JUST one match is left in the Premier League this year all the Champions League places are secured for England’s top four.
But the difference between third and fourth has historically meant more than just a place on the table.
Manchester United are in action against Fulham on the final day of the season
In the past, the team finishing fourth has had to play a qualifying round.
Does fourth place in the Premier League qualify for the Champions League group stage?
Clinching a top four spot in the Champions League is considered the holy grail, with each team securing a place in the Champions League group stage.
This is also the case for La Liga, the Bundesliga and Serie A after Europe’s top four leagues negotiated sixteen automatic places in Europe’s elite club competition in 2017.
Liverpool were the last Premier League team to finish fourth and NOT go straight into the group stages, having needed to beat Hoffenheim in a play-off tie in 2017.
Now, even finishing fourth in the Premier League DOES guarantee a place in the Champions League group stages.
Can Premier League teams qualify by winning European competitions?
Yes, a team that wins the Europa League can qualify for the Champions League, despite finishing outside the top four.
Manchester United did this in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
