Despite the Black Thursday experienced by French clubs in the Europa League, France consolidated its fifth place in the UEFA Ranking.
Marseille finally saved the honor. While there were four French clubs involved in the Europa League play-offs, OM is the only one still in the race. For Jean-Louis Gasset’s first, the Olympians overthrew Shakhtar Donetsk at the Vélodrome (3-1), earning their ticket to the round of 16.
Exit, however, Rennes, Toulouse and Lens. Beaten 3-0 in the first leg, Stade Rennais knew they were doomed but managed a prestigious victory against AC Milan. The TFC can, on the other hand, harbor regrets. Dominant, he had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Benfica after his first leg defeat (2-1). And what about Lensois, who led 2-0 before being caught in added time and then beaten in overtime.
Still three French clubs in the running compared to two for the Netherlands
Thanks to the two successes obtained, France has nevertheless widened the gap on the Netherlands in the race for fifth place in the UEFA Ranking. If Ajax Amsterdam won 2-1 on the Bodo/Glimt pitch in extra time, Feyenoord Rotterdam drew in Rome and was eliminated on penalties. Enough to allow France to be 2,731 points ahead of its rival.
And while France still has three clubs in the running: Olympique de Marseille in the Europa League, but also Lille in the Europa Conference League and PSG in the Champions League, the Netherlands only have two representatives left: Ajax Amsterdam and PSV Eindhoven, who had to settle for a draw (1-1) in their first leg at home against Borussia Dortmund.
