As the European season hurtles towards its end, it can be difficult to know just what’s happening across the major leagues, and what narratives are still worth following. It can be confusing, convoluted, and downright time-consuming. With that in mind, we’ve broken down the final games of the top seven European leagues. There are titles to be won, relegations to be miraculously side-stepped, and a myriad of European competitions to elbow your way to the front of. Strap yourselves in for drama aplenty, and narratives abound.
What’s been decided?
It was something of a procession for Liverpool, as they won the league title for the 20th time, and it seemed almost inevitable that the 3 promoted sides (Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton) would make an immediate return to the Championship, which meant that both ends of the Premier League were effectively decided weeks ago.
What’s left to play for?
So very many European places…
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
2nd | Arsenal | 36 | 68 | 33 |
3rd | Newcastle United | 36 | 66 | 23 |
4th | Manchester City | 36 | 65 | 24 |
5th | Chelsea | 36 | 63 | 19 |
6th | Aston Villa | 36 | 63 | 7 |
7th | Nottingham Forest | 36 | 62 | 12 |
2nd – 5th Champions League, 6th Europa League, 7th Conference League Qualifier
With only 6 points separating 2nd from 7th, it’s a mad scramble to finish in the top 5 (the Premier League being awarded an extra place in next year’s Champions League due to their coefficient ranking). Arsenal only need 1 more point from their remaining 2 fixtures to guarantee their place, and they next face Newcastle United at the Emirates. The final permutations won’t be known until the last day of the season, but there could be a real ‘winner-takes-all’ clash, when Nottingham Forest take on Chelsea at the City Ground.
It’s important to keep an eye on the FA Cup final too, because if Manchester City win, then the team in 7th place will qualify for the Europa League, meaning that the last European spot (the Conference League qualifier) would go to the team in 8th.
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
8th | Brentford | 36 | 55 | 10 |
9th | Brighton & Hove Albion | 36 | 55 | 3 |
10th | Bournemouth | 36 | 53 | 12 |
11th | Fulham | 36 | 51 | 1 |
12th | Crystal Palace | 36 | 49 | -2 |
Brentford are guaranteed their highest finish in the league since 1936, and could still qualify for European competition for the first time in their history (as could Bournemouth). Their next match is at home vs Fulham, who are stumbling over the finish line somewhat, losing 4 of their last 5 matches. Brighton face the hardest fixtures, going up against Liverpool and Spurs in their last 2 games.
Ultimately, it’s in Crystal Palace’s hands, because if they win the FA Cup, they’ll go through to the Europa League regardless of league place, and 8th will get nothing (besides pride and a tasty bonus from the Premier League).
Serie A
What’s been decided?
Not much. Napoli, Inter, and Atalanta are all guaranteed Champions League football next season, while Monza are the only team to have their relegation to Serie B confirmed so far.
What’s left to play for?
EVERYTHING!
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
1st | Napoli | 36 | 78 | 30 |
2nd | Inter | 36 | 77 | 42 |
The Serie A title race looks like it’s going the distance, with just a single point separating the top 2, and both sides conceding momentum in the run-in. Inter were leading by 3 points only a couple of weeks ago, but costly losses at Bologna and at home to Roma allowed Napoli to take control. Despite a poor result of their own, drawing 2-2 at home to 13th-placed Genoa last time out, the Neapolitans are favourites to win their 2nd title in 3 years, with only Parma (16th) and Cagliari (14th) to come, while Inter must overcome Lazio (5th) and Como (10th).
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
4th | Juventus | 36 | 64 | 20 |
5th | Lazio | 36 | 64 | 13 |
6th | Roma | 36 | 63 | 17 |
7th | Bologna | 36 | 62 | 13 |
8th | AC Milan | 36 | 60 | 18 |
9th | Fiorentina | 36 | 59 | 17 |
4th & 5th Champions League, 6th Europa League, 7th Conference League Qualifier
Just 5 points separate 6 teams; 2 of whom will miss out on European competition altogether (AC Milan face Bologna in the Italian cup final, with the winner being awarded a place in the Europa League). Juventus occupy the last Champions League place, and face favourable opposition in Udinese (12th) and Venezia (17th) in the run-in. The next round of fixtures could throw up a possible knock-out blow for some, as Fiorentina host Bologna, and the rejuvenated Roma take on AC Milan.
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
14th | Cagliari | 36 | 33 | -17 |
15th | Hellas Verona | 36 | 33 | -33 |
16th | Parma | 36 | 32 | -15 |
17th | Venezia | 36 | 29 | -20 |
18th | Lecce | 36 | 28 | -33 |
19th | Empoli | 36 | 28 | -27 |
18th & 19th Relegation
Cagliari only need 1 more point to ensure their survival, and they take on Venezia at home next, while Parma will be looking very nervous over the final fixtures, as they must still face Napoli and Atalanta. Keep an eye on 19th-placed Empoli, who visit already-relegated Monza, before hosting Hellas Verona on the final day, and are best-placed to make a last-ditch sprint to safety.
La Liga
What’s been decided?
