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      What happens if Chelsea finish fifth and win Champions League, and Arsenal win Europa League? Will West Ham miss out?

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      CHELSEA and Manchester city will meet in Istanbul on May 29 in the third all-English Champions League Final.And Arsenal could face Manchester United in the Europa League final, should both sides qualify from the final four.
      Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League but have reached the Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      Arsenal are currently off the pace in the chase for European places but could reach the Champions League if they win the Europa LeagueCredit: EPA
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      But what does it all mean for European qualification for next season? SunSport explains:
      How many Champions League and Europa League places do the Premier League get?
      England has seven places, with the top four in the Prem qualifying for the Champions League.
      Fifth in the table and the FA Cup winners go into the Europa League. And from this season onwards, the Carabao Cup winners go into the new Europa Conference League.
      But Manchester City won the Carabao Cup. So now what happens?
      That means the team finishing sixth take the Conference League spot, with a place in the final play-off round at the end of August.
      Hang on – but Leicester and Chelsea are also playing in the FA Cup Final. How does that impact things?
      Assuming both of them finish in the top six – likely but not yet confirmed – it means sixth takes a Europa League place and SEVENTH in the table means the Conference League.
      Right. I think. But could things change again?
      Yes – but that depends on the outcomes of the two European competitions.
      Under Uefa rules, the Champions League and Europa League winners automatically qualify for the Champions League.
      But Uefa also caps at a maximum of five the number of teams from ANY country in the Champions League and a total of seven teams in all competitions.

      Go on…what are you saying?
      Well, if Chelsea win the Champions League and finish fourth, nothing happens. But if they finish fifth, they would join the top four in next season’s competition.
      Teams in sixth and seventh would then BOTH be in the Europa League.
      What is the nightmare scenario for West Ham or Liverpool?
      No. Because if Chelsea finish fifth and win the Champions League AND Arsenal were to win the Europa League, that would be SIX teams qualified, one more than is allowed.
      And…Arsenal miss out, yes?
      No. Arsenal would be in the Champions League – but the team finishing FOURTH in the Prem would go into the Europa League, along with the team in fifth.
      That would also allow England an extra place, with the team finishing sixth going into the new Conference League and no European place for the team in seventh.

      Why is it so complicated?
      Chelsea finishing in the top four and Manchester United winning the Europa League would make it easier.
      Then fifth and sixth are in the Europa and seventh in the Conference. More

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      Chelsea’s heroic win against Real Madrid is one of my top five nights in Europe – but there’s still two that are better

