Tottenham Hotspur sacrificed their Premier League in pursuit of European glory, and it was worth it, as they’ve won the Europa League.
Spurs beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao to seal a Champions League spot next year, with Brennan Johnson scoring the only goal of the game.
Man United and Spurs are banking their season on Europa League success[/caption]
The prize for Ange Postecoglou’s men is massive as they are set for some big benefits.
In addition to winning silverware, Tottenham get the Champions League riches that come with qualification.
Obviously, the Premier League campaign has been shambolic, but they’ve got a European trophy and a place in UEFA’s premier competition.
In contrast, the race to secure Champions League football couldn’t be any closer, with just three points separating seventh and third.
However, with the Europa League heading to north London, what does that mean for English football’s fifth spot?
How many Premier League teams can be in the Champions League?
Arsenal’s win over Real Madrid on April 8 meant that the top five Premier League teams will qualify for next season’s Champions League.
That will be extended to SIX clubs after Tottenham’s win.
That is because Spurs will finish outside the top five, with the Champions League slot reserved for the winners of UEFA’s second tournament, separate from domestic allocation.
It’ll come as a huge boost to the likes of Man City, Nottingham Forest, Newcastle, Chelsea, and Aston Villa.
The performances of Premier League sides in all of UEFA’s competitions this season ensured England are guaranteed a top-two spot in UEFA’s association club coefficient rankings, thus being one of two countries to gain an extra Champions League spot.
Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday saw them join Liverpool in guaranteeing their spot in the top tournament next season.
The Magpies’ Carabao Cup triumph over the Reds means the Toon have secured a spot in the Conference League at least for 2025/26.
Should Newcastle qualify for the Champions League or Europa League via their league position, then their place in the third tier will be transferred to the next-highest Premier League side who have not qualified for Europe.
Crystal Palace’s win in the FA Cup meant the Eagles will take one of the allocated two Europa League spots.
How things stand…
- Champions League: Liverpool (guaranteed), Arsenal (guaranteed) Tottenham (guaranteed), Man City, Newcastle, Chelsea
- Europa League: Aston Villa and Crystal Palace (guaranteed)
- Conference League: Nottingham Forest
