The 2024/25 Premier League season concluded in high drama on Sunday as the final day determined the clubs heading to Europe, with Champions League slots officially confirmed after a turbulent round of fixtures and a controversial VAR call at Old Trafford.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur have all secured their places in next season’s UEFA Champions League, while Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest will represent England in the Europa and Conference Leagues respectively.
Manchester City confirmed a third-place finish with a 2-0 win over Fulham, courtesy of goals from Ilkay Gundogan and Erling Haaland in Kevin De Bruyne’s farewell appearance. Despite their struggles this season, the win ensured City remained in the Champions League mix, just behind Arsenal and league winners Liverpool.
Chelsea edged Nottingham Forest 1-0, with Levi Colwill scoring the match-winner in a tense showdown at the City Ground. The Blues’ win denied Forest a Champions League place, relegating them to a spot in the UEFA Conference League—still their first European appearance since 1996.
Newcastle United, despite a 1-0 home loss to Everton, were rescued by Manchester United’s shock 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. The Red Devils’ triumph saw Newcastle hold onto fifth place, sending Eddie Howe’s side to the Champions League once again.
Controversy erupted at Old Trafford when Aston Villa had a crucial goal ruled out. Morgan Rogers appeared to legitimately score after capitalising on a loose ball, but referee Thomas Bramall blew for a foul before the ball crossed the line. VAR was powerless to overturn the call since the whistle had already gone, a decision which proved costly as United capitalised to secure the win.
Aston Villa ultimately settled for sixth place, securing a Europa League berth instead of a Champions League return.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace’s FA Cup win over Manchester City guaranteed them a Europa League ticket, and Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League title win over Manchester United saw them return to the Champions League next season.
Full Breakdown – Premier League Clubs in Europe 2025/26:
Champions League:
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Liverpool (1st)
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Arsenal (2nd)
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Manchester City (3rd)
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Chelsea (4th)
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Newcastle United (5th)
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Tottenham Hotspur (Europa League winners)
Europa League:
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Aston Villa (6th)
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Crystal Palace (FA Cup winners)
Conference League:
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Nottingham Forest (7th)
As fans across the league catch their breath after a whirlwind finale, attention now shifts to Europe, where English clubs will look to make their mark on the continental stage next season.
