LaLiga’s grip on fifth Champions League spot under serious threat | OneFootball

El Periódico Mediterráneo reports that a poor European quarter-final return has left LaLiga’s bid for an extra Champions League place in jeopardy, with Spain on 21.405 UEFA coefficient points to Germany’s 21.214, a margin of 0.191.

The week began badly for Spain in the Champions League. Barcelona’s meeting with Atlético de Madrid guaranteed one would fall, limiting potential gains. Real Madrid then lost to Bayern Munich, exiting their favourite competition earlier than expected.

The Europa League compounded the damage. Celta Vigo, beaten 3-0 in the first leg, failed to stage a comeback and lost again to Freiburg. Real Betis also let slip a two-goal lead inside half an hour, Braga completing a forceful turnaround at La Cartuja.

Rayo Vallecano offered the lone reprieve. In Greece, AEK Athens levelled the tie after the break despite Rayo’s first-leg cushion, before Isi struck a decisive goal to restore the Madrid side’s advantage.

German clubs produced mixed results yet kept pace. Bayern Munich progressed in the Champions League and Freiburg advanced in the Europa League, while Mainz were knocked out after a heavy defeat to Strasbourg. Two teams from each nation remain, Atlético de Madrid and Rayo Vallecano for Spain, Bayern Munich and Freiburg for Germany, leaving the run-in finely poised.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo