The competition for an extra Champions League spot between the English Premier League and the German Bundesliga has taken a surprising turn.
This change comes as both Arsenal and Manchester City faced defeat on a dramatic Wednesday night.
Starting next season, a reformatted Champions League will grant an additional group-stage spot to the top two countries with the highest coefficient points.
Teams earn two coefficient points for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss, with extra points awarded for progressing to different stages of the tournament.
Although English clubs held a slim lead over German clubs in coefficient points leading up to this week’s matches, the scales tipped in favor of Germany after Bayern Munich’s victory over Arsenal and Real Madrid’s triumph against City.
In another blow to English hopes, Borussia Dortmund also eliminated Atletico Madrid, cementing Germany’s position ahead of England in the points tally.
Now, England’s chances of securing the extra Champions League spot rely on a remarkable turnaround by West Ham and Liverpool in their upcoming matches against Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta respectively on Thursday night.