Which teams will play in Europe next season? Can Chelsea qualify still qualify for Champions League and what happens if Liverpool win it?

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WITH the 2017-18 Premier League season finished, the places in European competition next season are still very much up for grabs.

Two English teams remain in European competition and winning the Champions League or Europa League would give them automatic qualification.

Liverpool have their sights set on lifting the Champions League trophyCredit: Getty - Contributor

Liverpool travel to Roma next week in the Champions League semi-final second leg with a 5-2 lead as they look to make it to their first final in over 10 years.

Arsenal are also still in with a chance of silverware before the end of the season as they face Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals.

UEFA have changed the rules for European qualification next season so would silverware for one or both of the two remaining teams, mean that Chelsea could still qualify for the Champions League?

Bare with us... it is a little bit confusing!

How can teams qualify for the Champions League?

THERE will be 26 teams who automatically qualify for the group stages of the Champions League.

For the 2018-19 season these will be:

• Champions league winner from 2017-18
• Europa League winner from 2017-18
• Top four sides from associations ranked 1st to 4th by UEFA (Spain, Germany, England, Italy)
• Top twosides from associations ranked 5th to 6th by EUFA (France, Russia)
• Champions of associations ranked 7th to 10th by UEFA (Portugal, Ukraine, Belgium, Turkey)

IF the team which wins the Champions League in the 2017-18 season also qualifies via their domestic league, then their place will be given to the champions of the association ranked 11th by UEFA - Czech Republic.

Similarly if the winners of the Europa League also qualify then the position will be filled by a third team from France.

There are six places available in the Champions League group stages through qualification.

Initially there will be a preliminary round which will see the four champions of the associations ranked 52-55 (Gibraltar, Andorra, San Marino, Kosovo) fight it out for a place in the first qualifying round.

Liverpool, Manchester United, Man City and Tottenham will represent England and they have all qualified automatically.

There are four rounds of qualifying which will go like:

• FIRST qualifying (34 teams):33 champions from associations 18-51 + winner from preliminary round
• SECOND qualifying:
  -Champions path (20 teams):17 winners from first round + 3 champions from associations 10-15
  -League path (six teams):six runners-up from associations 10-15
• THIRD qualifying:
  -Champions path (12 teams):10 winners from second qualifying round (champions path) + two champions from associations 13-14
  -League path (eight teams):three winners from second qualifying round (league path) + three runners-up from associations 7-9 + two third place teams from associations 5-6
• PLAY-OFF round:
  -Champions path (eight teams):six winners from third qualifying round + two champions from associations 11-12
  -League path (four teams):four winners from third qualifying round

Who will be in the Europa League next season?

THERE will be 17 teams who automatically qualify for the group stages of the Europa League.

For the 2018-19 season these will be:

• Twoteams from associations ranked 1st to 5th by UEFA (Spain, Germany, England, Italy, France
• Oneteam from associations ranked 6th to 12th by UEFA (Russia, Portgual, Ukraine, Belgium, Turkey, Czech Republic, Switzerland)
• Tenteams will also enter the group stage from the Champions League play off rounds (4 losers from champions path and six from league path).

In England, the two places go to the team who finishfifthin the Premier League and the winners of the FA Cup will book their place in the Europa League for the next season.

If the FA Cup winners have already qualified for either European competition through their Premier League position, then the team insixthwill qualify for the group stages.

And if the Carabao Cup winners have also qualified for Europe, the team in seventh will make it.

England will be represented by Arsenal, Chelsea and Burnley in the Europa League next season.

Arsenal and Chelsea will begin their campaign in the group stage.

Burnley will start in the second qualifying round, meaning they will have to play three knockout ties to reach the groups.

There are a further 21 teams which can make it through the qualifying rounds of the Europa League.

Initially there is a preliminary round which sees 16 teams battle it out for a place in the first qualifying round.

