Are Lyon guaranteed a Europa League place via the Coupe de France? | OneFootball

Olympique Lyonnais have experienced a quite astonishing season. Bottom of Ligue 1 in December 2023, the club were still mired in an intense relegation battle as recently as February. We are now in April and talk of a descent into Ligue 2 has dissipated and been replaced by talks of European qualification.

The pitch of the Groupama Stadium was invaded on Tuesday. However, it was not out of anger, but of joy as Lyon qualified for the final of the Coupe de France. Les Gones will face Paris Saint-Germain in the final in Lille in May after they beat Stade Rennais on Wednesday night.

The winner of the tournament will book a place in next season’s UEFA Europa League. In recent years, both FC Nantes and Toulouse FC have earned a place in the prestigious European competition by winning the Coupe de France. However, with PSG certain to secure UEFA Champions League football, does that mean that Lyon’s place in the Europa League is already confirmed, regardless of the result in the final?

No is the short answer. Should Les Parisiens beat OL in the final, another European place would be earned through Ligue 1 ranking. It would mean that the 7th-placed team would earn a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Olympique de Marseille currently occupy that position but are just four points ahead of a resurgent Lyon, currently in 10th.

Lyon’s place in Europe next season is not guaranteed therefore, but it is quite extraordinary, given their season, that they are in with a chance, both in the league and in the cup.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle