For the first time in history, France could align eight Ligue 1 teams in European competition next season.
“And if France dominated Europe next season? This is one of the possibilities, provided RC Lens and Strasbourg meet certain conditions. Currently limited to six places in the various European Cups through the league – four in the Champions League (one for playoffs), one in the Europa League, and one in the Conference League – Ligue 1 could, for the first time in history, see eight teams in Europe next season. Let’s explain.”
The scenario is simple, but it depends solely on the upcoming performances of RC Lens and Strasbourg. The latter must finish 7th in Ligue 1 and therefore make up the 7 points that separate them from AS Monaco (50 points against 43 for Strasbourg) and also win the Conference League. Two challenging missions, but everything is achievable. In European competition, Strasbourg will face Spain’s Rayo Vallecano in the semifinals (first leg on April 30 and second leg on May 7). In the final, if it happens, they will meet either Shakhtar Donetsk or Crystal Palace.
“For the Sang et Or, the mission is simpler: win the Coupe de France. And for that, Florian Thauvin and his teammates are on the right track. After defeating Toulouse in the semifinals, RC Lens will face OGC Nice in the final on May 22 at the Stade de France. In addition to offering an extra spot for a European competition to France, the Lensois will especially want to give their fans a first Coupe de France.”
Before Ligue 1 offers eight places in European competition to France, there is still some way to go. However, if the two criteria are met, Strasbourg and the 5th and 6th teams in Ligue 1 would qualify for the Europa League. The 8th team would be relegated to the Conference League. With eight spots, France would increase its chances of shining in European competition, as Strasbourg do in the Conference League and Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League this season.
[Context: The article discusses the potential of having eight Ligue 1 teams in European competitions next season based on the performance of specific teams in France.] [Fact Check: The information provided is speculative and depends on the outcomes of future matches in the respective competitions mentioned.]
