Who plays in Europe if the Copa del Rey winner is already qualified? | OneFootball

If the Copa del Rey winner has already qualified via LaLiga, Spain’s European places are redistributed.

According to AS, LaLiga have five Champions League entrants this season, with Athletic and Villarreal already out. Last season’s runs by Betis and Athletic to the semi-finals, coupled with Lazio’s elimination, helped secure that extra ranking place. Spain remains well placed internationally, though the Premier League holds greater clout.

The cup grants a Europa League berth, added to the league’s fifth place. With this semi-final line-up, there is a strong chance the winner also qualifies through LaLiga. Barcelona and Atlético would, in normal circumstances, finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League.

Across the Basque derby side of the draw, the picture differs. Real Sociedad have rallied under Matarazzo, shifting from relegation worries to European ambition, though the cup remains a fallback if the league route fails.

Athletic face similar calculations as their domestic form has become trickier. When they lifted the trophy in 2024, they did not need the cup ticket because they finished fifth.

If the cup is won by a side ending in the top five, the Europa League places go to fifth and sixth. With the Conference League in place, Spain have another European berth that normally goes to sixth. Should the Copa winner already hold a league route to Europe, seventh takes the Conference League spot.

Source: AS