Premier League claims fifth Champions League spot after Arsenal beat Real Madrid | OneFootball

The Premier League claimed an extra Champions League spot after Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday night.

Declan Rice was in the form of his life, scoring two stunning free-kicks in the second half at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Merino added another after 75 minutes, handing the Gunners a commanding 3-0 lead ahead of the return leg in Madrid.

Two extra Champions League places are awarded to countries based on their UEFA coefficient ranking.

England needed one more win in any of the three European competitions to guarantee another spot, which came on Tuesday with Arsenal’s triumph over Madrid.

Germany and Italy were awarded two extra places in the tournament this season after they beat competition from England, France and Spain.

Borussia Dortmund and Bologna were the lucky recipients.

English sides have been excellent in European competitions this term, with five teams reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.

The Premier League could potentially have seven clubs competing in Europe’s most prestigious tournament, although several permutations are required for that to happen.

Aston Villa must win the Champions League but finish outside the top five in the league, while either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur must lift the Europa League trophy.

United or Spurs are among the favourites to win the Europa League, but it would be a monumental feat if Villa emerged victorious in the Champions League this year.