La Liga surges as Premier League stumbles in Champions League race

Spain’s clubs have seized the momentum in the Champions League knockout stage, overturning the Premier League’s early-season dominance and pushing La Liga into contention for an additional European spot next year. After trailing in the group‑stage coefficient race, Spain has now climbed to 18.031 points, edging past Germany’s 18.000 and sitting behind only England, who lead with 22.513. Real Madrid’s emphatic win over Manchester City, Atletico Madrid’s authoritative display against Tottenham, and Barcelona’s gritty performance versus Newcastle have fueled this resurgence.

Meanwhile, English sides endured a brutal 48‑hour collapse, failing to win across six matches and conceding 16 goals. With Tottenham, City and Chelsea facing likely exits, England may advance only one or two teams to the quarter‑finals, compared with three from Spain. Progression bonuses could further widen the gap, especially if Atletico, Barcelona and Madrid all reach the next round, strengthening Spain’s push for a fifth Champions League place.