European football has always been a test of strength and endurance for English clubs. In the 2025/26 season, a record nine Premier League sides will compete in European events. Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur enter the UEFA Champions League, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest join the UEFA Europa League, while Crystal Palace steps into the UEFA Conference League. 

However, the question arises. Does such a busy schedule lift clubs to new heights, or does it hold them back in their home league race? History shows that balancing both goals has been rare, with only a few clubs able to claim the Premier League and European crowns in the same season.

The weight of a packed season

European runs add both glamour and burden. For teams chasing trophies abroad, the number of matches can grow heavy. A club that reaches the late rounds could face up to 55 matches in one season, with 38 league fixtures, domestic cup ties, and 15 to 17 European games. 

In contrast, Leicester City’s title win in 2015/16 came during a calm schedule, as they played only 43 matches and avoided Europe altogether. The gap in match load shows how rest and recovery may aid some sides while travel and midweek contests stretch others thin.

Player view: Rhythm vs fatigue

Former England defender Matthew Upson sees the matter from a player’s point of view. He recalls enjoying a steady rhythm when playing twice a week, as the pace of matches built sharpness and fitness. For players, more games often mean more chances for medals and less risk of losing match shape. 

However, Upson admits that the number of matches near the winter break can become too much, pushing the need for bigger squads. Rotation is important, as rest ensures energy for others.

History of league success without Europe

Leicester’s miracle run in 2015/16 is a clear sign that freedom from Europe can fuel success. Chelsea matched the feat the following year. Even in the early Premier League years, clubs such as Manchester United in 1992/93 and Blackburn Rovers in 1994/95 had little European strain when they took the title. 

Since England received four Champions League spots after the 2001/02 season, it is rare for Premier League clubs to reach the top-four spots in the domestic league without experience in continental football leagues like the UCL and the Europa League. Still, the dream of ruling both at home and abroad is not impossible. 

Manchester United did so in 1998/99 and 2007/08, while Manchester City reached the same glory in 2022/23. Liverpool’s older double wins in 1976/77 and 1983/84 remain part of English football pride. These rare feats prove that, while hard, it is not beyond reach.

The strain of extra matches

The current season has already shown how fast the calendar can grow. Crystal Palace had played seven matches before mid-September, including qualifiers and the Community Shield, and may reach 29 by Christmas. 

By contrast, sides like Bournemouth, Leeds United, Manchester United, Sunderland, and West Ham United could play only 18 by that point, with no Europe and early cup exits. More games mean more risks, from injuries to poor form, but fewer games can also lead to longer waits between matches, which may stall rhythm.

Upson stresses that breaks can help if the training mood is good. If form dips and morale sinks, long gaps can hurt more than they help. Players then face long days at the training ground with no quick chance to fix their troubles on the pitch.

Europe can hurt league form

For some clubs, the push for Europe has come at a sharp cost in the league. Tottenham won the UEFA Europa League last season by beating Manchester United in the final, yet they slumped to 17th in the Premier League. 

Meanwhile, United ended only one spot higher. Spurs won their first European competition since 1984, but their underperformance in the Premier League still led to Ange Postecoglou's exit.

Burnley’s 2018/19 season showed another case. They played six UEFA Europa League qualifiers by August, failed to reach the group stage, and ended 15th in the league, far worse than the year before. 

Newcastle in 2012/13 advanced to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals but slumped to 16th in the league. Both Blackburn in 1998/99 and Ipswich Town in 2001/02 were relegated while in European contests. The toll of travel, fatigue, and split focus has often left sides vulnerable.

Strange without Europe

For some giants, a season without European ties feels unusual. Manchester United, for example, last played a campaign without Europe in 2014/15. This year marks only their second such season since the 1990s. 

Already out of the Carabao Cup, they may finish with their lowest match total in the Premier League era unless they make a deep FA Cup run. A lighter schedule may bring rest, but can also rob players of the stage they are used to.

The balance of risk and reward

European football remains a dream and a danger. The lure of silverware and the honour of continental glory drive clubs to chase it, even as the Premier League demands steady focus week after week. 

Clubs outside Europe gain longer rest and simpler schedules, while those in Europe face fatigue but gain chances at history. The question lingers each season. Is it better to stay fresh and fight at home, or to risk a heavy load in pursuit of a greater prize?