There are four rounds of qualifying which will be as follows:

• FIRST qualifying (94 teams):25 domestic cup winners from associations 25-49 + 30 domestic league runners-up from associations 18-48 (except Liechenstein) + 31 domestic league third place teams from associations 16-47 + eight winners from preliminary round
• SECOND qualifying:
  -Champions path (20 teams):17 losers from Champions League first round qualifying + three losers from Champions League preliminary round
  -League path (74 teams): sevendomestic cup winners from associations 1824 + threedomestic league runners-up from associations 1617 + threedomestic league third-placed teams from associations 1315 +9 domestic league fourth-placed teams from associations 715 +2 domestic league fifth-placed teams from associations 56 (League Cup winners for France) +4 domestic league sixth-placed teams from associations 14 (League Cup winners for England) + 47 winners from first round qualifying
• THIRD qualifying:
  -Champions path (20 teams): 10 winners from second rouns (champions) + 10 losers from Champions league second qualifying (champions)
  -League path (52 teams):Five domestic cup winners from associations 1317 + sixdomestic league third-placed teams from associations 712 + onedomestic league fourth-placed team from association six +37 winners from second qualifying round (league) + three losers from Champions League second qualifying (league)
• PLAY-OFF round:
  -Champions path (16 teams):10 winners from third qualifying round (champions) + six losers from Champions League
  -League path (26 teams):26 winners from third qualifying round (league)

For England, the wnners of the Carabao Cup will automatically get a place into the second qualifying round of the Europa League.

If they have already qualified for Europe by a high Premier League finish then the next highest-finishing Premier League club gets the place.

The Europa League final takes place on May 16Credit: EPA

Jurgen Klopp gutted to lose Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after Champions League win against Roma

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says no club will want to play us in last 16 of Champions League

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LIVERPOOL manager Jurgen Klopp says that none of the other Champions League teams will want to face his team after the 7-0 thrashing handed out to Spartak Moscow.

That resulttook their tally for their European campaign 23, the second-highest in the competition's group stage history behind Paris St-Germain's 25 this year.

Jurgen Klopp was absolutely delighted after seeing his Liverpool side thump Spartak MoscowCredit: AFP

The Reds have scored 32 goals in an unbeaten nine-match run since losing to Tottenham in late October and are hitting top form at precisely the time they began to run out of gas 12 months ago.

That should hopefully bode well for when the Champions League restarts in February.

Asked if his side would be a threat in the last 16, Klopp said: "If we perform like this tonight, if we are that clinical, then yes.

"But we had the same players already and they didn't score (in some previous games).

Philippe Coutinho, whom was named captain for the night, scored a fine hat-trickCredit: EPA

Liverpool's awesome attacking prowess proved too much for the Russian sideCredit: PA:Empics Sport

"If we perform like this then it is obviously a threat, 100 per cent. If you see how Dom Solanke performed in Stoke, how Daniel Sturridge performed when he came on, he could have scored two or three, he made a goal for Sadio, that's good."

Philippe Coutinho led the way with his first Liverpool hat-trick with Sadio Mane scoring twice, with Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah getting the others.

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RED ROAR Liverpool thump Spartak Moscow to top the group

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It meant Liverpool topped Group E and avoided the likes of PSG, Barcelona and Roma but could still draw Bayern Munich, Juventus or Real Madrid.

"We knew if we won we would top the group so that's not the biggest surprise but I think it's strange this year in the group stages," Klopp added.

"There are a lot of really strong teams. This year is quite special. Not often you can face Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, but Juventus and all the others.

"Antonio Conte (Chelsea manager) said it yesterday there are no easy opponents and I don't think anyone is happy when they get us in the draw.

"We will not be happy when we see who we face in the next round, but we will be ready."

Spartak boss Massimo Carrera struggled to defend his side's performance.

Jurgen Klopp congratulates Sadio Mane for his two goals in the Spartak rompCredit: AFP

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"I can't explain this. Liverpool were better in everything: in quality, in anger, in passion. It seems like we're not yet ready for such big games," he said.

"We had enough chances to return into the game after conceding the first goal but we couldn't."

