LaLiga has officially secured an extra place in the UEFA Champions League next season. That means Spain will have at least five teams in Europe’s top club competition for 2025–26.

How Did Spain Get the Extra Champions League Spot?

It all came down to strong performances from Spanish teams in Europe, and a little help from Italy slipping up. Athletic Club and Real Betis both won their matches this week in the Europa League and Conference League, while Lazio from Italy lost to Bodo Glimt on penalties.

Thanks to this combination, LaLiga pulled ahead of Serie A in the European performance rankings, earning an extra Champions League place.

Five LaLiga Teams in the Champions League—Maybe Even Six

Right now, the top five LaLiga teams would be: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic Club, and Villarreal. These would all qualify for the 2025–26 Champions League.

But here’s the twist: if Athletic Club wins the Europa League and finishes outside the top four, six Spanish teams could qualify for the Champions League. The same goes for Real Betis and the Conference League, if they win it and finish outside the top seven, there could be nine Spanish clubs playing in Europe overall next season!

As things stand:

• Real Betis and Celta Vigo would head to the Europa League.
• Mallorca would qualify for the Conference League.

But again, it all depends on the final LaLiga standings and results in the remaining European competitions.

Spain and England Take the Lead in Europe

This season, Spain and England have overtaken Germany and Italy in the race for more European places. Both countries will now send five teams each to the Champions League next season, showing the strength and depth of their domestic leagues.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting end to the season and an exciting European campaign ahead for Spanish clubs.

Main image: X/@AthleticClub