It was not a good European week for French clubs, defeated four times. LOSC and OL still allow France to limit the damage and maintain its lead over the Netherlands in the UEFA index.
The fifth day of the Champions League was the scene of new success for LOSC. Defeated for its first appearance in the competition, in Lisbon (2-0), the Mastiffs have largely rectified the situation with four consecutive matches without the slightest setback. Better yet, three successes were achieved, the last of which was in Bologna (1-2) this Wednesday. This positive result was nevertheless the only one in the most beautiful European competition.
The French clubs did not actually have the same success as the Lille team. L'AS Monacoin parallel with Lille, lost numerically in the Principality when they received Benfica Lisbon (2-3). Likewise a day earlier for the Paris Saint-Germainbeaten in Munich (1-0), and the Brest Stadiumcrushed by FC Barcelona (3-0). The clubs involved in the Europa League have not really turned the tide. L'OL won well (1-4) against Qarabag, but theOGC Nice
collapsed against the Rangers (1-4).
The UEFA index
These two victories in six matches have logically slowed down France in their progress in the UEFA index and benefited the Netherlands, who slightly reduced the gap. French clubs collected +0.571 this week, compared to +0.667 for the Dutch teams. A notch lower, Portugal does even better +1,275 points. LOSC and Olympique Lyonnais fortunately limit the damage and France seems to remain in control. After this fifth day, France has 8,642 points for the current season, or 63,807 in total over the last five years. The Netherlands (59.233 over five years, 7.333 this year) represent its first pursuer with Portugal (56.491 over five years, 10.475 points this season).
But why is it so important? This abstract notion that is the UEFA index has a concrete impact on European championships. Fifth in this ranking over the last five seasons, currently France, will have four clubs qualified for the Champions League in 2026-2027 (three direct, like PSG, ASM and OM for the current year, and 1 in preliminary rounds, LOSC). Besides that, the sixth UEFA index only reports two accesses for the Big Ears Cup, and more perilous with preliminary rounds.
