Aston Villa 4-2 Liverpool: How the result reshapes Champions League scenarios with surprise sixth spot still open

Aston Villa sealed a UEFA Champions League spot for themselves after a stunning 4-2 victory over Liverpool on Friday in the Premier League. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for Villa in the first half but Virgil Van Dijk levelled scores after the break. Ollie Watkins then bagged a brace and captain John McGinn made it 4-1 before van Dijk scored another consolation goal.

For Villa, the win comes as a big relief as they can now focus on Wednesday's UEFA Europa League final against Freiburg in Istanbul before facing Manchester City on the final day. Meanwhile, for Liverpool, things got trickier as they now face stiff competition from two more teams for the fifth and final spot for Champions League. However, if these teams are lucky, a bonus spot could also open up.

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Check how each interested team can still qualify for the Champions League 2026-27.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s Champions League hopes remain alive but the Reds are now under pressure. The defeat left them on 59 points in fifth place, three points behind Villa. They still have a comfortable four-point lead against the sixth-placed Bournemouth who have a game in hand as well.

With one match left against Brentford, Liverpool must avoid defeat in their final game to stay ahead of Bournemouth. A loss combined with a Bournemouth win in their remaining fixtures could leave the Reds relying on goal difference or missing out entirely. Seventh-placed Brighton too can match them on points.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth, on 55 points in sixth place, kept their slim hopes alive. They trail Liverpool by four points but have an extra game up their sleeves. If Bournemouth win both games while Liverpool drop points on the final day, they could overtake the Reds. So, two wins in last two matches, are a must for Bournemouth to keep their Champions League hopes alive.

Brighton

Brighton, with 55 points, too have an outside chance of sneaking into the Champions League if they win their remaining two fixtures. If they win both their matches and Liverpool lose their final league game while Bournemoth only win one of their remaining two matches, then Brighton will have the same number of points as Liverpool. But thanks to their superior Goal Difference, they could finish ahead and take the fifth spot.

Bonus sixth spot scenario

There is still a chance that England get a sixth team in the Champions League which would keep Bournemouth, Brighton and even Brentford interested.

English clubs' collective progress in Europe this season have helped them earn one extra spot which means, not four but five Premier League teams will feature in the Champions League next season. However, if Aston Villa win the Europa League, a sixth team could potentially get a chance to qualify for the biggest European competition.

But Villa also have to finish fifth to open up the sixth spot. If Villa remain where they are, at fourth, then the extra spot does not open up even if they win the Europa League.