Premier League's Chances for an Extra Champions League Spot
The top five finishers in last season's Premier League secured Champions League places due to the strong performance of English clubs across all three major European competitions. Currently, six Premier League teams participate in the 2025/26 Champions League edition, but this number might decrease to four next season.
Current Qualification and Coefficient Impact
The standard allocation for the Premier League is four Champions League spots. However, Tottenham's victory in the Europa League granted them automatic qualification. Additionally, the high English coefficient score awarded an extra spot to Newcastle United, who finished fifth.
This season, the coefficient ranking remains crucial for obtaining that extra berth. The two national leagues with the highest average coefficient points across UEFA's Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League secure an additional Champions League place, regardless of their default allocation.
Coefficient Rankings and Performance
- Last season, England and Spain topped the coefficient rankings.
- The seven Premier League teams averaged 29.464 coefficient points.
- La Liga’s seven teams followed with 23.982 points.
- Italy was narrowly behind in third place.
Teams earn coefficient points based on their results in the group stages and knockout rounds of all three European competitions.
Importance of All European Competitions
Performance in the Europa League and Conference League is as vital as the Champions League for contributing to the coefficient.
“With two teams in the Europa League final and one in the Conference League final, the Premier League led the way last term.”
Author's Summary
The Premier League's high UEFA coefficient, boosted by strong performances across all European cups, currently secures an unusual sixth Champions League spot, though this could revert to the usual four next season.