Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday has brought the reigning Champions League holders one step closer to securing their return to Europe’s most prestigious competition. As the Premier League heads into its final day this Sunday, the race for the remaining Champions League spots is tighter than ever.
Five Teams, Three Spots
With Liverpool (83 points) and Arsenal (71) already punching their tickets to the 2025 Champions League, five clubs remain locked in a fierce battle for the final three qualification slots — all separated by just three points.
Manchester City – 68 points
The 2023 Champions League champions are in prime position. A win on Sunday against Fulham — a team City has defeated 17 times in a row — would all but confirm their place in next year’s competition.
Newcastle United – 66 points
Newcastle looks to secure back-to-back Champions League qualifications for the first time in 20 years. They’ll host Everton, a team fighting to stay out of the relegation zone.
Chelsea – 66 points
Chelsea’s trip to Nottingham Forest may be the most decisive match of the weekend. Both clubs are within touching distance of the top four, and a loss could prove fatal to either side’s hopes.
Aston Villa – 66 points
A resurgent Villa squad faces a daunting test at Old Trafford against Manchester United. A win could propel Villa into the Champions League for the first time since 1983 — over four decades ago.
Nottingham Forest – 65 points
Forest hosts Chelsea in a must-win clash. It’s been 44 years since their last Champions League appearance (then known as the European Cup), and the pressure is on to rewrite history.
What’s at Stake?
Beyond prestige and pride, Champions League qualification carries massive financial implications. The tournament’s $3.4 billion prize pool includes:
- Approximately $20 million just for group stage qualification
- Additional millions in performance bonuses, TV rights, and gate receipts
For clubs like Villa and Forest, who haven’t seen European lights in decades, the potential windfall could transform their future — both on and off the pitch.
Sunday promises drama, emotion, and high stakes as five clubs chase the ultimate reward in European football.