Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Wednesday, 08 April 2026, 09:22 / Updated Wednesday, 08 April 2026 09:45
Huge news for English football: The Premier League will have at least five teams in the UEFA Champions League next season after securing a top spot in European competitions (EPS) for the second year in a row.
The confirmation came after Arsenal's 1-0 win over Sporting in the quarter-finals of the competition. In the 90+1 minute, Kai Havertz appeared providentially in the Portuguese box and scored the winning goal.
How the Premier League achieved fifth place in the Champions League
UEFA offers an additional place in the Champions League to the top two European championships, based on the results of all continental competitions. The English have clearly dominated the coefficient rankings this season: all 9 teams have reached the last eight of European competitions, and the points accumulated since the previous stages made the difference.
Thus, the 5th place in the Premier League automatically qualifies for the Champions Leaguerepresenting a “European place of performance”.
The success with Sporting not only helped England's coefficient, but also strengthened Arsenal's position in the championship. With a lead of 21 points over the 5th place occupied by Liverpool and only 7 stages remaining, the Londoners are practically certain of the presence in the UCL.
Hellish battle for 5th place
If at the top of the ranking things are clear, in the 5th place area things can still change. The difference between Liverpool and 13th place is only 7 points!
The fight for the last place leading into the Champions League:
Incredible scenario: up to 7 teams in the Champions League!
The situation can become even more spectacular:
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If Aston Villa win the UEFA Europa League and finish outside the top 4, England field 6 teams
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If Liverpool also win the Champions League and finish 5th, 6th place goes to the UCL
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If both win European trophies and finish 5th and 6th, the 7th place also goes to the Champions League!
Also, Nottingham Forest are still in the running in the Europa League and can spring a surprise.
La Liga are also favorites to clinch an extra place as well, but the Bundesliga is still hoping, especially after Bayern Munich's win over Real Madrid.
