Premier League Concludes: Six Teams Head to Champions League, Who Are They?

Dramatic Final Day, VAR Controversy, and a Europa League Twist Lead to Historic Outcome.

The 2024–25 Premier League season has concluded with a historic twist. Six English clubs have officially qualified for the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League. This marks the very first time any league has earned more than five spots in Europe’s premier competition.

Champions Liverpool secured their place weeks ago when they secured the Premier League title. They capped their season on Sunday with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace. Arsenal, who reached the Champions League semi-finals this season, also qualified for the tournament next season.

Coming soon to the Champions League…

🔴 Liverpool
🔴 Arsenal
🩵 Man City
🔵 Chelsea
⚫️ Newcastle
⚪️ Spurs pic.twitter.com/eqfyBCWyhR
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 25, 2025

The Reds entered the final matchweek with second place and qualification both already sealed. Martin Ødegaard’s 89th-minute goal helped them end the season with a win. The tension was felt across the rest of the top seven clubs though. Manchester City needed just a draw but they comfortably beat Fulham 2-0.

They secured a win, credit to Ilkay Gündogan’s bicycle kick and Erling Haaland’s penalty ensuring a third place finish. Thus, their return to the Champions League. Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at City Ground, courtesy of Levi Colwill, earned them fourth place.

Also Read: Everton 1-0 Newcastle United: Eddie Howe’s Team Will Go To Champions League Despite the Defeat – Match Highlights, Post-Match Reaction, and More

The match saw manager Enzo Maresca secure Champions League football in his debut season. Forest, who had lingered in the top five for much of the season, were left disappointed in their last match. They will now settle for a Europa Conference League spot. Meanwhile Newcastle United claimed the fifth and final league-based UCL spot.

That is, even after losing 1-0 to Everton at home in their last match. Their qualification was secured thanks to Aston Villa’s 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford. Villa appeared poised to make it until goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was sent off before halftime. Then a VAR-disallowed goal shifted momentum. Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen’s goals ended Villa’s hopes.

Also Read: Why Was Gary Neville Barred by Nottingham Forest for Chelsea Clash Commentary? Check Out the Pundit’s Reaction, and More

Europa League Route Opens Door for Sixth

Tottenham Hotspur added the final twist. Despite finishing 17th in the league, Spurs defeated Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final. Their European success not only broke a 17-year trophy drought but also earned them direct qualification to the Champions League group stage.

Thus, making them the lowest-placed Premier League team to ever qualify through continental success. This rare six-team qualification scenario was made possible by England’s outstanding performance across UEFA competitions this season. As a result, the Premier League was awarded an extra slot, edging Italy in UEFA’s coefficient rankings.

Arsenal

Chelsea

Liverpool

Manchester City

Newcastle United

nottingham forest

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.