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      CHELSEA enjoyed another massive night in the Champions League, one that will go down in their history alongside many others as they beat Real Madrid 2-0 to reach the final.For me, it is one of the most memorable, both because of how well the Blues played and how easily they disposed of a team considered one of the giants and best ever.
      Scorer Mason Mount celebrates with Christian Pulisic and Ben Chilwell after completing a 2-0 defeat of Real to reach the Champions League finalCredit: Getty
      David Luiz and Frank Lampard lead the rejoicing as Chelsea won the Champions League for the only time, beating Bayern on penalties in 2012Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The victory, to seal a 3-1 aggregate win and a place against Manchester City in Instanbul on May 29, certainly makes the top five Euro nights I have witnessed for Chelsea.
      But it’s only midway up the list. Here’s how they rank in ascending order …
      5: Tromso 3 Chelsea 2 (1997-98 Cup Winners Cup 2nd Round 1st leg)
      Gianluca Vialli bags the first of his double in a chiller thrillerCredit: AP:Associated Press
      You may wonder why the final isn’t here instead of this tie, because we actually won this competition.
      But for me, this tie was even more special because we were playing against absolute minnows in heavy snow, and we went 2-0 down.
      It was the first time Chelsea had a very good chance of winning a European trophy since the 70s, and the two goals to get Chelsea back into the game from Gianluca Vialli we knew would be enough to see us through in the second leg, which we won 7-1 for a 9-4 aggregate success.
      This always sticks out as one of my greatest memories as a Chelsea fan because of the team spirit and desire to get the goals back.
      4: Chelsea 4 Barcelona 2 (2004-05 Champions League Round of 16 2nd Leg)
      Frank Lampard and then-boss Jose Mourinho hail a superb triumphCredit: AFP – Getty
      It is ALWAYS special beating and knocking Barcelona out of any competition, and these were the years when had started to become our arch nemesis and fierce rivals.
      This was a massive win to turn around being 2-1 down from the 1st leg to go through 5-4 on aggregate, and Barcelona HATED it!
      3: Chelsea 2 Real Madrid 0 (2020-21 Champions League semi-final 2nd leg)
      Timo Werner nods Chelsea’s opener against the Spanish giantsCredit: The Sun
      This night as I explained above, will also now sit with me as one of the greatest European nights as a Chelsea fan.
      It’s been a weird season in football without fans at stadiums, but the whole buzz around the game online, and even outside Stamford Bridge before the match despite none of them being allowed inside to watch, all set it up for a triumphant night and an incredible result and performance by Chelsea over the two legs.
      2: Barcelona 2 Chelsea 2 (2011-12 Champions League semi-final 2nd leg)
      Frank Lampard roars his approval at Fernando Torres’ crucial counter-attacking goal for another famous night against BarcelonaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      This was another defiant triumph over Barcelona, completing a 3-2 aggregate triumph and becoming even more significant because we went on to win the competition.
      But against all the odds, just as with Real Madrid this week, Chelsea the underdogs beat a European giant to ruin their dreams. And in all that, we did it with 10 men for a portion of the match.
      That Ramires chip, that Fernando Torres goal on the break, will always give me absolute feels.
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      1: Bayern Munich 1 Chelsea 1 (2011-12 Champions League Final)
      Legendary striker Didier Drogba slots home the shootout winner on arguably the greatest night in Chelsea’s historyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      This game speaks for itself, with Chelsea up against a massive team who had been playing very well.
      Bayern were by far the favourites, and Chelsea somehow managed to sweat blood and tears on the pitch to make it to the penalty shootout and win their first ever Champions League trophy.
      This whole Champions League run Chelsea were the underdogs, and that is what makes winning it so much more special.
      Can they do it again this season? Well, it certainly has that similar vibe to it and all the stars are aligned…
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea fans celebrate outside Stamford Bridge after reaching the Champions League final More

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      Watch Kai Havertz troll Sergio Ramos with ‘top s***housery’ time-wasting in final minute of Chelsea win over Real Madrid

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      KAI HAVERTZ played the role of ultimate troll with some ‘top s***housery’ time-wasting against Real Madrid last night.Chelsea’s £70million German playmaker was once again in exquisite form as Thomas Tuchel’s men set up a Champions League final with Manchester City thanks to a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

      Kai Havertz produced some troll time-wasting against Real MadridCredit: Twitter@btsportfootball
      Havertz tricked Sergio Ramos as Chelsea reached the Champions League finalCredit: Twitter@btsportfootball
      But despite playing a brilliant role going forward, Havertz also showed off his side of the dark arts against none other than the master, Sergio Ramos.
      As the final minutes ticked down in London, former Blue Eden Hazard was fortunate to draw a foul after being crowded by N’Golo Kante and Andreas Christensen.
      Havertz won the ball as the referee blew his whistle in Real’s favour.
      And as Ramos, plus teammate Toni Kroos, ran to quickly restart play, Havertz bent down as if to pick up the ball.
      However, as the ace reached forward, he instead cheekily punted the ball through Ramos and Kroos to run down a few more vital seconds for his side.
      And because it was done so quickly and smartly, none of the officials picked up on it either.
      Chelsea supporters were delighted at seeing Real Madrid beaten on all fronts.
      And Havertz’s trickery particularly thrilled those watching.
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      wow really got them!!— Alex Hill (@alexhill40) May 6, 2021

      That’s was absolutely amazing— bigkiesh (@kieran_wilkes) May 6, 2021

      One fan tweeted: “Wow really got them!”
      Another said: “That was absolutely amazing.”
      One wrote: “The kind of s***housery you would be proud of.”
      Another added: “Was never a foul as well.”

