Premier League locks in fifth Champions League berth
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Premier League secured a European Performance Spot for the second consecutive year, guaranteeing at least five English teams in next season's Champions League.
- Arsenal confirmed the extra Champions League place on Tuesday by beating Sporting 1-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter‑final.
- UEFA awards an additional Champions League place to the two leagues with the best overall performance across the three European competitions.
- England topped the EPS table for most of the season, with all nine Premier League clubs reaching the last 16 of European competitions and accumulating strong coefficient points.
- Newcastle United benefited from the EPS system in the 2024‑25 campaign, ensuring the Premier League's fifth‑place team is guaranteed a Champions League spot.
- Aston Villa, fourth on 54 points, could give England a sixth Champions League slot if they win the Europa League and finish outside the top four; a similar scenario applies to Liverpool.
Why it matters: English clubs gain a valuable Champions League berth, guaranteeing at least five teams and potentially a sixth if a Europa League or Champions League winner finishes outside the top four. This boosts UEFA coefficient points and TV revenue for those clubs, while tightening the domestic race for fifth place.
