The UEFA coefficient is a bit like a goldmine for the various leagues. Clubs in each country must perform well to maintain their top rankings. France has struggled in Europe several times, but managed to climb to 5th place at the end of the 2023-2024 season, thus securing seven European qualification spots (four for the Champions League, including three direct qualification spots, two for the Europa League, and one for the Europa Conference League). The objective was to at least maintain this ranking at the end of the 2025-2026 season, or even catch up with Germany. This week’s results are rather poor.
UEFA coefficient by country (over the last five seasons, including the current one).
Source: UEFA official website.
Indeed, France has had a somewhat positive week, but one that could have been better: While PSG (2-1 against Sporting Lisbon), Marseille (0-3 against Liverpool), and Monaco (6-1 against Real Madrid) all lost in the Champions League at the start of a terrible week, a small bright spot came from the Europa League.
With a pleasant surprise, as Nice took their first three points (3-1 against the Go Ahead Eagles). Olympique Lyonnais defended their top spot (0-1 against Young Boys of Bern). On the other hand, Lille stumbled against Celta Vigo, playing with a one-man advantage from the 29th minute (they had been leading 1-0 since the first minute, following a huge error).