The true cost of glory

The story of English clubs in Europe has always been about balance. Some sides have thrived, finding ways to claim both home and abroad. Others have struggled, paying the price of split focus with poor league finishes or even relegation. 

This season, with nine clubs carrying the extra weight, the test will be greater than ever. By spring, the answer may be clearer. Is the dream of Europe worth the risk of losing ground in the Premier League?

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The UEFA Champions League is fiercely competitive every year, but the 2025/26 season might be the toughest one to predict. The most talented clubs are looking for a shot at European glory with a Champions League victory.

Before diving into the clubs that could compete, look first into the criteria behind a successful club in Europe.

What makes a club a top contender for the UCL?

Winning the Champions League is one of the most demanding challenges in football. Only clubs with a specific blend of qualities can consistently compete for the trophy. Here are some points to look into:

• Squad depth - When a club has a deep squad filled with talented players, they are favoured to win more matches. Even if important players suffer major injuries, the squad depth could help them since there won’t be a big drop-off from one player to the backup option.
• Elite managerial leadership - A good manager makes the difference, as any tactically astute coach can outwit the best in high-pressure knockout matches. Talented players are always present, but a manager’s tactics could separate one club from the others.
• European experience - Playing well in past Champions League campaigns matters, as they will be better equipped to handle the unique demands of playing during Champions League nights. If they have a good history in Europe, they should be able to play well in the UCL’s 2025/26 season.
• Tactical flexibility - When the club can play any style possible, that could make them one of the favourites, as they can compete against any opponent and their unique styles. Being pragmatic can lead to a successful run for any manager.

The top contenders

Here are the best clubs that could win the 2025/26 Champions League:

Liverpool

The defending champions from the 2024/25 Premier League season, Liverpool, already have one of the best squads in Europe. With the addition of players like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz on club-record fees, they have the top-level talent that can separate them from the rest of the field. 

They have mostly a successful squad, but they still have three members of the squad that won the 2019 Champions League with Mohamed Salah, Alisson, and captain Virgil Van Dijk. The Reds have some of the most talented squads in the world, and it will be difficult to beat them, especially with their firepower in the attack. 

Defensively, they might have some issues, but they could always outgun their opponents. Salah, Isak, and Hugo Ekitike are a fantastic trio, and they should be able to score multiple goals across the competition.

Arsenal

After a superb summer window in 2025, Arsenal have reloaded and are ready to become winners in both their domestic and continental competitions. The same core is still present with star players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel, and William Saliba.

However, the rest of the squad has been refined, as they are looking to establish themselves as the best defensive side in Europe. Manager Mikel Arteta is a pragmatic coach, so he prefers a defensive style. Despite that focus, he still made improvements to the attack with the additions of Viktor Gyökeres, Ebere Eze, and Noni Madueke. 

In terms of squad depth, Arsenal are near or at the very top of Europe. Arteta has all the tools at his disposal now; all he has to do is lead his team to the promised land. They need to score goals, as their defence can propel them to shut out opponents. However, they must improve their attack to have a chance at winning their first UCL trophy. 

Real Madrid

The club with the record-setting 15 UCL trophies, Real Madrid, is once again one of the favourites. With players like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr., the club will always be a top contender. They have the firepower to beat any team, as they have also worked on their defence and midfield in the summer of 2025.

They are not as inevitable as the mid-2010s Real Madrid squads, but this club could still win their 16th title. Los Blancos are one of the toughest sides in Europe, and they will continue to play their hearts out until the final whistle is blown. 

Real Madrid are on a redemption journey after being trumped by Arsenal in the 2024/25 season, so they will look to stay and compete. It will be challenging, but anything is possible with Real Madrid, especially with Xabi Alonso at the helm.

Paris Saint-Germain

The current title holders, Paris Saint-Germain, have all the talent to compete with the rest of Europe. Players like Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are immense threats to any club. The attack is rock-solid, and their defence has been hit a bit with Gianluigi Donnarumma’s exit. 

However, PSG still have the quality and experience to become winners again. They will mostly focus on the UCL to keep their legacies as the titleholders and do it a second time. Luis Enrique has done a great job during his managerial stint in Paris, and he will look to keep adding to his accolades. 

Barcelona

In terms of attack, Barcelona have one of the most powerful in Europe. With players like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski, Barça are tough to go against. Add Marcus Rashford to that, and you have a fantastic attack that could beat any team in the world. 

