The race for the coveted fifth Champions League race is going down to the wire between the Premier League and Bundesliga.
A string of surprising results involving both England and German teams have turned the situation on its head, and leaves the Bundesliga in pole position.
Borussia Dortmund’s comeback victory over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night in the Champions League went against expectations, following Liverpool’s shock loss to Atalanta last week in the Europa League, and put Germany in the driving seat ahead of Wednesday’s games.
Germany needed both Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen to knock out English opponents Arsenal and West Ham whatever happened, and Dortmund’s surprise win has given them a big lift.
On Wednesday, Bayern did indeed beat Arsenal while Man City fell to a penalty shootout defeat against Real Madrid to put Germany in control.
As it stands
Top two gain extra Champions League spot,
Pos
League
Points
1
Italy
18.428
2
Germany
17.642
3
England
16.750
4
France
15.250
5
Spain
15.062
Leverkusen are expected to see off West Ham on Thursday, but Aston Villa’s continued progress in the Europa Conference League, a competition they are favourites to win, gives England hope.
It is Villa who are currently fourth in the Premier League, facing stiff competition from fifth-placed Tottenham. It is in both club’s interests that Villa continue to do well in Europe.
