1 week Ago By Football Today
The Premier League have claimed an extra Champions League spot after Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 3-0 in the first-leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday night. Declan Rice was in the form of his life, as the 26-year-old scored two stunning free-kicks in the second-half of the Emirates Stadium encounter. Mikel Merino then added another after 75 minutes, with the Gunners taking a commanding 3-0 lead ahead of the return leg in Madrid .
Two extra Champions League places are awarded to countries based on their UEFA coefficient ranking. England needed one more win in any of the three European competitions to guarantee another spot, and that came on Tuesday with Arsenal’s triumph against Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Last season, Germany and Italy were awarded two extra places in the tournament after they beat competition from England, France and Spain, with Borussia Dortmund and Bologna the lucky recipients.
However, English sides have been excellent in the European competitions this term, with five teams reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. The Premier League could potentially have seven clubs competing in Europe’s most prestigious tournament, though several permutations are required for that. Aston Villa would have to win the European Cup but finish outside the top five in the league, while either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur would have to clinch the Europa League trophy.
United or Spurs are one of the favourites to win the Europa League, but it would be a monumental feat if Villa lift the Champions League trophy this year..
