This extra place, called the European Performance Spot (EPS), was introduced as part of a revamp last season to expand the Champions League to a 36-team competition. Two leagues are awarded this spot each season, based on their clubs' success across the three major European competitions-Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

For much of the season, England has led the table, with Italy's clubs failing to impress in the knockout rounds and round of 16. This helped ensure that the Premier League's extra spot was practically confirmed. The final seal came on Tuesday when Arsenal triumphed 3-0 over Real Madrid at the Emirates, guaranteeing England's additional Champions League place.

As a result, the Premier League's fifth-placed team will now secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. Currently, Chelsea and Newcastle United are both tied in fourth with 53 points, though Newcastle has a game in hand. However, the race for the top five remains tight, with clubs like Manchester City (52 points), Aston Villa (51), Fulham (48), and Brighton & Hove Albion (47) all fighting for their place.

In a fascinating twist, if Aston Villa wins the Champions League - having a quarterfinal matchup against Paris Saint-Germain-and finishes fifth, six teams will qualify for the competition. In this scenario, the top four in the league, the Champions League winners, and the EPS spot (which now drops to sixth place) will all have a place in Europe's elite competition.

There's even the potential for seven Premier League teams in the Champions League. This could happen if Villa, Manchester United, or Tottenham Hotspur also win the Europa League or Conference League while finishing outside the domestic qualification spots. Titleholders in these tournaments are automatically granted a place in the Champions League if they don't qualify through their domestic league.

If either Arsenal or Aston Villa wins the Champions League and finishes inside the top four, the league will keep only the top five qualifying spots, and no additional teams will be added.

Meanwhile, Spain, with its own five clubs still active in European competitions, is poised to secure the second EPS spot. However, Italy, which has been trailing, could still make a last-minute push to claim this valuable position.

Last season, Italy and Germany benefited from this system, with Bologna and Borussia Dortmund finishing in fifth place in their respective leagues and securing Champions League spots. This new format continues to add excitement and complexity to Europe's premier competition, and next season, the Premier League will be at the forefront of that change.

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