Premier League Final Day: Champions League Spots on the Line

NOTTINGHAM, England — The final day of the 2024-25 Premier League season brought a whirlwind of emotions as teams fought for coveted Champions League qualification. Manchester United‘s 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, coupled with Chelsea‘s 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest, culminated in a dramatic conclusion to the campaign on Sunday.

With a UEFA Champions League spot at stake, several clubs faced an uphill battle. Chelsea secured fourth place, thanks to Levi Colwill‘s 51st-minute goal, ending a two-year absence from Europe’s top competition. Coach Enzo Maresca’s future was made stronger with this achievement as Chelsea aims for continued progress.

On the other hand, Aston Villa’s loss to Manchester United left them in sixth, missing out on UCL football by a narrow margin. After a contentious disallowed goal, Villa was left frustrated. Manager Unai Emery expressed concerns over officiation, stating, “It’s important to address the selection methodology to ensure high stakes matches are treated properly.”

Newcastle United clinched the final Champions League spot despite a home defeat to Everton. A win against Everton would have secured Villa’s top-five spot, but the team faltered under pressure.

Manchester City also confirmed their UCL spot with a solid 2-0 win at Fulham, ensuring participation in the prestigious tournament despite it being a rocky season for them. Coach Pep Guardiola expressed relief at finishing in the top five.

Liverpool concluded the season with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, officially lifting the Premier League trophy afterwards. The emotional day was marked by celebrations acknowledging their league title and long-awaited victory in front of their fans.

The conclusion of this season reiterated the high stakes surrounding Champions League qualifications, with teams vying not just for pride but also for significant financial gains from participation. The Premier League’s reputation continues to elevate as clubs prepare for the upcoming season.