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Ange's Spurs, Villa forced to fight for one ECL spot

Updated May 2 2024 - 6:45pm, first published 6:42pm
The PL has been denied a fifth ECL place meaning Ange Postecoglou's Spurs have to pip Aston Villa. (AP PHOTO)
The PL has been denied a fifth ECL place meaning Ange Postecoglou's Spurs have to pip Aston Villa. (AP PHOTO)

The Premier League has missed out on a fifth Champions League spot for next season to the Bundesliga.

One club from each of the two countries who collectively perform best in European club competition this season are granted additional places in the new-look 36-team league phase being introduced for the 2024-25 season.

Borussia Dortmund's semi-final first-leg victory over Paris St Germain on Wednesday night sealed the second spot for Germany.

Italy wrapped up the first spot last month, and it now means no matter how well Aston Villa do in the Europa Conference League, England cannot secure an extra place.

Villa must now hold on to fourth spot in the Premier League in order to qualify for the Champions League.

They are seven points ahead of Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham, but Spurs have two games in hand on Unai Emery's team.

Defending champions Manchester City and Arsenal are fighting out the title race, with Liverpool almost certain to secure third.

Australian Associated Press