      Was never a foul aswell— 2021CL (@2021CL1) May 6, 2021

      Timo Werner and Mason Mount were the two on the scoresheet last night for Chelsea, who secured a 3-1 aggregate victory.
      But it could have been even more for the FA Cup finalists, who blew a number of chances in front of goal.
      However, with boss Tuchel reaching his second consecutive Champions League final, and with Chelsea already dumping Man City out of the FA Cup, the Blues will be confident of going all the way in Istanbul.

      N’Golo Kante waves to wild Chelsea fans while driving off in Mini as Tuchel celebrates outside stadium after Real win More

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      Aston Villa offer to host Champions League final between Chelsea and Man City with fears over coronavirus ravaged Turkey

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      ASTON VILLA has offered to stage this season’s all-English Champions’ League cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City in Birmingham.The former European champions contacted the FA and Uefa proposing a dramatic switch of venue from Covid-19 hotspot Istanbul’s Ataturk Stadium, to Villa Park, now the final has become an all-English affair.
      Aston Villa have made a staggering offer to UefaCredit: Getty
      They have offered to host the all-English Champions League final instead of IstanbulCredit: AFP
      However Uefa has confirmed in an official statement the final WILL go ahead as planned in Istanbul on May 29.
      Villa chiefs believe it makes no sense for up to 10,000 English fans of Chelsea and City to risk making the 3,000-mile plus round trip to Turkey, where the virus is rife and the nation remains in lockdown. 
      The Midlands club, who lifted the European Cup in 1982, stepped in to offer Villa Park as an safer, alternative venue, once Chelsea confirmed their place in the final by beating Real Madrid to set up an all English final with City.
      There are currently no travel restrictions in place between England and Turkey but anyone travelling back to the UK will be subject to quarantine rules when they return.
      Meanwhile UEFA insist the Turkish lockdown will have no impact on the final taking place as planned.
      A Uefa statement said: “The Uefa Champions League final will take place in Istanbul on May 29 with a limited number of spectators and we are assured the temporary lockdown which is in force until May 17 should not have any impact on the match.
      “Uefa continues to work closely with the Turkish Football Federation and the local and national authorities to stage the match safely.
      “Detailed information regarding the capacity for the match, travel and ticketing details will be communicated publicly by the end of the week.”
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      However Villa are keen to host the final and their offer to Uefa stands.
      Although Villa Park does not meet current Uefa standards to stage the final, it is understood the club was willing to carry out some speedy upgrades to the press facilities and TV positions.
      Villa felt Birmingham was ideally suited to stage the final as there is enough hotel accomodation in the area to host such a major event, and house all of the Uefa officials, delegates and sponsors who attend the final. 
      Chelsea and Man City fans are set to get 4,000 tickets each for the eagerly anticipated final but more fans may be tempted to travel to experience the atmosphere around the occasion.
      SunSport understands Uefa are not in favour of such a late switch unless the Turkish Government was to inform them it could no longer stage the final for safety reasons.
      Turkey is currently Europe’s Covid capital with the highest number of infections in Europe.
      The UK Government has yet to decide about whether Turkey will remain open for business within the UK’s permitted Travel Corridor, with a decision on potential future travel restrictions to and from Turkey expected to be reviewed next week.   
      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks
      Commons Culture Committee chair Julian Knight did back the idea of switching the game to England.
      He said: “Given our world leading vaccine programme and also the fact that we have been showing through the pilots that we are seemingly very capable of holding events in this country, then of course I would support the idea of the final being moved to Wembley.
      “Although international travel is very unlikely to the event, it would at least give a better experience for our fans to have the game in this country and hopefully there would be an opportunity to run the Champions League final as an additional pilot to allow fans into the ground.’
      The Tory MP added: “It Is also about a Covid-secure environment for the players and the support staff.
      “The most Covid-secure environment would be to have it in the country of origin of the two teams rather than make them travel.
      “It would seem to be much safer and more sensible to have it here.”
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Thomas Tuchel admits his personal sacrifice has been worth it now Chelsea are in the Champions League final More

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      Thomas Tuchel’s horror record vs Pep Guardiola revealed as Chelsea boss looks to beat Man City in Champions League final

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      THOMAS TUCHEL’S worst managerial nightmare is Pep Guardiola as they prepare to face off in the Champions League final. The Chelsea manager earned his place back in European club football’s showpiece match a year after defeat with Paris Saint-Germain against Bayern Munich.

