The race for European qualification in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League is reaching fever pitch as the Premier League’s “Run In” delivers thrilling twists and tight margins. With only four points separating the teams ranked third to seventh and another close contest from eighth to 11th, the battle for coveted European spots remains unpredictable.
The top seven clubs are assured European football next season, but only the top five will secure a Champions League berth. England’s strong performances in UEFA competitions this season have earned the Premier League a “European Performance Spot,” guaranteeing six Champions League places: the top five teams plus the winner of the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Liverpool, the reigning champions, are the only team certain of a top-five finish. The fight for the remaining four spots is intense, with six teams in contention. Arsenal, despite a recent dip with just one win in six matches, hold second place but need two more points to secure their spot. A 2-2 draw against Liverpool and an upcoming clash with Newcastle United, who could overtake them with a win on May 18, keep the pressure on.
Manchester City, after a surprising 0-0 draw against bottom-placed Southampton, slipped to fourth, allowing Newcastle to climb to third with a 1-0 victory over 10-man Chelsea. Nottingham Forest missed a chance to go fifth, drawing 2-2 with Leicester City, and now face crucial matches against West Ham and Chelsea. Aston Villa, buoyed by a 1-0 win at Bournemouth, remain sixth, level on points with Chelsea, and are banking on their strong form to capitalize on slip-ups above.
Further down, the race for eighth—potentially enough for a Conference League spot—is equally tight, with just four points between the teams in eighth to 11th. In the Europa League, England’s two spots will go to the sixth-placed Premier League team (due to the extra Champions League spot) and the FA Cup winners, with Crystal Palace facing Manchester City in the final on May 17. Newcastle have already secured a Conference League place by winning the EFL Cup, defeating Liverpool to end a 56-year trophy drought.
With critical matches looming, the Premier League’s European fate hangs in the balance, promising a dramatic conclusion to the season.