The Premier League has asserted its financial and physical dominance over Europe, with five English clubs finishing in the top eight of the Champions League league phase to secure automatic knockout berths.
Arsenal finished top of the table, joined by Liverpool (3rd), Tottenham (4th), Chelsea (6th), and Manchester City (8th).
A sixth English side, Newcastle, could join them if they navigate the playoffs following a 1-1 draw with defending champions PSG.
This is the first time one nation has occupied five of the top eight spots in the new format.
Real Madrid and PSG both failed to qualify automatically and must now face a two-legged playoff. Madrid fell 4-2 to Benfica in a dramatic finale featuring a goal from Benfica’s goalkeeper.
Premier League spending last summer (£3bn+) exceeded the other “Big Five” European leagues combined, allowing for deeper squads and higher intensity.
“The Premier League is like a basketball game,” said Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon. “It’s so relentless physically… the Champions League is a bit more of an older style, more football-based.”
While English teams benefited from statistically “kinder” fixture draws, their ability to avoid the February playoffs provides a massive advantage in a congested season.
