The 4th days of the Champions League and Europa League delivered their verdicts and distributed the precious UEFA index points to the nations of the Old Continent. Despite the defeat of PSG, France limits the damage against its competitors.
Good, but could do better. At the end of the 4th days of the Champions League and Europa League, the calculators are out again to update the sacrosanct UEFA index which determines the number of European places allocated to each championship.
Well placed in 5th place in this important ranking, France had a rather positive week from an accounting point of view, even if it can, as often, harbor some regrets. If the great victories of Brest and Monaco fuel, as often this season, the UEFA French index, the defeat of PSG against Atlético and the draw conceded by Lyon on the lawn of Hoffenheim, two results having changed in the stops game, deprive him of precious units.
A UEFA index weighed down by PSG
With two victories (Brest and Monaco, therefore), three draws (Lille, Lyon and Nice) and one defeat (PSG), France accumulates 7 points, to be divided by the number of French clubs involved at the start of the season, i.e. 7 The French UEFA index therefore sees its total increase by one point this week.
What about its direct competitors? The Netherlands, 6th, dream of stealing this precious 5th place, synonymous with a fourth ticket for the Champions League. This week, the results of Dutch clubs allowed their UEFA index to jump by 1.167 points, slightly better than the French score.
In the ranking, France remains 5,217 points ahead of its Dutch competitor (62,950 against 57,733). A comfortable margin which should allow it, barring a major accident, to contain the Netherlands by the end of the season and to preserve its four precious tickets for at least one more season.
In front, Germany (4th) is far too far with 75.660 points, a lead of 12.710 points over France. But next season should draw a very different reality since the hexagonal index, calculated over five rolling years, will see its worst accounting season disappear (2020-2021). It will perhaps be time to look higher and aim to compete for a 4th place which would offer the luxury of 4th in Ligue 1 not having to go through the preliminary round of the Champions League to secure their place in league stage.
The UEFA index ranking as of November 7, 2024
- England 94,589
- Italy 83,731
- Spain 77,846
- Germany 75,660
- France 62,950
- Netherlands 57,733
- Portugal 54,616
- Belgium 47,600
The next days of the Champions League and Europa League will take place on November 26, 27 and 28.