With Lewandowski and manager Hansi Flick’s experience, they could lead this team to the promised land. They already won in 2020 with Bayern Munich, so they will look to do that again, this time for Barcelona, who have not won since 2015.

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After winning the 2024/25 Premier League, Liverpool have done a fantastic job in the summer transfer window of 2025. They want to maintain their success, so they doubled down and broke the British transfer fee twice with moves for Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.

This is a great step in the right direction for Liverpool, as they have superstars to build around. They are quite young compared to their foundation of Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk, who are both well into their 30s.

Liverpool have insane attacking firepower

With Isak, Wirtz, and Salah, Liverpool already have arguably the best attack in the league. Add a role player like Cody Gakpo and new signing Hugo Ekitike to that, and you have one of the most dangerous front lines in the sport. This firepower could propel them to keep winning matches through their offence.

This is especially true for Liverpool, as they do not have the legs and depth in the midfield and defensive areas. They lost out on Marc Guéhi, who would have been a fantastic cover for Van Dijk. Guéhi has stayed with Crystal Palace after his move to Liverpool collapsed, as it was too late in the window to let go of the Palace captain.

With those issues in the midfield and defence, Liverpool will try to outscore any opponent they play against. That is a huge task, but Liverpool’s talent makes them such a strong choice.

The pressure is on Liverpool to perform

With the spending they did, Liverpool must be under pressure. They broke the record transfer fee twice, which should mean people will look at them as the winners. They are under pressure to perform, as the Reds must defend their title win against title race rivals Arsenal.

Liverpool will operate under pressure, but their talent can help them get through some of the issues the club has with their defence. With manager Arne Slot leading the way alongside veterans like Van Dijk and Salah, the squad is in good hands.

Defending champions have higher expectations

As defending champions, Liverpool have a target on their back. It will be tough to follow up on the 2024/25 season. However, the Reds must live up to the pressure, as they are a title-winning side, so they must do their best to defend it with everything they can. 

It will be challenging to play with these expectations, but Liverpool can get through that kind of issue. This happened with Manchester City, as they lost in the 2024/25 season despite having connections. Liverpool must step up their game and meet the lofty expectations.

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Darwin Núñez has left Liverpool to sign with Saudi club Al-Hilal in a deal worth around �?3 million. The 26-year-old striker agreed to a three-year contract after scoring 40 goals in 143 matches for the Reds. Núñez joined Liverpool from Benfica for �?5 million but lost his spot in the starting line-up under both Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot. With new forwards Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz arriving, his game time was expected to drop even more.

Liverpool has now made nearly �?00 million from player sales this summer, also letting go of Luis Díaz, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Tyler Morton. Reports say the club wants to use the funds to chase Newcastle striker Alexander Isak after their £110 million offer was turned down. Newcastle is asking for up to £150 million.

At Al-Hilal, Núñez will play under coach Simone Inzaghi alongside stars like Rúben Neves, João Cancelo, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Aleksandar Mitrović. The team recently reached the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals.

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Darwin Núñez is set to join Al-Hilal after Liverpool accepted a £46.3m offer, with add-ons included. The move will be final once he agrees to personal terms.

Núñez first showed interest in moving to Saudi Arabia in January. Liverpool turned down a £60m bid from Al-Nassr at the time. However, the striker and his camp pushed again this summer, and the club agreed to let him go.

Since arriving from Benfica in 2022, Núñez has had ups and downs. Liverpool paid £65m for him, with the deal rising to £85m through bonuses. He scored key goals but failed to lock down a regular starting role. He started only eight league games last season and struggled to fit into Arne Slot’s system.

Their £110m bid for Newcastle’s Isak remains on the table. The club is also considering Brentford��s Wissa and Aston Villa’s Watkins.

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Lyon has signed midfielder Tyler Morton from Liverpool for £15m. The 22-year-old, born in Wirral, came through the Reds�?youth set-up at age seven and made his senior debut in 2021. He played 14 games in all competitions but found it hard to lock down a spot in the first team. Morton also spent loan spells with Hull and Blackburn in the Championship.

He heads to France after a fine run with England’s under-21 side, which won the Euro crown this summer. Lyon, who had been set to drop to Ligue 2 due to financial concerns, won their plea and will stay in Ligue 1.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has spent more than £250m on new signings following their 2024/25 league win. To stay within Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) limits, the Reds have offloaded several academy talents, with Jarrell Quansah reportedly sold to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m last month.

