The Blues saw their chance of securing UCL qualification dashed after missed out on a top-four spot in the EPL. Despite instigating an impressive surge in their last run of matches in the English Premier League, Chelsea failed to secure a spot that will ensure that they play in Champions League next season.
The Blues were thrashed 3-0 by Newcastle United at the St. James’ Park on Sunday and with fourth-placed Liverpool winning at home to Brighton, the former league champions’ Europa League qualification status was all but confirmed. As a result, the notion that Chelsea still has a 50-50 probability to qualify for the Champions League should Liverpool beat Real Madrid in the upcoming final is heavily flawed.
UEFA’s newly amended rules and regulations surrounding qualification into the competition only allows for the top four teams in England to gain automatic qualification. Unlike previous years, the club placed fourth - which in this case is Liverpool - will not feature in any playoff game prior to the commencement of the tournament next season.
Should Liverpool still win against Real Madrid, the number of teams from England that have qualified still remains the same. However, there would have been an exception to the rule had Liverpool finished in fifth but manage to beat Real Madrid in the final. Only then would there have been five clubs representing England in Europe.
