All eyes on Dortmund as France look to secure UEFA co-efficient ranking

Paris Saint-Germain booked their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals for the first time in three years thanks to a 4-1 aggregate victory over Real Sociedad on Tuesday night. It is a result that has significant ramifications for the rest of Ligue 1. 

Next season, with the restructuring of European competitions, four Ligue 1 sides will have the chance to play in the Champions League. The top three will automatically qualify for the group stages, whilst the fourth-placed team will pass through a play-off. 

However, in order for the same to be the case in the 2025/26 season, and to avoid a reversion to just three teams qualifying for the competition, France needed a strong showing in European competitions this season to wade off the threat posed by the Eredivisie. 

Thanks to PSG’s progression and the continued presence of Olympique de Marseille (UEFA Europa League) and Lille OSC (UEFA Europa Conference League) in European competition, France are currently fifth in UEFA’s coefficient ranking. It is looking increasingly unlikely that they can be caught, as per a report from L’Équipe.

The only country that can mathematically do so is the Netherlands, however, their chances are hanging by a thread. PSV Eindhoven are the Eredivisie’s last hope. They must secure a result against Borussia Dortmund in their Champions League Round of 16 second leg on 13th March if they are to have any chance. The scores are level (1-1) heading into the tie at the Westfalenstadion.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle