How many La Liga clubs could reach Europe next season? Athletic’s routes explained | OneFootball

Spain have the edge in the race for an extra Champions League berth and, if results align, European places could stretch to ninth, helping Athletic. According to El Correo, LaLiga’s spring permutations are in sharp focus.

UEFA’s new format removes any fixed cap on entrants. LaLiga had eight clubs in Europe last season and a repeat looks plausible.

Athletic must lift their form. They are 10th on 35 points and, from the 33 still available, around 21 would guarantee Europe, though perhaps three fewer might suffice.

Spain are chasing the bonus Champions League place, Betis and Celta are in the Europa League last 16 and the Copa del Rey spot is unresolved. Qualification could even reach ninth, currently Getafe level with Athletic.

UEFA’s season ranking will likely hand the extra berth to England and Spain, with Germany the main rival. Specialists reckon Spain keep it in about six of every 10 scenarios.

If Spain do land it, fifth would reach the Champions League, sixth the Europa League and seventh the Conference. If Atlético win the Cup, seventh moves up and eighth takes the Conference. A Spanish Europa League win adds a Champions League slot only if the winners finish sixth. Athletic should target at least seventh, though certain outcomes could make eighth or ninth enough.

Source: El Correo