Aston Villa's Europa League triumph changes Premier League calculations » How 6th place can qualify for the Champions League

Ashley Davis4 weeks ago

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Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published on Thursday, 21 May 2026, 00:03 / Updated on Thursday, 21 May 2026 00:03

Aston Villa prevailed in the Europa League final against those from Freiburgscore 3-0. England could field 6 teams in the upcoming Champions League season, but certain conditions must be met in the final stage of the Premier League.

The title in England has been decided, but for the places in Europe the battle is still open. Aston Villa are 4th in the Premier League at the moment, ahead of the Champions League, but have secured their place for next season by clinching the Europa League.

Two scenarios in the Premier League last leg: How England can put six teams in the Champions League after Aston Villa took the Europa League

The English have 4 places in the Champions League, but this year, thanks to the UEFA coefficient, they received a European Performance Spot, an additional place. This EPS is awarded after all forms of qualification have been applied.

For England to have 6 teams in the Champions League it is necessary for Aston Villa to finish 5th: the top 4 teams would qualify for the Champions League based on league place, Aston Villa would qualify from 5th place as Europa League winners (5th place is not normally a Champions League place) and EPS would go to 6th place. This scenario is only possible if Aston Villa lose in the last leg and Liverpool win.

If Aston Villa finish 4th they will go into the Champions League based on their place in the Championshipnot counting that it prevailed in the Europa League final, and the EPS would go to the team in 5th place.

Aston Villa is 4th with 62 points and Liverpool is 5th with 59 points, but with a better goal difference. In the last stage Aston Villa will play away to Manchester City, both teams being goalless. Liverpool receives a visit from Brentford at home. A win would see them overtake Aston Villa in the table if Emery's men lose. Brentford also have a goal: they are in the thick of the fight for a European place.

Bournemouth is the 6th place team at the moment with 56 points. The “Cherries” have a match against Nottingham Forest in the last leg, and a draw would secure them 6th place, which could lead to the Champions League. Brighton can also hope for 6th place, but they have to beat Manchester United and Bournemouth to lose.