English clubs have the opportunity to gain a significant advantage over their Bundesliga counterparts in the UEFA coefficient race. If they achieve a double victory across two legs, it would secure an unassailable lead and result in an extra Premier League spot for the revamped Champions League next season. The Champions League is set to expand from 32 to 36 clubs, and the traditional group stage will be replaced by a “Swiss model” league. Two of the additional spots will be allocated to the domestic leagues with the highest rankings.

Currently, Italy leads the coefficient standings with a 17.714 average, followed by Germany at 16.357, and England close behind at 16.250. France and Spain are not in contention, with averages of 14.750 and 14.437 respectively. With Bayern and Leverkusen being the only remaining representatives from Germany, West Ham’s victory over Freiburg in the round of 16 has helped narrow the gap, eliminating another German club from the competition. At present, Roma from Serie A and RB Leipzig from the Bundesliga are in line to benefit from the additional spots.

Overall, a double victory for English clubs would have significant implications for the allocation of spots in the revamped Champions League, affecting the standings in the UEFA coefficient race.