If French football had a somewhat dark Thursday with the elimination of OL and LOSC in the Europa League, Spain is living a daydream. The six clubs involved in European Cups this week have all passed the round of 16 stage: Real Madrid, Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona in the Champions League, Celta de Vigo and Betis Sevilla in the Europa League, and Rayo Vallecano in the Europa Conference League. They even claim the final title.
According to Optaof the 24 teams remaining in Europa, 6 are Spanish, or 25%. This is obviously a record on the continent. The English follow closely with 5 clubs but only two in the Champions League. Only Athletic and Villarreal missed out on the Champions League, finishing 28th and 35th respectively in the league phase. It’s already ancient history. A real triumph which is obviously being echoed by the Spanish press this morning, after a historic week.
10 Spanish teams in Europe next year?
“The six Spanish teams remain in the running, the championship is the best in Europe, and fifth place in the Champions League is within our reach», ignites Marca in its columns. That’s the whole point. Being satisfied with the results of domestic clubs is one thing, measuring the consequences is another. In the UEFA rankings, Spain has put Germany, its closest competitor, at bay, and it should again obtain a 5th qualifying place for the C1 next year, like this season.
To do this, you have to finish the current exercise in the first two places, which seems to be off to a good start. A.S. even begins to dream of the next exercise with 10 Spanish teams on the continental scene. For this to happen, Celta or Betis would have to win the Europa League to obtain a 6th ticket for the C1. La Liga will always have two places in the Europa League, and why not even a 3rd if Rayo succeeds in C4. And then there is still a place in the Europa League awarded to the winner of the Copa del Rey. In the event of success for Atlético, already qualified in C1 by the championship, the place would be offered to the 6th, 7th, or even 8th in La Liga depending on their identity, and a qualification already acquired by another means.
