#champions-league-qualification

#champions-league-qualification

It left the promoted Sunderland seventh, four points and five places ahead of their rivals who could struggle to achieve their stated aim of qualifying for the Champions League once more next season. On this evidence this term's European exertions are taking a considerable toll. The Stadium of Light has one of the largest press boxes in the Premier League but, for once, every seat was taken.

At the weekend, the Reds squandered a two-goal lead away to Leeds United, allowing the newly-promoted side back into the game. It ended 3-3 at Elland Road as Liverpool conceded a stoppage time Ao Tanaka equaliser which prompted Mohamed Salah to speak out against manager Arne Slot. Salah was left on Merseyside for Liverpool's midweek Champions League fixture against Inter Milan, with Reds sources insistent that the player's omission from Slot's travelling squad was not a punishment for his comments at Elland Road.

When Southampton lost at Tottenham to confirm their relegation in April, their manager, Ivan Juric, weary and apparently beyond caring about diplomatic niceties, said he had expected his side to be technically and tactically inferior to other Premier League opponents but had been surprised by how physically inferior they had been. The Premier League is a step up from the Championship in every way.

There were incredible scenes in the Swedish top flight on Monday as Mjällby AIF, plucky upstarts and heroes of the Allsvenskan season, beat heavyweights IFK Göteborg to clinch the most unlikely of league titles. The vital 2-0 victory sparked jubilant celebrations on the pitch, as the result cementing an unassailable 11-point lead for Mjällby at the top of the table with three fixtures of the campaign remaining.

Beyond midnight, many miles beyond the borders of Europe, Temirlan Anarbekov was writing his name into Celtic infamy. The 21yearold rookie goalkeeper had made the penalty shootout saves that guided Kazakhstan's Kairat Almaty into the Champions League group stage. Adam Idah, Luke McCowan and Daizen Maeda each saw attempts saved by a keeper turned to in emergency. Kasper Schmeichel, his opposite number, could only offer congratulations as Celtic incurred the heavy cost of a poor performance over 210 goalless minutes before their lack of composure from the spot.

Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz will miss two Serie A matches after receiving a two-game ban for violent conduct, impacting the team's Champions League hopes.

Dortmund are eighth in the table with 42 points from 29 games, their worst position since 2014-15 when they finished seventh.

Sandro Tonali has made a remarkable comeback to Newcastle after a significant ban, showcasing elite midfield capabilities, despite concerns of another potential suspension.