Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Sporting in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first-leg has resulted in a larger benefit for the English Premier League. The victory has helped secure an extra UCL spot for PL in the 2026/27 season, turning the top-four race into a top-five scramble.
Under UEFA's expanded 36-team format, two additional places are distributed evenly via the “European Performance Spot” (EPS) index between the two top performing leagues.
It's the second consecutive season that the EPL have benefitted from the EPS, having secured the additional berth last year. That along with Tottenham's victory in the Europa League meant that six English clubs competed in the UCL this season.
The fact that all of these six managed to get out of the group stage and into the Round of 16, coupled with strong results by English sides in the Europa and Conference League has resulted in the league once again securing the fifth UCL berth, giving the run-in to the season a whole new dimension.
With just seven games to go before the end of the domestic season, here's a look at which teams will benefit the most from the fifth UCL spot:
1) Liverpool Currently Hold the Golden Ticket
Fresh off a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City in the FA Cup quarterfinals, there's some consolation for Arne Slot's Liverpool who have some hope of salvaging a disappointing domestic season.
Liverpool, currently fifth with 49 points, are the immediate beneficiaries. The Reds trail fourth-placed Villa by five points, but now all they need is to maintain their position in fifth.
The timing aligns perfectly for them with a major boost coming in the form of Alexander Isak's return from a long-term leg injury. However, they only hold a one point advantage over Chelsea who are breathing down their necks while Brentford and Everton trail by just three points.
The Reds are in prime position to seal the spot. However, the Merseyside Derby on April 19 could hold a whole new edge.
2) Chelsea Have Zero Margin for Error
One point behind Liverpool, Chelsea's season has narrowed to a single objective, securing the fifth and final UCL spot.
Under Liam Rosenior, they've surged into contention, but injuries threaten to derail momentum. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is likely out for the season, while Reece James and Levi Colwill are still regaining fitness.
Upcoming back-to-back crunch EPL fixtures against both Manchester clubs could decide their campaign. With the Blues welcoming City on April 12, followed by a trip to Old Trafford on April 19.
3) Brentford and Everton Are The Dark Horses
On 46 points each, Brentford and Everton remain within striking distance if either Chelsea or Liverpool stumble in the run-in.
Everton's push under David Moyes has been notable, but injuries to Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish have weakened their attack. Their upcoming derby against Liverpool is effectively a six-pointer in this reshaped race.
Brentford, meanwhile, continue to overperform despite defensive absences. Their consistency keeps them firmly in the conversation, especially if Chelsea falter.
5) The Safety Net for United and Villa
For third-placed Manchester United (55 points) and Aston Villa (54), the fifth spot acts as a safety net. Even if either side slips from the top four, Champions League qualification remains highly probable.
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