FC Liverpool finishes the season with a draw. Jürgen Klopp can be seen in the stands.
Manchester City, FC Chelsea, and Newcastle United complete the English sextet for the 2025/26 Champions League season.
On the 38th and final matchday of the Premier League, former national team captain Ilkay Gündogan set the stage for victory with a bicycle kick goal (21st minute) in the 2-0 (1-0) win against FC Fulham for the team of star coach Pep Guardiola.
Jürgen Klopp in the stands in Liverpool
Former serial champion City concluded its titleless season in third place – 13 points behind FC Liverpool, who have been confirmed as champions for weeks.
At the Reds, former successful coach Jürgen Klopp watched a game at Anfield Road for the first time since his departure just over a year ago – and attended the presentation of the trophy for the club’s 20th championship. The last game of the season, however, was not one for the history books, Liverpool and FA Cup winner Crystal Palace drew 1-1 (0-1), LFC top scorer Mo Salah saved the draw with his goal in the 85th minute.
While runner-up FC Arsenal, with Kai Havertz substituted in the 71st minute, said goodbye to the summer break with a 2-1 (1-0) win against relegated FC Southampton, Conference League finalist FC Chelsea secured its Champions League ticket with a 1-0 (0-0) win against direct competitor Nottingham Forest, who slipped to seventh place and will have to settle for participation in the Conference League.
Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons, despite a 0-1 (0-1) loss against FC Everton – because Aston Villa, who were level on points, lost 0-2 (0-0) to bitter disappointment Manchester United after their goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was sent off. Villa will therefore be in the Europa League in 2025/26, as will Crystal Palace, who sensationally beat ManCity in the FA Cup final the previous week.
For curious reasons, the Premier League will provide six instead of the usual four Champions League starters in the coming season: England secured an extra starting place as the most successful team in the UEFA ranking, and Tottenham Hotspur – who lost 1-4 (1-0) against Fabian Hürzeler’s Brighton & Hove Albion on the last matchday – also qualified through winning the title in the Europa League against ManUnited.