How Spain could reach 10 European places, and what must happen | OneFootball

UEFA rules mean a league could, in theory, field 11 clubs across the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League. For Spain, 10 is the most realistic ceiling, and it would be hard to achieve. According to AS, several conditions must align.

First, Spain must secure one of the two extra Champions League places awarded to the best two federations over the previous five seasons. Spain are second in that ranking, with Germany close.

Then Celta or Betis would have to win the Europa League. That would produce five Champions League berths via league and coefficient plus another for the holders, but only if the winners do not finish in La Liga’s top four. If the winners were fifth and the performance place also applied, that team would be moved to sixth.

Spain have two Europa League spots, one via the league and one for the Copa del Rey winners. An extra could arrive if Rayo win the Conference League, provided Iñigo Pérez’s side do not finish in Champions or Europa League positions. If Atlético win the cup while already qualified through the league, the place would pass to sixth or seventh. If Real Sociedad win it, the slot would drop to the league only if they qualify via league, otherwise they would keep it.

There is one Spanish berth in the Conference League. Based on today’s table, the six Champions League clubs would be Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atlético, Villarreal and either Betis or Celta depending on the Europa League winner. Europa League places would go to Real Sociedad and Espanyol, with Rayo added only as Conference winners. Getafe would take the Conference League berth.

Source: AS