The Champions League, in its new formula, could offer an unprecedented clash between French clubs from the play-offs. PSG, Brest, Lille and Monaco, currently virtual roadblocks, find themselves in a situation where a Franco-French duel is not only possible but also authorized by the regulations.
A PSG – Lille in the current configuration
The play-offs concern the teams ranked between 9th and 24th place after the league phase. Clubs from 9th to 16th position will be seeded and will face those ranked between 17th and 24th, according to a pairs system. Thus, as L'Equipe explains, PSG, currently 22nd with 10 points, could face Lille (12th) if the rankings remain unchanged. The prospect of a PSG-Lille, or even another clash between French clubs like Brest or Monaco, is totally possible.
Before the last day, everything remains to be played for. PSG could still move up the standings in the event of a victory against Stuttgart and the poor performance of their French rivals. Such a configuration would make PSG the best French team in the standings, thanks to its goal difference. UEFA, in its regulations, does not place any obstacle to this type of confrontation, specifying that a clash between clubs of the same national association or between teams having already crossed paths in the league phase is permitted. The draw scheduled for January 31 in Nyon could therefore result in 100% Ligue 1 posters. Enough to guarantee presence in the round of 16… but also eliminate French representatives…
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To summarize
Now that the four French clubs are in a favorable position to qualify for the play-offs, a clash between them becomes a real possibility. Indeed, a clash between PSG and Lille would be particularly relevant.
