On Sunday against Bordeaux, the Aiglons begin their final push towards the end of the season. A season in which, for the second consecutive year, they could seal a place in Europe. But to be sure to be in the hat with the big boys of European football, Lucien Favre’s side need to secure a certain number of points. So, Europe, how many points away is it?

Already boasting 64 points from their first 30 encounters of the season (18 victories, 10 draws and only two defeats), the Aiglons currently have a convincing lead on their 3 main chasers, who they will face one by one in what promises to be a palpitating closing chapter of the season.

Europa league

Given that the final of the Coupe de la Ligue will see the current leader and their main competitor lock horns this weekend, 5th place will provide a 2nd ticket to Europe, via the 3rd qualifying round (Q3) of the Europa League. 4th place will also qualify for this competition, with or without the qualifying stages (see below).

Currently, the Red and Blacks have an 18 point lead on Marseille and Bordeaux (5th and 6th), and 20 points on Saint-Etienne in 7th. Therefore, taking into account the fixture list of each of the three sides (who will all play each other), 6th place will not be able to obtain more than 68 points when the season comes to a close.

To be certain to stay ahead, the Niçois will need to pick up five more points. And to be sure to finish a second consecutive season in the Top Four - something the Aiglons haven’t achieved since the 1950-51 and 1951-52 seasons (2 champions titles in a row) - they will need an extra 2 points (a total of 71).

Champions League

Comfortably sat in 4th place, with 50 points, Lyon continue to eye up the 3rd place currently occupied by Nice, which would secure qualification for the 3rd qualifying round of the Champions League.

Even if the Lyonnais were to go unbeaten until the end of the season, the OL, who have a game in hand (next week against Metz), will not be able to secure more than 77 points. Dante and his teammates will therefore need to gain 14 points in the next 8 encounters, to be assured of their place in the Champions League, be it either through the qualifying round and/or a the play-offs.

With their destiny in their own hands to obtain a place on the podium, the Red and Blacks are reliant on PSG’s form in the battle for second (and direct qualification for the group stages of the Champions League). Taking into account their inferior goal difference, Lucien Favre’s men need to pick up 5 points on the Parisiens, who remain in the running for their 5th consecutive title. A major challenge, which adds a little extra spice to the encounter at the Allianz Riviera for the 35th game of the season.

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