Five surprise teams aim to finish stunning seasons by securing Champions League spot
There could be a surprising team from each of Europe’s “big five” leagues when the new-look Champions League debuts next season
By GRAHAM DUNBAR
Published - Apr 26, 2024, 12:00 PM ET
Last Updated - Apr 26, 2024, 12:00 PM EDT
GENEVA (AP) — There could be a surprising team from each of Europe's “big five” leagues when the new-look Champions League debuts next season.
Aston Villa, Bologna, Brest, Girona and Stuttgart are all, remarkably, on course to qualify for Europe's elite competition going into the final few rounds of their national league.
Bologna, Stuttgart and Girona have perhaps the best chance of earning a place in the 36-team Champions League lineup when the lucrative tournament switches to a new format next season.
For Spain’s Girona and French club Brest, it would be a particularly remarkable achievement — neither has ever played in any European competition.
