Once again, there will be no shortage of English teams in European competition next season, with a record-equalling nine Premier League clubs qualifying. This marks a significant achievement for the league, as it continues to maintain its strong presence on the continental stage.
The record was set at nine last season, but this time around, four of those clubs have not managed to return to Europe. Remarkably, three clubs that are currently competing in the Champions League this season will not be participating in any European competition next year. These include Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle, all of whom had disappointing campaigns. Additionally, Nottingham Forest will also miss out on European action after playing in the Europa League this season.
In their place come some unexpected names, with Sunderland being the most eye-catching. The club secured a spot in Europe in their first season back in the Premier League after promotion. Bournemouth also had an outstanding campaign and will be playing European football for the first time in their history.
Here are the nine Premier League clubs who have made it into Europe, how they did it, and which competition they will be competing in.
Which Teams Are in the Champions League?
The top five teams in the Premier League automatically qualify for next season’s Champions League. Due to the performance of Premier League teams in Europe, England was granted one of the two Elite Performance Spots, allowing a fifth team to qualify.
Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Liverpool are the five teams that have secured their spots in the Champions League.
There was a scenario that would have seen England get six spots, with Aston Villa winning the Europa League and finishing fifth, which would have given the sixth-placed team a Champions League spot. However, Unai Emery’s men finished fourth instead.
Although Arsenal still has the Champions League final to play against PSG on Saturday, this match does not affect their qualification for next season’s tournament.
Which Teams Are in the Europa League?
Bournemouth and Sunderland will both be in the Europa League next season after finishing sixth and seventh in the Premier League. Crystal Palace will join them after they beat Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday night.
Which Teams Are in the Conference League?
The team finishing eighth in the Premier League earned themselves a Conference League bid next season, and that is Brighton.
Brentford, Chelsea, and Fulham all narrowly missed out on European action, with the race going down to the wire. Brentford were only below Brighton on goal difference, while Chelsea and Fulham were just one point adrift of eighth place.
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