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As the English Premier League heads toward the end of the season, tournament spots are already being clinched by some of the teams at the top of the table. Here we’ll look at teams that have clinched a berth in the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League tournament.
Each year, the teams finishing in the top four spots in the EPL table are given an automatic berth into the following year’s UEFA Champions League competition. In the event that one of the top four finishers also win that same year’s tournament, like Chelsea, who finished in fourth place last year but also won the 2021 UCL title, that automatic berth won’t be transferred to another team.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at who has already locked up a spot in next year’s Champions League group stage.
Manchester City
How they got there: City have been the dominant team in EPL all season long. They’ve been on top of the table since December 4, and haven’t looked back since. They’ve been hotly contested by Liverpool throughout the second half of the season, as just one point has separated the teams at the top of the table for weeks. Regardless, City will once again return to Champions League next year, making their 12th overall and 12th consecutive appearance in the esteemed tournament as they chase down their first-ever European title.
Liverpool FC
How they got there: Liverpool haven’t fallen lower than fifth place all season long, and even then it was just for one week. Once they found their footing after the first half of the season, they’ve been unstoppable and haven’t looked back since, trailing Manchester City by just one point for the better part of the season’s second half. The Reds have won six UCL titles, and after a successful run in this year’s tournament, will be guaranteed a spot in next year’s edition as well, marking their 15th appearance.
Chelsea
How they got there: The Blues locked up their UCL berth just days before the end of the EPL season, after Arsenal fell to Newcastle, officially putting the Gunners out of top four contention. Chelsea will be making their fourth consecutive Champions League appearance in pursuit of their third UCL title. They lifted the trophy for the first time in 2012, followed by their win in 2021 after defeating Manchester City in the final. Though they’ve seen some turmoil this season surrounding the exit of Roman Abramovich and the sanctions placed on him by the UK government, but the Blues have survived and will make another run at the UCL trophy next season.
Tottenham Hotspur
How they got there: Spurs came on during the middle of the season with manager Antonio Conte stating his desire to secure a Champions League berth. Tottenham had to win on the final matchday to secure a UCL spot for next season for sure, although there was a chance to get in with a draw or loss depending on Arsenal’s result. The Gunners won big, but Tottenham also won big to get into the Champions League while denying their North London rivals a spot in the competition.