re: Champions League group stage draw (result in OP) | 11 a.m. CDT | FS1

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But, assuming the access list doesn't change, there's an interesting race for places 5/6/7. This is key because right now, 6th place gets 3 UCL teams (2 group stage, 1 Q3) while 7th place only gets 2 (1 group stage, 1 Q3).

As of last season, Portugal was 5th, France 6th and Russia 7th. As of today (incomplete season), Portugal are 7th. Key is that our comrade Mr. P could get a 3rd UCL team.

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Russia should most definitely have #5 for 2018/19, as both France and Portugal lose the better coefficients from 2012/13.

As for 17/18, Rostov in the CL isn't helpful, but Zenit covers with what should be a cakewalk in the EL. Porto, Benfica, and Sporting will need to get to the Round of 16 if Portugal wants to stay where they are in the rankings (Porto should, Benfica probably, Sporting not likely).

As for the stage draw, I wish they'd order groups by Club Coefficients.