champions League.

With the top 4 (England, Italy, Spain, Germany) out of reach and Belgium (7th) not yet threatening, France has no room for error. Every point earned in the Ligue Europa and Ligue Europa Conférence will be decisive in keeping Portugal at bay until spring.