With Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal, England is now guaranteed at least five spots for the next edition of Europe’s most prestigious competition.
This result is due to UEFA’s coefficient system, which awards two additional spots to the national associations with the best overall performances across the three European competitions, writes Gazeta Express.
Only one win in the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League was needed to solidify England’s position and secure one more place beyond the usual four.
Thanks to the Gunners’ victory, that goal was achieved.
Liverpool and Arsenal currently hold the top two positions in the Premier League standings, while a large uncertainty remains around the others: Manchester City, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Chelsea, Brighton, and Bournemouth — all still have hopes of claiming one of the remaining three Champions League spots.
But the scenario could become even more incredible: England could end up with as many as seven teams in the Champions League for the 2025/26 season.
That would happen if: Aston Villa wins the Conference League but fails to qualify for the Champions League via the league standings; or if Manchester United or Tottenham win the Europa League while finishing outside the Premier League’s top five.
Time will tell, but as of last night, one thing is certain: in the 2025/26 Champions League, there will be at least five English teams.
