Crystal Palace's Conference League win gives Premier League record nine clubs in Europe

Crystal Palace’s Conference League victory over Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig has confirmed the Premier League will field a record nine clubs in European competition next season. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s second-half strike settled the final and handed Palace their debut European trophy — their third major honour in 12 months — while also earning them a place in next season’s Europa League.

The nine-club haul matches the total from last season but the composition has shifted considerably. Arsenal, as Premier League champions, head into the Champions League alongside Manchester United, Manchester City, and Aston Villa, who qualified via two routes: a fourth-place finish and their Europa League title under Unai Emery. Liverpool complete the five-team Champions League contingent, securing the extra UEFA coefficient spot allocated to the Premier League after finishing fifth under Arne Slot.

The Europa League spots below that have been shaped by Manchester City’s domestic cup double. With Pep Guardiola’s side claiming both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup in what proved to be his final season in charge, those European berths passed to the next eligible league finishers rather than the cup winners. Bournemouth, sixth in the table, will play in Europe for the first time in their history. Sunderland, back in the top flight after years away, have also earned a continental place in their first season back in the Premier League. Palace’s Europa League qualification completes the three-team Europa League group.

Brighton are the Premier League’s sole Conference League representative for 2026/27. The Seagulls secured that berth on the final day of the season despite having the opportunity to reach the Europa League. It is their first European campaign since the 2023/24 season, when they reached the last 16 of the Europa League under Roberto De Zerbi.

The breadth of clubs involved — ranging from a returning giant in Sunderland to first-timers Bournemouth and Palace adding a European crown to their recent trophy haul — underlines how competitive the Premier League’s upper and middle tiers have become.