Dramatic Premier League final day: Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle secure Champions League
Manchester City, Chelsea, and Newcastle United have clinched qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League, following a thrilling final day in the Premier League.
The final day of the 2024–2025 Premier League season delivered high drama as multiple clubs battled for the remaining Champions League spots. Liverpool and Arsenal had already secured the top two positions, but three teams were still in contention for the remaining slots.
Manchester City faced Fulham needing just one point to qualify, and they delivered with a 2–0 victory. Chelsea took on Nottingham Forest in a do-or-die match, while Newcastle’s fate depended not only on their performance against Everton but also on Aston Villa’s result against Manchester United.
Which teams qualified for the Champions League?
Manchester City: A stunning overhead kick by Ilkay Gündogan in the 21st minute put them ahead. Erling Haaland sealed the win with a late penalty, confirming City’s qualification and third-place finish.
Chelsea: Enzo Maresca’s side secured a narrow but crucial 1–0 win over Nottingham Forest. The result capped an impressive season for the Blues and marked Maresca’s successful debut campaign as head coach.
Newcastle United: Despite losing 1–0 at home to Everton, Newcastle claimed the final Champions League spot thanks to Aston Villa’s loss to Manchester United.
The Premier League standings qualify the bottom four teams for the UEFA Champions League. Photo: Google
Who missed out?
Aston Villa: Hopes of finishing in the top four collapsed after goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was sent off just before halftime. Despite a disallowed goal by Morgan Rogers, Villa succumbed to a 2–0 defeat at Old Trafford.
Nottingham Forest: After spending much of the season in the top four, Forest’s campaign ended in disappointment with a loss to Chelsea. They finished seventh and will compete in the UEFA Conference League.
What’s next?
Liverpool and Arsenal: Already confirmed in the top two, both teams wrapped up the season positively. Liverpool drew with Crystal Palace during their title celebration, while Arsenal secured a last-minute win over Brighton.
European competitions: Aston Villa will join the Europa League, while Nottingham Forest heads to the Conference League. The Champions League race may be over, but the summer transfer window could reshape the balance of power ahead of next season.