Anfield ball boy hailed the real hero for Liverpools incredible fourth goal against Barcelona

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AN Anfield ball boy has been hailed as the real hero behind Liverpools incredible European comeback.

Trent Alexander-Arnold created Liverpools decisive goal in the 4-0 win over Barcelona last night with a genius piece of play.

A hero ball boy has been praised for passing the back quickly to Trent Alexander-Arnold for Liverpool's fourth goalCredit: BT Sport

The youngster reacted quickly, rolling the ball calmly to the Liverpool starCredit: BT Sport

He took a corner extremely quickly to catch out Barcas sleeping defenders, allowing Divock Origi to score unchallenged.

However, it has now emerged that Alexander-Arnold was only able to take that quick corner thanks to the lightning reactions of a nearby ball boy.

As the original football went out of play for a Liverpool corner, the ball boy immediately threw a new one at Alexander-Arnold as he lined up at the flag.

Realising nobody had clocked the new ball, Alexander-Arnold fired it low into the box and Origi spun around in the nick of time to fire the ball past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Ball boy runs on pitch and gives Lionel Messi two finger salute at final whistle following Liverpool's dramatic win over Barcelona

The goal meant Liverpool went 4-0 up on the night, making it 4-3 on aggregate after losing 3-0 in the first leg at the Nou Camp.

Jurgen Klopps men will now face either Spurs or Ajax in the final on June 1 at Atletico Madrids Wanda Metropolitano.

Fans were quick to sing the ball boys praises, with one saying: Ran on the pitch at full time and gave the finger to Messi too. What a lad.

Another wrote: He deserves a free season ticket from Liverpool.

LEGEND

One tweeted: Ticket to the final then.

Another added: The kid is a legend, love it.

Reflecting on his assist, Alexander-Arnold told BT Sport: It was just instinctive.

It was one of those moments where you see the opportunity.

Divock was switched on and finished it off. It probably came at him a bit fast but he is a top player.

He scored two goals for us tonight and everyone will remember this moment.

Origi added: We did so well. We knew it was going to be a special night.

We wanted to fight for the injured guys. It is hard to describe, it is just special.

We fought so hard until the end. It shows our mix of talent and hard work.

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Alexander-Arnold set up Divock Origi for Liverpool's winner against BarcelonaCredit: Reuters

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Chas and Dave star Dave Peacock could release new Spurs song if beloved club win Champions League

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CHAS AND DAVE star Dave Peacock says a Tottenham Champions League win would be beyond his "wildest dream - and would tempt him to release another Spurs hit.

The 74-year-old is now going solo following the death of his Cockney duo partner Chas Hodges last year.

Dave Peacock, right, and Chas Hodges pose at White Hart LaneCredit: Getty - Contributor

His excitement about the big match on Saturday is tinged with sadness because he wont be able to enjoy it with his old pal.

Huge Spurs fan Dave isnt travelling to Madrid for the all-English showdown with Liverpool.

He will watch it with 62,000 fans at a sell-out screening at the clubs new 1billion stadium - which he would have done with Chas.

Dave said: Im choked hes not here to witness the Champions League final. I wish he was.

Im going up the ground, it will be amazing, I would have watched it with him.

I think about him all the time, not just about football.

Dave added: But he would be thinking the same as all of us. Hoping we can keep Liverpool at bay.

But we can be good on our day if we rise to the occasion.

We have to sharpen up and if we do and win it it will be beyond our wildest dreams.

Ossies Dream was all done and dusted in five minutes.

Dave

The 80s comedy music legends hits in their heyday included Spurs favourites Ossies Dream and Glory, Glory Tottenham Hotspur.

Dave said in February he couldnt face recording again because he was still too distraught after Chas death - but that could now change.

He added: People keep going on about a song. Never say never. Well have to wait and see.

He said Ossies Dream - about former Spurs and Argentina star Ossie Ardiles - took just minutes to write.

The 1981 FA Cup song mocked his pronunciation of the clubs name which he called Tott-ing-ham.

Dave recalled: I heard Ossie on the radio saying Tott-ing-ham and I thought is a bit of a hook.