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The football world is in deep shock following the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash at just 28 years old. Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, a 25-year-old professional footballer for Penafiel, died when their Lamborghini had a tyre blowout while overtaking in Zamora, Spain.

Jota was on his way back to Liverpool for pre-season training, travelling by car and ferry after minor surgery had disallowed him from flying. Just 11 days earlier, he had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children.

Liverpool described Jota’s death as ‘a tragedy that transcends�?the club. Manager Arne Slot paid tribute, calling him ‘the essence of what a Liverpool player should be.�?Fans gathered outside Anfield, laying flowers, scarves, shirts, and flags at the Hillsborough memorial.

Steve Rotheram, metro mayor of Liverpool City Region, said, 'The success that he has helped bring to this city will never be forgotten.�?nbsp;

A wake for Jota and his brother is scheduled for Friday in Porto, followed by their funeral on Saturday. Liverpool has opened books of condolence at Anfield for supporters to pay their respects.

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Liverpool is on a roll and is now 13 points ahead of Arsenal after winning the game against West Ham at Anfield, England. Arsenal, on the other hand, ended their latest match against Brentford at the Emirates Stadium in a draw. That puts Liverpool at 76 points and Arsenal at 63 points, as of writing. 

Can Arsenal make a miraculous comeback?

EPL clubs have only six matches remaining in the season, leaving a maximum of 18 points up for grabs. For Arsenal to overtake Liverpool, they need to win every remaining game, including their crucial head-to-head clash on May 11. Given their current form and their focus on the UEFA Champions League, that scenario seems unlikely.

Mikel Arteta has his eyes set on the UEFA Champions League silverware, the trophy that Arsenal has not yet won in history. Meanwhile, Arne Slot is free of other obligations, allowing his team to focus entirely on the EPL 2024/25 title. These motivations directly affect their performances in the competitions, so Arsenal is unlikely to make a comeback. 

Arne Slot to win the EPL title in his first season

What makes this season even more exciting is that it's Arne Slot’s first season with Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp, who managed the team for nearly a decade, passed the reins to Slot after the 2023/24 season. Now, Slot is steering the team toward Premier League glory, and fans are witnessing this new chapter unfold. 

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The Premier League (PL) is one of the most competitive football leagues in the world. Every season, the battle for a top-four finish heats up as clubs aim for a spot in European matches. Entering the UEFA Champions League (UCL) or UEFA Europa League (UEL) is a huge triumph. It brings not only prestige but also the chance to attract top players who can help clubs grow. 

Understanding how teams qualify for these tournaments is essential for fans and clubs alike. Learn here how PL teams can secure their places in these esteemed tournaments.

What are the European competitions?

The UCL and the UEL are two of the most popular football tournaments worldwide. They’re held yearly, uniting the best clubs from across Europe.

• UEFA Champions League (UCL): The top clubs from every major European league, including the English Premier League and La Liga, compete for the title of the best team in Europe. They’re both considered elite in the football scene.
• UEFA Europa League (UEL): Teams that don’t make it into the UCL but perform well can qualify for the UEL. Winning this competition also guarantees a spot in the next season’s Champions League, making it a crucial goal for many teams.

In the 2025-26 season, up to 11 PL clubs could make it to Europe. This would happen if English clubs win all three European tournaments and finish outside the usual qualifying spots. It includes the top four teams for the UCL, two for the UEL, and one for the Conference League (UECL).

Premier League teams with the most UCL wins

The number of spots for English teams in the UCL has changed over time due to their fantastic performances. As English clubs kept winning in Europe, UEFA gave the PL more spots. This increase shows the league’s strength and influence in global football. 

Here are some of the clubs with the most UCL wins:

• Liverpool: Liverpool has a strong European legacy, having won the UCL six times. Their recent games keep them in the race for the title, making them a tough team in Europe.
• Manchester United: Manchester United has won the UCL three times. Their long history of success in English and European football makes them one of the tournament's most successful clubs.
• Chelsea: Chelsea has claimed the UCL title twice. Their consistent performances make them regular candidates in both domestic and European matches.

How teams qualify for the UCL (Season 25/26)

PL teams must compete in a tough race to reach the UCL for the 2025-26 season. The process is crucial for clubs that want to show their skills on the European stage. 

