Mauricio Pochettino’s side will not be competing in Europe’s elite competition in the 2025/26 season.
The Blues, who currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, were relying on a combination of favorable outcomes in the remaining matches to keep their slim hopes alive. However, Manchester United’s defeat to Arsenal, combined with Aston Villa’s draw against Liverpool, ensured that the maximum points Chelsea could accumulate would no longer be enough to break into the top four. Villa’s point at Villa Park mathematically ruled out Chelsea’s ability to catch them.
This marks the second consecutive season Chelsea will miss out on Champions League football—a stark contrast to their 2021 triumph in the competition under Thomas Tuchel. The West London club has struggled for consistency throughout the campaign, hampered by injuries, tactical changes, and a youthful squad still finding its rhythm.
While the Champions League is now out of reach, Chelsea still have an opportunity to secure a place in either the Europa League or the Europa Conference League. With two games remaining, victories in both fixtures could see them climb to sixth, depending on results elsewhere. That would mean a return to European competition, albeit not the level the club or its fans would have desired at the start of the season.
The implications of missing out on the Champions League are significant. Financially, the club will lose out on the substantial revenue associated with Europe’s top-tier tournament. Additionally, the lack of Champions League football could impact Chelsea’s summer transfer plans, as top-level talent often prioritizes clubs competing at the highest level.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino, whose future remains uncertain, will now look to finish the season strongly and build momentum heading into the summer. There have been positives in recent weeks, particularly the development of young players like Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke, who have shown flashes of brilliance.
In summary, Chelsea’s fate is sealed: there will be no Champions League nights at Stamford Bridge next season. The focus now shifts to ensuring a return to any European competition and laying the foundation for a more consistent and competitive 2025.