The manager was Keith Burkinshaw and I thought Id make them all soldiers marching off to Wembley.

Ossies Dream was all done and dusted in five minutes.

Praising Tottenham for reaching what was the old European Cup final for the first time in their 137-year history, he said: It says a lot about Mauricio Pochettino.

The chairman Daniel Levy hasnt bought anyone all season.

But weve got to the final which is an amazing achievement I think.

Chas, also 74, died from pneumonia last September.
He had also been suffering from oesophageal cancer.

Chas and Daves other hits included Rabbit, Snooker Loopy and Gertcha.

Tottenham are preparing for a Champions League showdown against LiverpoolCredit: Getty - Contributor

Porto vs Roma LIVE SCORE: Latest updates and commentary for the Champions League clash

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ROMA head to Porto with a slight advantage over their Portuguese hosts in the race for a Champions League quarter-final place.

The Italian outfit won 2-1 at home in the opening leg, meaning a draw would send them through - but a 1-0 victory for the Estadio do Dragao side would see them advance on away goals.

Mane, Salah and Firmino strike while Van Dijk heads in fourth as Liverpool set up Champions League semi-final tie with Barcelona

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LIVERPOOL cruised to a date night with Lionel Messi and a reunion with Philippe Coutinho.

The moment VAR ruled Sadio Manes first-half effort was onside, this quarter-final was over as a contest and Jurgen Klopp would not have wanted it any other way.

Liverpool booked their spot in the semi-finals after cruising past PortoCredit: AP:Associated Press

Jurgen Klopp's men ran riot at the Dragao for the second season runningCredit: Reuters

Ultimately, the Reds demolished their opponents in yet another remarkable win at this level of European football.

On a thoroughly cold and miserable night, Liverpools fans secured a trip to what should be a far sunnier Barcelona in a few weeks and a not-so-friendly reunion with former playmaker Coutinho.
After watching this, Barca have every reason to be worried.

In what had real potential to be a tricky evening, particularly after the way Roma were turned over at the Estadio do Dragao in the previous round, Klopps team delivered a thoroughly professional performance to ensure there were no worries.

After surviving an early onslaught, Liverpool took the lead with the help of VAR and Mane.

Mo Salah grabbed the second midway inside the second half before Eder Militao pulled a goal back.

But Liverpool then humiliated the Portuguese side with further goals from Roberto Firmino and Virgil van Dijk.

Having wasted 13 chances in the first 26 minutes, and then seeing Dutch referee Danny Makkelie end a two-minute VAR wait by pointing to the centre-circle, Porto knew they were about to be dumped out of the Champions League for the second time in succession by Liverpool.

While 14 months ago Liverpool stormed to a strange 5-0 win here, this time it was all much more low key.

Sadio Mane scored the first to settle Liverpool's nerves in the second legCredit: Getty - Contributor

After holding firm early on, Mane scored his 22nd goal of the season in his teams first attack.

While Salah has come to life over these last few weeks in spectacular fashion, it is Mane who has been Liverpools most consistent attacker this season.

So a fascinating semi-final with Messi n Co now awaits, although the focus will certainly still be on Sundays tricky Premier League trip to Cardiff.

But Klopp will be happy this was not an energy-sapping, backs-to-the-wall 90 minutes. Like they have done all season, apart from that blip at the start of the year, Liverpool used different tools to find a way to win.

That is why they have such great momentum. There is no doubt they are no longer Euro novices.

This was a really good test and another important experience for Klopps team, particularly the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, a young player who has found it tough on some of the previous big European evenings.

Last night, though, in front of England boss Gareth Southgate, he delivered an impressive display.

Any Liverpool fans expecting some nice, warm Portuguese weather would have got a shock as the temperatures were not only cooler than England yesterday but it was incredibly wet.

And a torrential downpour shortly before kick-off made conditions tricky. With Jordan Henderson carrying a knock, it was no major surprise he started on the bench, although Divock Origi getting the nod ahead of Firmino up front was a major turn-up for the books.