      Pep Guardiola appears to have Thomas Tuchel’s number – but did lose their last meetingCredit: Getty
      But after seeing off Real Madrid in dominant fashion, the German goes up against nemesis Guardiola in Istanbul on May 29.
      And his record against the Manchester City boss makes for grim reading.
      In fact, taking into account managers he has faced at least six times in his career, no gaffer has a better return against Tuchel than Guardiola.
      In their six previous meetings, Tuchel boasts just one win, one draw and four defeats, equating to an equivalent of 0.67 points per game – although some are cup matches.
      Among those four defeats are a 4-1 loss as Mainz boss in October 2013, a 5-1 defeat with Borussia Dortmund in October 2015 and 4-3 heartbreak in the DFB-Pokal 2016 final – all to Bayern Munich.
      However, Tuchel will be buoyed by the fact that one victory came in April’s FA Cup semi-final victory with Hakim Ziyech’s finish the difference, giving him the chance at winning the double.
      Ironically, his next-worst record is against his predecessor at Dortmund, Jurgen Klopp.
      In 15 meetings, Blues chief Tuchel has three wins, three draws and nine defeats.
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      Jupp Heynckes and Felix Magath also squander just one point per game against Tuchel.
      At the other end of the spectrum, Tuchel enjoys going up against Julian Nagelsmann (2.17 PPG), Zinedine Zidane (1.67) and Carlo Ancelotti (1.57).
      But the German’s favourite opponent is Rudi Garcia.
      The former Lille, Roma and Marseille boss is now in charge at Lyon.
      Tuchel, though, clearly has his number with five wins and one loss from six matches at 2.5 PPG.
      Tuchel went up against Guardiola five times in Germany, losing four and drawing oneCredit: Getty
      The German also has a poor record against fellow former Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen KloppCredit: Reuters

      N’Golo Kante waves to wild Chelsea fans while driving off in Mini as Tuchel celebrates outside stadium after Real win More

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      N’Golo Kante waves to wild Chelsea fans while driving off in Mini as Tuchel celebrates outside stadium after Real win

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      N’GOLO KANTE waved to jubilant Chelsea fans celebrating outside Stamford Bridge last night as he tried to make his way home in his Mini.And boss Thomas Tuchel, yet to experience a match in charge in front of the Blues faithful, even poked his head out his car to join in the celebrations upon leaving the ground.

      Fans partied wildly outside Stamford BridgeCredit: PA
      Social distancing guidelines were ignoredCredit: Reuters

      The German wrote his name in the history books as just the second manager, after Roberto Di Matteo, to guide Chelsea to a Champions League final.
      And while 2012’s run possessed more drama, last night’s Blues performance was full of control and poise.
      At the heart of it was the outstanding Kante, with the Frenchman playing an instrumental role in both goals.
      Upon leaving the Bridge in his modest motor, the popular midfielder was mobbed by raucous Chelsea fans celebrating their 2-0 win.
      And the 30-year-old offered up a wave from his wheel, which only heightened the incredible celebrations.
      Boss Tuchel was next to be serenaded, with fans cheering his name as he appeared from the back seat of his vehicle to raise a fist and huge smile.
      The player themselves also celebrated wildly in the dressing room after the match.
      Edouard Mendy and Mason Mount shared videos from the behind the scenes party on Instagram.

