Why LaLiga is also the winner as PSG reach Champions League final
PSG’s elimination of Bayern Munich could have a key impact on Spain’s pursuit of a fifth Champions League spot next season.
Bayern needed to go out to Paris Saint-Germain to clear the path for Spain’s push for a fifth Champions League spot - currently being fought over with Germany - and Luis Enrique’s side delivered. Bayern’s exit is a significant boost in the head-to-head battle between the two leagues in the UEFA rankings. Spain remains in second place with 21.781 points, while Germany sits third on 21.357. England, already out in front, had long since locked up the first extra berth with 27.514.
What does LaLiga need now?
It will come down to what happens with Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League and Freiburg in the Europa League to ultimately decide the standings. Rayo travel to France to face Strasbourg holding a 1–0 first-leg advantage; Freiburg host Braga needing to overturn a 2–1 deficit.
The worst-case scenario for Spain would be a Rayo loss and elimination combined with a Freiburg win and advancement. In that case, a potential Europa League final victory for the German side could trigger a late “sorpasso” - though it would depend on whether they need to win outright in regulation or if a draw followed by a penalty shootout triumph would suffice.
Bayern’s late equalizer against PSG still adds points that could prove decisive. What’s certain is that a Freiburg elimination would mathematically hand LaLiga the coveted fifth spot, which for now would go to Real Betis. It’s the simplest equation to settle the debate.
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