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It was the Belgians first Champions League start for the club he had not managed more than 17 minutes in any of his four previous appearances in Europe.

He started out on the left, with Mane playing centrally, but at half-time was replaced by Firmino.

The focus at the start was always going to be on Liverpools back four and their ability to stand firm under an early barrage from the home side.

The first quarter followed a similar pattern. Porto had the ball, wasted a chance and Liverpool booted it back into their half and repeat.

Then, however, Mane scored. Talk about a goal against the run of play. It was the visitors first attack of the game and completely and utterly stunned the home crowd not to mention the Porto team.

Mane and Andy Robertson played a one-two, Salah scuffed a shot, Gini Wijnaldum returned the ball and Liverpools Egyptian maestro had another effort.

While he looked to be aiming for the corner it was going wide until Mane charged in at the far post.

The linesmans flag was raised immediately and it looked a tight decision.

Mane did not protest too much but Salah stuck his thumbs up, as if to insist that the outcome would be positive.

And after a two-minute wait, referee Makkelie pointed to the centre spot and Mane was able to celebrate.

James Milner came close to a goal via a deflection in first half injury-time.

While Porto huffed and puffed, they never really came close to hurting Liverpool before Salah scored the second midway through the second half after being sent clear by Alexander-Arnold.

For Liverpools right-back that was the end of his evening as he was replaced by the fit-again Joe Gomez.

Porto defender Militao, who will be heading to Real Madrid for 45million in the summer, then scored with a powerful header from a corner.

Mane missed a good chance before Firmino headed Hendersons cross into the net for 3-1.

Van Dijk grabbed the fourth as it all became a bit embarrassing for the Portuguese champions.

In reality, Champions League quarter-finals do not come any easier than this.

Any Barca fans already booking their accomodation for the final in Madrid should hold fire.

Mo Salah scored Liverpool's second on the night to seat their place in the semisCredit: AFP or licensors

Roberto Firmino headed in Liverpool's third goal from Jordan Henderson's crossCredit: Reuters

Virgil van Dijk scored a late fourth to set up a semi-final clash with BarcelonaCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Liverpool fans could be forced to travel 160 miles further as Napoli president wants games moved to Bari

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LIVERPOOL fans may be forced to travel an extra 160 miles for their Champions League game against Napoli.

The Italian club's president is preparing to ask Uefa to allow Napoli's home matches to be moved to Bari this season.

The Napoli president wants to move Champions League games away from the Stadio San Paolo to BariCredit: Reuters

Dries Mertens and his Napoli team-mates may have to travel 160 miles from the west coast to the east coastCredit: AFP or licensors

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Jurgen Klopp's side are scheduled to play in Italy on October 3, the second matchday of this season's tournament as they look to go one step further than last year.

Aurelio De Laurentiis has publicly criticised the home of Napoli, Stadio San Paolo which is municipally-owned.

And he is prepared to pay for 1,000 coaches to take fans to each match from Naples on Italy's west coast to Bari on the east coast.

It takes more than three hours to drive between the two stadia.

Liverpool fans still don't know where the match on October 3 will be played but Uefa are yet to receive a requestCredit: Getty Images - Getty

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, De Laurentiis said: "The stadium of Napoli is a nightmare. Such a bad stadium limits Napoli at an international level.

"It will take two years but I am going to build a new stadium so nobody can say anything to me."

The comments angered Naples mayor Luigi Di Magistris, who is in an ongoing dispute with the Napoli president.

Di Magistris said: "His suggestion is unthinkable and impractical. Its a serious matter to even think about something like that.

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Liverpool were drawn with Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain and Red Star Belgrade in Group CCredit: AP:Associated Press

"Napoli play and will play at the San Paolo stadium."

De Laurentiis is not only the president of Napoli but also took over former Serie A side Bari, who are now in the fourth tier following financial struggles.

Liverpool and Napoli were drawn in the same group as French giants Paris Saint-Germain and Red Star Belgrade in Group C.

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