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      And defender Antonio Rudiger took to Twitter in jubilation, posting a team photo accompanied by the caption: “WE DID IT. Off to the final!!! #whatateam #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve”.
      Mateo Kovacic shared the same snap with the caption: “Istanbul next!”
      Ben Chilwell added: “This team!”
      Callum Hudson-Odoi shared a group picture with the message: “FINALSS HERE WE COMEEEE!!!”
      Kai Havertz tweeted a series of in-game pictures, captioned: “FINALLLLL”.
      Billy Gilmour added: “Istanbul here we come!!!”
      The Blues will take on Manchester City in Istanbul on May 29.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Chelsea fans celebrate outside Stamford Bridge after reaching the Champions League final More

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      Europe’s top clubs including Prem elite lost £50m in Champions League prize money last season due to coronavirus crisis

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      EUROPE’S leading clubs lost £50m in Champions League prize money as a result of LAST season’s Covid crisis.And £9.74m was stripped from the FOUR English clubs in the competition.
      Last year’s Champions League winners Bayern Munich earned £108.24m in prize moneyCredit: Reuters
      Despite handing back £2.85m, Manchester City still made £81.73m from their run to the last eight.
      That sum was only exceeded by three other teams in the tournament.
      Finalists Paris Saint-Germain topped the list with £109.4m.
      Winners Bayern Munich somehow pocketed the slightly smaller figure of £108.24m and Barcelona bagged £86.48m.
      Liverpool grossed £73.33m, including their Super Cup victory bonus.
      Meanwhile, England’s other representatives Chelsea and Tottenham made £71.6m and £55.66m respectively.
      Those Premier League sides competing in the Europa League also netted a tidy sum – although it was nowhere near those of their Champions League counterparts.
      By contrast, Manchester United earned just £26.36m from their Europa run.
      Just seven players have managed to score a hat-tricks of CL hat-tricks

      Both Wolves and Arsenal made it to the last-16 of the competition.
      However, the Molineux outfit took home just £19.62m.
      And rivals Arsenal earned just £16.08m for their exploits in the competition.
      English sides are set to pocket a nice windfall again this season due to their exploits in Europe.
      Chelsea defeated Real Madrid last night to set-up a Champions League final showdown against fellow Prem side Man City.
      And both Man United and Arsenal are in Europa League semi-final action tonight as they vie to make that showpiece another all-English affair.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

      Thomas Tuchel admits his personal sacrifice has been worth it now Chelsea are in the Champions League final More

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      How Everton could line up next season under Carlo Ancelotti in Champions League including Gareth Bale and Szczesny

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      EVERTON have not given up hope on next season’s Champions League and qualification could herald a huge summer transfer spree.A number of targets have already been linked with the Merseyside club as Carlo Ancelotti looks to build on their European challenge.

      A run of one win in eight in all competitions has derailed the Toffees’ top-four bid but beating West Ham on Sunday could spark a late rally.
      The nine-point gap to Chelsea could be bridged if Everton make use of their game in hand and Thomas Tuchel’s Champions League finalists succumb to a tough run-in.
      If Ancelotti’s men can pull off the unlikely, the huge financial windfall could power multiple signings in the summer.
      Tottenham loanee winger Gareth Bale will be available when he returns to Real Madrid.
      And reports in Spain outline the Everton coach’s desire to sign the Welshman having worked wonders with him at Los Blancos.
      Plenty of attention could also be placed on the defence given that the Toffees possess the second-worst goals conceded record in the top ten.
      Gareth Bale is linked with Everton for a move once his Tottenham loan endsCredit: AP
      Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is also reportedly availableCredit: Rex
      Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is said by Tuttosport to be an option at £17million.
      Providing competition for Jordan Pickford could be one route to improving the backline with the Pole on offer amid Juve’s bid to sign AC Milan star Gianluigi Donnarumma.
      The Serie A giants are also described as being open to letting centre-back Merih Demiral go.
      A bid worth £26m will reportedly be enough to tempt a sale as Juventus look to recoup cash from a disappointing year.
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      Further reinforcements from Italy are also on the agenda with Takehiro Tomiyasu linked with the club.
      The Toffees are one of several teams keeping an eye on the Bologna defender, who can play at right-back and centre-back.
      Providing an alternative to Seamus Coleman in the busy European schedule will be vital should Everton qualify for any of the three Uefa competitions.
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      Everton ‘plot shock Philippe Coutinho transfer and hope to land Barcelona and ex-Liverpool star for just £35m’ More