Spain has clinched the battle against Germany for an additional Champions League berth, ensuring that five LaLiga clubs will play in Europe’s top competition next season. Despite Freiburg’s win over Braga in the Europa League semifinals, the Bundesliga could not close the gap in the UEFA coefficient rankings after Rayo Vallecano’s triumph in Strasbourg.
The German league’s hopes hinged on Freiburg advancing to the Europa League final, but even if they win the trophy, the points they could add would not be enough to surpass Spain. Rayo Vallecano’s qualification for the Conference League final gave LaLiga 22.093 points, leaving the Bundesliga stuck at 21.785 — with a maximum possible tally of 22.071 even if Freiburg claim the Europa League title.
The math was clear after Bayern Munich’s elimination, and despite Harry Kane’s late goal, Rayo needed only to match what Freiburg had done. Done and dusted. Freiburg beat Braga and booked their spot in the Europa League final, adding 0.428 points, but Rayo contributed 0.312 to Spain’s coefficient, pushing it to 22.093. A draw by Rayo — avoided thanks to goalkeeper Batalla’s penalty save late in the game — would have left the fifth spot to be decided in the respective finals. But now it’s all sorted out.
Who will play in the Champions League?
With Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Villarreal already qualified, Atlético Madrid has also secured their place. Even if a disaster occurs, their worst finish would be fifth, so their spot is locked in. They are likely to finish fourth, leading Betis by 10 points with 12 left to play. It is precisely the green-and-white side that could benefit most from Rayo’s feat: Betis sits fifth with a six-point cushion over Celta.
The sixth-place team will enter the Europa League alongside Real Sociedad, who already have their spot after winning the Copa del Rey. The seventh-place team in LaLiga will play in the Conference League.
Mentions: Football, Champions League, Europa League, Conference League, Freiburg, Rayo Vallecano, Strasbourg, SC Braga, Bundesliga, LaLiga EA Sports.
