UEFA coefficient state of play as Premier League clubs given huge Champions League boost

Introduced last year, UEFA’s coefficient system coincided with the revamp of their elite football competition. However, a dire performance from English sides in 2023-24 - aided by Newcastle United’s group-stage exit - saw those extra spaces go to Italy and Germany.

The Magpies would have qualified for the Conference League had England been awarded the additional spot. Fast forward to the present and Premier League clubs are racing ahead of their European rivals in the coefficient table.

Regardless of the UEFA competition, each win is worth two coefficient points, a draw gets one point, and nothing is earned for a defeat. As it stands, England sit comfortably at the top with  20.892, followed by Spain (18.035).

NewcastleWorld: Essential is our weekly newsletter, delivering the city’s best bits to you inbox - sign up here

All seven Premier League outfits remain in European competition - although that could change when Manchester City travel to Real Madrid tonight. Spain lost a club when Girona suffered an early Champions League humiliation last month, finishing 33rd in the group table.

Two nations are set to be given an extra spot next season - with England and Spain the clear front-runners. This development came after Italian sides endured a nightmare on Tuesday.

AC Milan and Atalanta crashed out of the Champions League, meaning they trail England by 3.08 points and only have five of eight clubs left in European competition. Lazio and Roma are, on the other hand, expected to go far in the Europa League, while Fiorentina remain Conference League outsiders.

Newcastle will welcome this news as they battle to return to UEFA’s top table. Eddie Howe’s men are two points behind Bournemouth in fifth spot and face Champions League rival Nottingham Forest at St James’ Park this weekend.