France in Europe So Far: Ligue 1 clubs stand out

With another week of packed UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League action, Ligue 1 clubs will be busy hoping to make good on their European aspirations this season. So far, French clubs have kicked off their respective seasons in Europe positively.

In both the Champions League and the Europa League, Ligue 1 representatives have secured four wins, thanks to Paris Saint-Germain against Girona (1-0), Monaco against Barcelona (2-1), Brest clinching a historic win against Sturm Graz (2-1), and OL getting the job done against Olympiacos (2-0). Meanwhile, OGC Nice earned a draw against Real Sociedad (1-1) and Lille were the only French club to suffer a loss, against Sporting away (2-0).

No other nation has matched French clubs' performances

Among all participating nations, no country has performed as well as France on this first matchday. England, Germany, and Portugal managed only three victories in European competition, while Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands recorded just two wins. This strong showing further highlights the growing competitiveness of French football on the continental stage.

France strengthens its position in the UEFA rankings

In the UEFA rankings, France has solidified its crucial fifth-place standing, which ensures four spots in the Champions League (three direct qualifiers and one playoff spot). The Netherlands, ranked sixth, trail by 4.646 points, while Germany, in fourth place, still holds a comfortable lead with 12.531 points ahead of France.

Nations having won the most matches in the championship phase of the European Cup this season:

4- France
3- England 
3- Germany 
3- Portugal
2- Spain
2- Italy
2- Netherlands
2- Turkey
2- Scotland  
2- Czech Republic

What next for Ligue 1 sides in Europe?

This week is another huge week for Ligue 1 clubs, and one that is potentially decisive for the nation's coefficient going forward. First up, Tuesday evening will see Paris Saint-Germain travel to Premier League side Arsenal whilst Brest make the trip to Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg. Lille will host the current holders of the Champions League in Real Madrid at Stade Pierre-Mauroy, before Monaco travel to Croatia to face Dinamo Zagreb.

In the Europa League, Franck Haise's OGC Nice travel to Rome to face Lazio away from home, whilst Lyon travel up to Scotland to face Glasgow Rangers on the same day. 

Ligue 1 club fixtures in Europe this week:

TUESDAY

• Red Bull Salzburg vs Stade Brestois (18:45 CET) 
• Arsenal vs Paris Saint-Germain (21:00 CET)

WEDNESDAY

• LOSC Lille vs Real Madrid (21:00 CET)
• Dinamo Zagreb vs Monaco (21:00 CET) 

THURSDAY

• SS Lazio vs OGC Nice (18:45 CET) 
• Glasgow Rangers vs Olympique Lyonnais (21:00 CET) 

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