The title is all but over now, after Barcelona beat 2nd-place Real Madrid in another incredible ‘El Clasico’ 4-3, to move 7 points clear with 3 games to go. Atletico Madrid are guaranteed a Champions League place, and Real Valladolid’s relegation is confirmed, sitting on just 16 points.
What’s left to play for?
Apart from the teams mentioned above, every other team still has something to play for: European qualification, or relegation…
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
4th | Athletic Club | 35 | 64 | 25 |
5th | Villareal | 35 | 61 | 14 |
6th | Real Betis | 35 | 58 | 10 |
7th | Celta Vigo | 35 | 49 | 1 |
8th | Rayo Vallecano | 35 | 47 | -5 |
9th | Mallorca | 35 | 47 | -7 |
10th | Valencia | 35 | 45 | -8 |
11th | Osasuna | 35 | 45 | -8 |
12th | Real Sociedad | 35 | 43 | -9 |
4th & 5th Champions League, 6th & 7th Europa League, 8th Conference League Qualifier
3 teams fight for the last 2 Champions League spots (Spain being awarded an extra place in next year’s Champions League due to their coefficient ranking), though Real Betis have the added distraction of the upcoming Conference League final vs Chelsea. Champions-in-waiting Barcelona will have a considerable say on who joins them in the top 5, as they still have to face both Villarreal and Athletic Club; the latter only needing 3 points from their final 3 matches to guarantee their place. Beyond that, it’s really anyone’s guess which teams will claim the last 2 European places, but Rayo Vallecano certainly have the toughest run-in, having to face fellow European-chasers Real Betis, Celta Vigo, and Mallorca. Valencia are the real in-form team though, currently unbeaten in 10 matches, 6 of which were wins, including a hugely impressive victory at Real Madrid. The fact they’re even in the conversation for Europe at all is astounding, considering that when they hired Carlos Corberan from West Bromwich Albion on the the 24th December, Valencia were in 19th place on just 12 points.
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
13th | Getafe | 35 | 39 | -3 |
14th | Espanyol | 35 | 39 | -9 |
15th | Girona | 35 | 38 | -12 |
16th | Sevilla | 35 | 38 | -10 |
17th | Deportivo Alavés | 35 | 35 | -12 |
18th | Leganes | 35 | 34 | -18 |
19th | Las Palmas | 35 | 32 | -17 |
18th & 19th Relegation
Getafe should have just enough points to not worry about relegation, which is fortunate, as their last matches are vs Athletic Club, Mallorca, and Celta Vigo, all of which are in the top 8. If any team has a chance of making a late escape, look no further than Las Palmas, who face Espanyol, Leganes, and 7-time Europa League winners Sevilla, who could be in serious trouble themselves, as they have to play Villarreal and Real Madrid still.
Bundesliga
What’s been decided?
Alas, with just 1 game to go, this season’s Bundesliga is almost all sewn up. Bayern Munich are champions, Bayer Leverkusen will finish 2nd, and the 2 teams being relegated are: Holstein Kiel and Bochum, with Heidenheim going into the relegation play-off. Nice and efficient from the German top-tier.
What’s left to play for?
The final European places.
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
3rd | Eintracht Frankfurt | 33 | 57 | 20 |
4th | Freiburg | 33 | 55 | -2 |
5th | Borussia Dortmund | 33 | 54 | 17 |
6th | Mainz 05 | 33 | 51 | 12 |
7th | RB Leipzig | 33 | 51 | 6 |
8th | Werder Bremen | 33 | 48 | -6 |
3rd & 4th Champions League, 5th Europa League, 6th Conference League Qualifier
The big game on the final day is without doubt Freiburg vs Eintracht Frankfurt, with the latter only needing a draw to confirm their place in the Champions League next season; anything other than a victory for the home side would leave them vulnerable to Borussia Dortmund, who host already-relegated Holstein Kiel. For Mainz 05, it’s simple: match or better RB Leipzig’s result vs Stuttgart, and they will grab the last European place. The tricky part is that they have to take on Bayer Leverkusen, who will want to say goodbye to departing-manager Xabi Alonso in style. Werder Bremen are included mostly as a courtesy, as their vastly inferior goal difference means they would need a 9-goal swing to even stand a chance. Wouldn’t bet on it.
Ligue 1
What’s been decided?
PSG won the title ages ago, with the other Champions League places going to Marseille and Monaco. Montpellier are the only team definitely heading to Ligue 2 thus far.
What’s left to play for?
European qualification, relegation, and the small matter of Lyon being provisionally kicked out of Ligue 1!
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
4th | Nice | 33 | 57 | 19 |
5th | Lille | 33 | 57 | 15 |
6th | Strasbourg | 33 | 57 | 13 |
7th | Lyon | 33 | 54 | 17 |
4th Champions League Qualifier, 5th Europa League, 6th Conference League Qualifier
With 3 teams neck-and-neck going into the last game of the season, anything is possible. Nice have the harder of the opponents, as they face Brest (8th), while Lille play Reims (14th), and Strasbourg take on Le Havre (16th).
