Spain overtakes Italy in the UEFA ranking and, currently, could have up to five teams in the next edition of the UEFA Champions League. The UEFA ranking at the end of the current season will be crucial in determining which leagues will have a fifth team in Europe’s premier competition and a total of eight across all UEFA competitions. The top two ranked leagues can qualify five teams for the top European competition.
The strong performances of Spanish teams in European competitions, combined with the poor results of Italian teams – AC Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta were eliminated in the playoffs – have propelled Spain past Italy in the UEFA ranking. Currently, Spain has six teams remaining in European competitions, while Italy has four. The first and second-ranked nations in this classification gain the privilege of having five teams in the Champions League, two in the Europa League, and one in the Conference League. Therefore, if the UEFA ranking remains as it is, the Spanish league will secure an extra spot in the top European competition. Here is the current top 5 of the UEFA ranking:
- England: 20.892 points
- Spain: 19.035 points
- Italy: 18.187 points
- Portugal: 16.050 points
- Germany: 16.046 points
How the UEFA Coefficient Works
UEFA rankings are determined by results in European competitions. The further Spanish teams advance in UEFA competitions – and the more Italian teams are eliminated, as is currently happening – the more beneficial it is for Spanish football. Currently, there are six Spanish teams still active: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid (Champions League), Athletic Club, Real Sociedad (Europa League), and Betis (Conference League). Girona is the only Spanish team eliminated so far.
The coefficient calculated at the end of the season considers the coefficients of the last five seasons. To calculate it, the points accumulated by all clubs from a country/association in UEFA competitions are summed. This total is then divided by the number of clubs from that association that participated in UEFA competitions. For example, this season, seven Spanish clubs participated in UEFA competitions: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid, Girona (Champions League), Athletic Club, Real Sociedad (Europa League), and Betis (Conference League). Once the season concludes, all points earned by these clubs will be added and divided by seven. This will be Spain’s final coefficient for the 2024/25 season.
Points per Team
Points are awarded based on match results. Here are the points established by UEFA:
- 2 points for a win (1 point for qualifying and play-off matches)
- 1 point for a draw (0.5 points for qualifying and play-off matches)
- 0 points for a defeat
- 1.5 extra points for each team reaching the Round of 16 of the Champions League
- 1.5 extra points for each team reaching the Quarter-finals of the Champions League
- 1.5 extra points for each team reaching the Semi-finals of the Champions League
- 1.5 extra points for each team reaching the Final of the Champions League
- 1 extra point for each team reaching the Round of 16 of the Europa League
- 1 extra point for each team reaching the Quarter-finals of the Europa League
- 1 extra point for each team reaching the Semi-finals of the Europa League
- 1 extra point for each team reaching the Final of the Europa League
- 0.5 extra points for each team reaching the Round of 16 of the Conference League
- 0.5 extra points for each team reaching the Quarter-finals of the Conference League
- 0.5 extra points for each team reaching the Semi-finals of the Conference League
- 0.5 extra points for each team reaching the Final of the Conference League
Currently, with six Spanish teams still active in European competitions, it is likely that Spanish football can reach second place in the UEFA ranking, and consequently, secure five spots for clubs in the next edition of the Champions League.