Premier League Teams Eye Extra Champions League Spot

London, England — Two European football leagues have received an additional spot in the upcoming 2025-26 UEFA Champions League (UCL) season due to their performance this year. Italy and Germany claimed the coveted spots after excelling in various competitions.

On April 8, the Italian league secured its position, followed by Germany on April 17. The rankings are determined by the collective performances of clubs from each country participating in European competitions. The two leagues with the highest average coefficient scores earn extra places.

Each win in Europe awards teams two coefficient points, while a draw nets one point. Notably, results from matches that go into extra time count based on the score at 120 minutes, disregarding penalties. For example, if a league overall gathers 60 points with seven teams, its average would be 8.571 (60 divided by 7).

The additional place typically goes to the team positioned just outside the UCL qualification spots in league play. For example, in the Premier League, this would be the fifth-placed team. If a league usually has seven teams competing in Europe, it will total eight next season.

Historically, England and Spain dominate the top of the UCL rankings, with Italy and Germany also making significant contributions. Over the past seven seasons, English and Spanish leagues combined for nine of the 14 available slots. Italy and Germany had two each. The qualification will roll over into the new season, enhancing competition further.

In the newly revised system, countries that earn additional spots will use a points system emphasizing UCL performance, which now offers higher bonuses compared to its counterparts, the Europa League (UEL) and the UEFA Europa Conference League (UCoL).

For instance, clubs in the UCL can earn a minimum of six bonus points just for participating, with further points available for each subsequent knockout round. By comparison, teams in the other competitions have stricter requirements to gain such bonuses.

As leagues prepare for the conclusion of the current season, the fight for an additional Champions League place intensifies, affecting strategies and performances in domestic leagues across Europe.

The new format could allow up to 11 teams from a country to qualify for European competitions, although this remains unlikely. Should the Premier League secure the additional bounty, its slot distribution would include five Champions League spots, with others cascading to the Europa League and the Conference League.

This development highlights the competitive nature of European football, where every point counts towards a broader goal.