Premier League suffers huge blow in race for extra Champions League spot | OneFootball

This week's European matches hold significant weight in determining which of the continent's top divisions will secure an extra Champions League place next season, with the Premier League's hopes in the balance following unexpected outcomes in the quarter-final first legs across Europe.

The expansion of the Champions League to 36 teams with a 'Swiss League' format means the top two countries in UEFA's coefficient rankings earn extra spots. Success at any level, not just the Champions League, earns bonus points.

England's chances are hindered by the progress of German teams, with the Bundesliga surpassing the Premier League's coefficient score.

West Ham's defeat to Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund's loss to Atletico Madrid further complicate matters. However, Aston Villa's Europa Conference League run bolsters England's standing.

Opta has given England a 57.8% chance of securing the spot compared to Germany's 41.8%. If granted, eight Premier League teams could participate in Europe next season.

The top five league finishers would enter the Champions League, sixth place and the FA Cup winners would join the Europa League and the Carabao Cup winners - Liverpool - would qualify for the Europa Conference League. If cup winners finish in the top six, seventh and eighth place teams could also qualify.