Arsenal’s big 3-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals did more than shock Europe it won a huge prize for the Premier League. England now has a sure extra Champions League spot for the 2025/26 season, letting five or even more English teams aim for Europe’s top trophy.
Arsenal’s Win Secures the Bonus
When Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the Champions League quarter-finals, the talk was about how strong Arsenal was. But this win meant even more. It made sure England will end in the top two of UEFA’s club rankings for the 2023/24 season a system that decides if extra Champions League spots are given. Ending in the top two gives what’s called a “European Performance Spot” (EPS), a new plan that gives extra places to top leagues. For the Premier League, this means a fifth spot for the 2025/26 Champions League season.
How Does the Fifth Spot Work?
Normally, only the top four teams from the Premier League go to the Champions League. But starting from the 2024/25 season, things will change at least for one season.
The team in fifth place in the Premier League for the 2024/25 season will now go right to the group stage of the 2025/26 Champions League. This is because of the league’s good performance in UEFA competitions this season: Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. The EPS is part of UEFA’s new Champions League style, which grows to 36 teams in 2024/25. Two of the extra four spots are saved for the top two leagues in UEFA’s ranking.
Understanding the Ranking System
The key to the European Performance Spot (EPS) is in the club rankings. These are scored based on how well a country’s teams do in UEFA games over a season. A win in the Champions League, Europa League, or Conference League gives two points; a draw gives one. No points for a loss.
But there’s more. UEFA also gives bonus points for how far a team goes in each contest:
- Getting to the Champions League last 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, or final adds bonus points.
- Winning the group in any contest gives more.
- The further a team goes, the more bonus points weighted by contest (Champions League > Europa League > Conference League).
These points are then divided by the number of teams a country had in Europe that season to get the average—making it fair, no matter how many teams a league sends.
Current Standings: England in the Lead
As of April 8, England leads the UEFA rankings, thanks to its teams’ performance. With five Premier League teams in the quarter-finals across all European contests, England tops rivals like Spain, Germany, and Italy. Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid was the last push needed to lock in England’s top-two spot. No matter what, other leagues cannot catch England’s average score. This guarantees a fifth English team in the 2025/26 Champions League group stage a big win and boost for the Premier League.
Could There Be Seven English Clubs in the Champions League?
Yes, it’s possible here’s how:
Beyond the five Premier League teams (the top five from the 2024/25 season), UEFA also lets the Champions League and Europa League winners join the next season’s Champions League, no matter where they score in their home league.
So, if an English team outside the top five wins either the Champions League or Europa League next season, they will still join. If these winners are not in the top five, and not already qualified, England could have six or even seven teams in the Champions League. Note though, no more than seven teams from one nation can join the Champions League, no matter the case.
Why This Matters
Having an extra Champions League place means more than just pride. It brings:
- More money for Premier League clubs through UEFA prizes and TV rights.
- More English football shown on the European stage.
- Greater chances for mid-level clubs who just miss the top four but have the talent to mix with Europe’s best.
It also makes the fight for top-five league spots in 2024/25 more intense. Teams like Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Tottenham have more reason to aim high.
Conclusion
The Premier League’s rule in Europe has again brought true gains. Thanks to strong efforts across all contests and with help from Arsenal’s great Champions League journey England’s top league will have more Champions League entry than ever before.
Next season, the race for the top five will be harder than ever. And with the chance of seven English teams in the 2025/26 Champions League, the Premier League keeps setting the bar for success, depth, and drama in European football.
Also Read:UCL: Declan Rice’s free-kick brilliance powers Arsenal to stunning 3-0 victory over Real Madrid
