Manchester Utd and Spurs’ Europa League wins open door for never-before-seen scenario for the Premier League
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are officially set to clash in the Europa League final later this month, opening the door to an unprecedented scenario in the Premier League for next season.
United booked their spot after a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory over Athletic Club, while Spurs overcame Bodo/Glimt with a 5-1 win to set up an all-English final in Bilbao on Wednesday, 21 May 2025.
Champions League Qualification at Stake
Both teams have had lacklustre domestic seasons but now have a golden chance to not only lift silverware but also secure a coveted spot in next season’s Champions League.
With England recently granted an extra Champions League place through the European Performance Spots (EPS)—thanks to Arsenal’s triumph over Real Madrid—the top four is now effectively a top five.
However, with United and Spurs facing off in the Europa League final, the Premier League is now poised to send a record six teams into next season’s Champions League—a feat that has never happened before.
Six Premier League Teams Headed to Europe’s Top Competition
As it stands with three league games remaining, the following teams are set for Champions League football next season:
- Liverpool
- Arsenal
- Manchester City
- Newcastle
- Chelsea
- Manchester United or Spurs (Europa League winners)
Europa League and Conference League Permutations
Currently, sixth place—occupied by Nottingham Forest—is set to earn a Europa League spot.
However, the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Crystal Palace will be crucial.
- If Palace win, they take the Europa League spot.
- If City win, the place passes down to the seventh-placed Premier League team.
Newcastle, who qualified for the Conference League by winning the Carabao Cup against Liverpool, adds another layer of complexity. Should both Newcastle and City finish inside the top seven, the team finishing eighth (currently Bournemouth) will secure a spot in Europe’s third-tier competition.
Up to Ten English Clubs Could Play in Europe Next Season
While eight teams are already guaranteed European football, other factors—like Chelsea’s pursuit of the Conference League—mean there could be as many as nine or ten Premier League teams in Europe next season.
If the Blues win their final on 28 May but end up outside the European spots domestically, they could still secure a place, adding further intrigue.
Final Preparations & Prize Money
Both United and Spurs will have equal preparation time, with Ange Postecoglou’s side set to face Aston Villa on the same night as Chelsea vs United on Friday, 16 May.
The Europa League final winner will pocket £10.95 million, while the runner-up will receive £5.90 million.
