#champions-league-qualification

#champions-league-qualification

Starting with the hosts, while Stuttgart might have endured a stuttering start to proceedings when opening up the 2025/26 campaign, Die Roten have certainly turned a real corner on either side of opening the New Year. Getting 2026 underway with a major Bundesliga scalp as they stormed their way to an empathic 4-1 romp away at former champions Bayer Leverkusen, Sebastian Hoeneb's camp will be dreaming of a repeat display here.

The Premier League top four get a Champions League place, but that can be extended to five if English sides do well enough in Europe (Image credit: Getty Images) The Premier League were the beneficiaries of an extra Champions League place last season thanks to their club's performance in European competition. Tottenham's Europa League win, Chelsea's Conference League triumph, and the presence of Arsenal, Aston Villa and Liverpool in the round of 16 and beyond -

It left the promoted Sunderland seventh, four points and five places ahead of their rivals who could struggle to achieve their stated aim of qualifying for the Champions League once more next season. On this evidence this term's European exertions are taking a considerable toll. The Stadium of Light has one of the largest press boxes in the Premier League but, for once, every seat was taken.

At the weekend, the Reds squandered a two-goal lead away to Leeds United, allowing the newly-promoted side back into the game. It ended 3-3 at Elland Road as Liverpool conceded a stoppage time Ao Tanaka equaliser which prompted Mohamed Salah to speak out against manager Arne Slot. Salah was left on Merseyside for Liverpool's midweek Champions League fixture against Inter Milan, with Reds sources insistent that the player's omission from Slot's travelling squad was not a punishment for his comments at Elland Road.

There were incredible scenes in the Swedish top flight on Monday as Mjällby AIF, plucky upstarts and heroes of the Allsvenskan season, beat heavyweights IFK Göteborg to clinch the most unlikely of league titles. The vital 2-0 victory sparked jubilant celebrations on the pitch, as the result cementing an unassailable 11-point lead for Mjällby at the top of the table with three fixtures of the campaign remaining.

Beyond midnight, many miles beyond the borders of Europe, Temirlan Anarbekov was writing his name into Celtic infamy. The 21yearold rookie goalkeeper had made the penalty shootout saves that guided Kazakhstan's Kairat Almaty into the Champions League group stage. Adam Idah, Luke McCowan and Daizen Maeda each saw attempts saved by a keeper turned to in emergency. Kasper Schmeichel, his opposite number, could only offer congratulations as Celtic incurred the heavy cost of a poor performance over 210 goalless minutes before their lack of composure from the spot.

Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz will miss two Serie A matches after receiving a two-game ban for violent conduct, impacting the team's Champions League hopes.

Dortmund are eighth in the table with 42 points from 29 games, their worst position since 2014-15 when they finished seventh.

Sandro Tonali has made a remarkable comeback to Newcastle after a significant ban, showcasing elite midfield capabilities, despite concerns of another potential suspension.