Spain Celebrates: Five Teams in the Champions League, Eight Across Europe

It was a night to remember, not because of what a Spanish team did, but because of what an Italian one failed to do. Lazio’s painful elimination at the hands of Bodö/Glimt in the Europa League shootout gave Spanish football an unexpected gift: a fifth spot in next season UEFA Champions League. The result ends a really tight battle between La Liga and Serie A for a golden ticket to Europe’s most prestigious competition. While Lazio walked away in disbelief, Spain silently celebrated a major victory off the pitch.

Thanks to strong performances from clubs like Real Betis and Athletic Club, the UEFA coefficient finally tipped in Spain’s favor. Betis reached the semifinals of the Conference League, while Athletic did the same in the Europa League. That, paired with Lazio’s early exit, tilted the balance. Now, five Spanish clubs will play in the Champions League during next season. For a league that has taken many hits in recent years, this is a statement: Spanish football still belongs at the top.

At the moment, the five expected teams are Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid, Athletic, and Villarreal. Though the season isn’t over and things can change quickly, those clubs are leading the race right now. Betis, sitting just three points behind Villarreal, still has a real shot at stealing that final Champions League spot through the league table. There’s also a scenario where six Spanish teams could make it to the Champions League if Athletic wins the Europa League and finishes outside the top four. That would mark a historic presence for Spain on the European stage.

Beyond the Champions League, La Liga depth is on full display. As of now, Betis and Celta would take the two Europa League spots, while Mallorca would qualify for the Conference League. That means a total of eight Spanish clubs will compete in European competitions next season. It’s not just about quantity, though. Spanish clubs have shown resilience, tactical identity, and hunger across all three tournaments. With more spots comes more responsibility, and next season, Europe will be watching. Spain is back on track.