Five English teams have earned automatic qualification for the Champions League round of 16, underscoring the Premier League’s dominance in the competition’s revamped league phase.
Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester City have successfully secured top-eight finishes, bypassing the congested play-off round.
This direct progression allows the English giants to avoid two additional fixtures in February’s busy schedule.
Newcastle United could join them as the sixth Premier League representative if they overcome either Monaco or Qarabag in their upcoming two-legged play-off tie.
The draw for the knockout stages has already outlined potential paths for the English qualifiers. Arsenal could face the winner of Borussia Dortmund versus Atalanta, while Manchester City may meet either Real Madrid or Inter Milan.
Reflecting on the difficult route ahead for play-off teams, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said he was “content to go down play-off path” following their draw in Paris.