GdS: Spain now ahead for UCL bonus spot as Italian teams must pick up – the situation | OneFootball

The race for a bonus spot in the Champions League continues and as a result of the mid-week action, Italy has been leapfrogged by Spain. As such, the Italian teams need to pick themselves up next week, otherwise things will be tough.

As highlighted by today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), Italy has been leapfrogged by Spain in the race for an additional Champions League spot. While the race remains tight, it’s clear that the Italian teams need to deliver next week to avoid a complicated situation.

Recent developments for bonus spot

Atalanta were defeated in the first leg against Club Brugge, following a penalty that was invented by the referee, and Milan were rightfully beaten by Feyenoord in Rotterdam. Juventus were the only ones that managed to win, beating PSV while Roma drew against Porto in the Europa League.

The Spanish teams in action last week, meanwhile, had a field day with three out of three wins: Real Madrid against Manchester City, Real Sociedad against Midtjylland (Europa League) and Real Betios against Gent (Conference League).

Two points are handed out for a win, one for a draw, and this haul is then divided by the number of country teams at the start of the season. So in Italy’s case, a mere 0.375 was added (3 divided by 8) thanks to Juve and Roma.

The importance of next week

Next week will be very important for the Italian teams. With Spain currently at 18.04 and Italy at 17.69, it’s clear that Milan and Atalanta will have to turn their play-off ties around. Not qualifying for the next round would make it difficult for Italy to collect enough points down the line, essentially.

As for the teams that have qualified for the round of 16 already, Italy are tied with Spain: Inter, Lazio (Europa) and Fiorentina (Conference) as well as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao (Europa).

England sits at the top of the bonus standings currently with almost 21, meaning they are more or less untouchable for Italy and Spain. This also means that everything is about second place, making it a true two-horse race.