The champion of the Jupiler Pro League will not have a direct place in the group stage of the Champions League next season. Normally he took part in the third preliminary round of the champions ball, but Russian clubs may be banned in Europe. Then the Belgian champion only has to play in the play-off round. In it, most potential opponents are already known.
Rangers (Scotland), Braga (Portugal), PSV (Netherlands) and Marseille (France) qualified as numbers two in their country for the third preliminary round. Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), Young Boys (Switzerland) and Galatassaray (Turkey) are also certain of their place in the preliminary rounds as national champions. Not everything is set in stone yet for the other places.
If the Belgian national champion manages to qualify for the group stage, it can already compete against the following teams. 25 teams are already certain of a place in the group stage:
Engeland: Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United en Newcastle United
The top four in England has been fixed since last week. Champion Man City is allowed to go to the group stage and Arsenal is also back on the champions ball for the first time since 2017. Manchester United also qualified, just like the (surprising or not) Newcastle United. What can they do with their big budget next season in the Champions League?
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Italy: Naples, Lazio, Inter and AC Milan
Champion Napoli had been certain for a while, Lazio and Inter were also added. On Sunday, AC Milan placed fourth, winning against Juventus. AS Roma can also go to the group stage of the Champions League if it wins the Europa League final against Sevilla.
Spanje: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid at Real Sociedad
As almost always, Barcelona, Real and Atletico Madrid qualified for the group stage. The fourth ticket goes to Real Sociedad. A fifth club can be added to that. Sevilla, currently ninth in the league, will also qualify if they beat Roma in the Europa League final.
Germany: Bayen Munich, Dortmund, Leipzig and Union Berlin
Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and Leipzig were already certain of the group stage, Union Berlin was also added on the last match day, which won and distanced itself from Freiburg. The first ever UCL participation for the club from Berlin.
France: Paris Saint-Germain, Lens
It is no surprise that PSG reached the group stage of the Champions League. But the Lens of goal machine Loïs Openda has also secured its place in the group stage. Marseille, certainly in third place, will have to try through the preliminary rounds.
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Portugal: Benfica in Porto
Just like last season, Benfica and Porto, who both played against Club Brugge, can go to the group stage of the Champions League. Braga can also be added as third, they play the preliminary rounds.
Netherlands: Feyenoord
Do not look for Ajax in the group stage of the Champions League next season. The team from Amsterdam only finished third and has been banned from Europa League football. Represented in the group stage: champion Feyenoord with coach Arne Slot. PSV is the second to compete for a ticket through the preliminary rounds.
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Austria: Salzburg
The team of Ignace Van der Brempt dominated the Austrian Bundesliga and is allowed to go to the group stage of the champions ball as champion. Sturm Graz can also add to that, if it survives the preliminary rounds.
Scotland: Celtic
Just like last season, crowned champion in Scotland and can go straight to the group stage. Can still be joined by rival Rangers, who will play in the preliminary rounds.
Ukraine: Shakhtar Donetsk
In a very difficult year for the country, Shakhtar Donetsk became champions again and is allowed to advance to the group stage. Dnipro, as number two, will try in the preliminary rounds.
Serbia: Red Star Belgrade
Red Star was once again unapproachable in the Serbian league and became champion with a 22-point lead. Good for a direct ticket to the group stage. Backa Topola plays second in the qualifying round.
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