Here’s how teams can qualify:

• Top 4 PL clubs: Finishing in 1st to 4th place is key for clubs aiming for a spot in the UCL.
• Potential for a 5th spot: The PL could get an extra spot if English teams perform well in European competitions.
• Domestic cup winners: If the FA Cup or Carabao Cup winner has already qualified for the UCL via other means, their UEL or UECL spot goes to the next highest PL finisher who hasn’t qualified.

How teams enter the UEL (Season 25/26)

Premier League teams can earn spots through league positions or cup performances to qualify for the UEL. 

Here’s how they can make it:

• Spots from the PL: The PL has two spots in the UEL—one for the 5th-place finisher, and the other goes to the FA Cup winner. 
• Role of FA Cup winners: If the FA Cup winner has already qualified for the UCL, their UEL spot goes to the next highest finisher.
• Dropped teams: Teams that don't make it past the UCL group stage can fall into the UEL, giving other clubs a chance to compete in Europe.

How do the current PL standings affect European spots

The PL season is heating up, with 20 teams fighting for a spot in European tournaments. As the season goes on, the standings are crucial in deciding which teams will represent England next year. 

Here are the top 11 teams as of writing:

Liverpool and Arsenal are in a strong position to secure a UCL spot. However, the bottom three teams—Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton—face a tough challenge to qualify for Europe.

Potential surprises and shifts in the race for Europe

The PL season is far from over, but the competition for European spots is already intense. Several factors can change the standings, including:

• Late season performances: Some teams improve their form in the final weeks, which can change their position.
• Unexpected wins: Smaller teams can surprise the big clubs with wins, shaking up the standings and giving them a chance for a European spot.
• Pressure and fatigue: Teams fighting to stay in the race for Europe feel the pressure to perform. A busy schedule can also tire players out, affecting their results.

What’s next for the Premier League teams in the European race?

The race for European spots is far from over. Teams must finish in the top positions or perform well in domestic cups to secure places in the UCL or UEL. With the season still unfolding, expect ample surprises and changes in the standings.

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Liverpool FC is in the lead in the Premier League (EPL) 2024/25 season at 73 points, 11 points ahead of the only title contender, Arsenal, as of writing. There are still seven games to go before the competitive season ends on 25th May 2025. 

Can Arne Slot maintain this lead to win the title, or will Arsenal overtake them? Here’s everything you need to know about the state of the EPL 2024/25 and why experts believe Liverpool is pretty much the guaranteed winner:

Big challenges ahead for Liverpool

Out of seven upcoming matches, only three teams pose a threat to Arne Slot’s squad. However, Liverpool is still the favourite against each of them. It’s worth considering that it’s possible to lose a game against each of them this season, given the club’s current form. 

Those clubs are Chelsea, Arsenal, and Brighton. Arguably, only Chelsea and Arsenal pose real threats, but Liverpool lost to Fulham, who is only 1 point ahead of Brighton after last Sunday’s match at Craven Cottage. 

The above teams are known for their strong offence, which is a problem because Liverpool has a weakened defence line right now. Liverpool will have to keep ball control for each head-to-head, but it’s easier said than done, especially near the end of the EPL. 

Liverpool form update 

Liverpool could suffer from conceding too many goals because they are missing four key players from the backline. That includes long-time club right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has an ankle injury and is expected to return to practice at least on 27 April. Ace goalkeeper Alisson is also uncertain to return after failing his concussion test.

Centre-back Joe Gomez is also set to miss at least the next three matches in the EPL to recover from his hamstring surgery. This weakens Liverpool’s defence for a long time but he’ll be back before the season ends. Fortunately, they won’t be facing anyone in the 2024/25 top 10 until May 4, when Gomez could be back in action. 

All things considered, the odds are in Arne Slot’s favour

With all things considered, everything else is looking up for Arne Slot��s squad. They can seal their victory as soon as they hit 84 points total because Arsenal can only reach 83 points maximum at this point. That means all they need to do is win 4 more times with room for 1 draw. 

If Liverpool beats Arsenal then it’s game over for the Gunners. That will deny Mikel Arteta 3 points, pretty much securing the victory for Arne Slot. It’s as exciting as it comes, but anything can happen in the next few weeks so stay tuned for more news at Sportsadda. 

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