On the 15th November 2024, Lyon were handed a provisional relegation to Ligue 2 by the DNCG (the organisation that monitors professional football clubs in France) in response to their debt growing to €508 million. Lyon-owner John Textor, (who also owns majority shares of Botafogo and RWD Molenbeek, as well as a minority share of Crystal Palace) has the opportunity to prevent the relegation by providing proof of funds to the DNCG, but it’s not currently clear whether or not: a) this will be done in time, or b) where the funds will come form, as Textor originally claimed he could raise the funds by selling players from Botafogo in Brazil, then transferring the funds across. DNCG charmain Jean-Marc Mickeler rebuked this, saying ““Mr. Textor’s statements on the alleged attachment of the DNCG to the league, or on the discriminatory treatment of (Lyon), demonstrate a clear and persistent lack of understanding of the rules governing the regulation of professional football in France.”
Whatever happens with Lyon, it could have significant ramifications for both European qualification, and relegation…
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
14th | Reims | 33 | 33 | -13 |
15th | Nantes | 33 | 33 | -16 |
16th | Le Havre | 33 | 31 | -32 |
17th | Saint-Etienne | 33 | 30 | -37 |
16th Relegation play-off, 17th Relegation
As it stands, a point for Reims and Nantes will see them safe, due to their superior goal difference, with the former visiting Lille (5th), and the latter hosting already-relegated Montpellier (18th). Le Havre have to find a result when they go to Strasbourg (6th), otherwise they may leave the door open for Saint-Etienne to claw themselves into the relegation play-off when they host Toulouse (12th).
The picture does change somewhat if Lyon’s relegation is confirmed, as the team in 17th will face the relegation play-off instead, and 16th will be enough for safety.
Primeira Liga
What’s been decided?
Surprisingly, with only 1 game left to play, barely anything! Porto will almost certainly finish 3rd, qualifying for the Europa League, and Braga will finish in 4th, reaching the Europa League qualifiers.
What’s left to play for?
Everything else! The title, the last European place, and every relegation spot.
Pos. | Played | Points | For | Against | Goal Difference | |
1st | Sporting CP | 33 | 79 | 86 | 27 | 59 |
2nd | Benfica | 33 | 79 | 83 | 27 | 56 |
In the previous round of fixtures, the top 2 faced each other in very much a ‘clash of the Titans’, with the league-leaders holding on for a 1-1 draw, despite going down to 10 men in injury time. That means that Sporting CP will win the title if they beat or match Benfica’s result AND scoreline, because if both teams finish level on points, then goal difference will be the deciding factor. If that’s level (which is a real possibility), then head-to-head will be how the title is decided (Sporting CP won the other match between the 2 teams in December 2-0). Sporting CP host Vitoria Guimaraes (5th), while Benfica have to visit Braga (4th), and to the winner: the spoils (or probably a trophy of some kind).
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
5th | Vitoria Guimaraes | 33 | 54 | 12 |
6th | Santa Clara | 33 | 54 | 3 |
5th Conference League Qualifier
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
15th | Estrela | 33 | 29 | -22 |
16th | AVS | 33 | 27 | -32 |
17th | Farense | 33 | 27 | -20 |
18th | Boavista | 33 | 24 | -32 |
16th Relegation play-off, 17th & 18th Relegation
With Vitoria Guimaraes playing away at Sporting CP, that leaves the door open for Santa Clara to try and snatch the last European place, while also achieving their highest ever finish in the Primeira Liga. They take on Farnese, who could avoid relegation with a win of their own. Estrela are away to Estoril (9th), AVS host Moreirense (11th), and Boavista can still sneak into the relegation play-of if they beat Arouca (12th), and other results go their way.
Eredivisie
What’s been decided?
With 2 games to go, quite a lot: the 3 teams at the bottom (Willem II, RKC Waalwijk, and Almere City) can’t get to safety, but they’re still playing for the sole relegation play-of spot. Twente, AZ, and Go Ahead Eagles finish 5th, 6th, and 7th respectively, and all get a Conference League play of spot.
What’s left to play for?
Feyenoord are currently 3rd, 3 points ahead of Utrecht, with 3rd place getting a place in the Champions League qualifiers, and 4th a Europa League qualifier. The 4th Conference League play-of spot could go to any team between 8th and 14th.
Oh, and the title…
Pos. | Played | Points | Goal Difference | |
1st | Ajax | 32 | 74 | 33 |
2nd | PSV | 32 | 73 | 59 |
In mid-April, with only 5 games of the season to go, Ajax were 8 points clear, and strolling to the title. They then lost 4-0 at Utrecht, drew 1-1 at home vs Sparta Rotterdam, and lost 3-0 at home vs 13th-placed N.E.C., which puts them on the precipice of one of the greatest c**k-ups in football history. PSV have won 5 in a row, and finish with games vs Heracles (12th) and Sparta Rotterdam (10th). One thing on Ajax’s side is that it’s still in their hands; beat Groningen (12th) at home, then Twente (5th) away, and the title’s theirs.
