FC Barcelona has not done a good service to Dutch football. After the goal-less Champions League draw against Benfica, Portugal will enter the UEFA‘s virtual coefficient list and a bonus is ahead for the Southern European country.
Barcelona and Benfica played goal scorelessly at Camp Nou on Tuesday evening, bringing everything to the final round of play: Barça is two points ahead of Benfica and visits Bayern Munich, Benfica receives gate closer Dinamo Kiev and has a better mutual result.
Benfica’s tie now has no consequences for the position of the Netherlands in the UEFA ranking. Portugal does enter 0.167 point. There is also a bonus ahead if Benfica qualifies for the eighth finals of the Champions League. Since Portugal is active in Europe with six clubs this season, it will yield 0.833 point. Ajax has already been placed and thus secured a full bonus point for the Netherlands.
The virtual position of the coefficient ranking 2022/20235. France 39,248 6. Netherlands 37,600 7. Portugal 37,550
The account will not be drawn up until mid-2023, but if the Netherlands is still the number six in Europe, the Eredivisie can directly submit one extra club to the Champions League. A Barcelona stunt against Bayern Munich – or misstep from Benfica against Dinamo Kiev – would be very welcome in two weeks.
Barça brings the Netherlands setback
