Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga & Ligue 1: 2024-2025 Season Review – The Champions, European Competition Qualifiers, Relegation & Promotion

As the dust settles on another thrilling European football season, today marks the culmination of intense battles for glory, European qualification, and survival across the continent’s most prestigious leagues. From dramatic title races to nail-biting relegation fights, the 2024-2025 campaign delivered unforgettable moments. This article provides a detailed overview of the final standings in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1, highlighting the champions, teams securing coveted European spots, those facing the drop, and the new contenders rising from the lower divisions.

Premier League: Liverpool’s Return to Glory and a European Bonanza

The 2024-2025 Premier League season was a memorable one, culminating in Liverpool being crowned champions. With 84 points from 38 games, Arne Slot‘s men delivered a stellar performance throughout the campaign, securing their first Premier League title since the 2019-2020 season, marking a significant return to the pinnacle of English football. Their consistency and relentless attacking prowess proved too much for their rivals, cementing their place as the undisputed champions.

The race for UEFA Champions League qualification was particularly intense this season, benefiting from England securing an additional ‘performance spot’ due to their strong UEFA coefficient. This allowed for five direct qualification places through the league standings. As a result, alongside champions Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Chelsea all secured their berths in Europe’s elite club competition. This was a testament to the depth and quality at the top of the Premier League, promising a strong English representation in the next Champions League campaign.

Adding to the complexity of European qualification, Tottenham Hotspur, despite finishing in a surprising 17th position in the league, secured an automatic spot in the UEFA Champions League. This extraordinary qualification came as a result of their triumph in the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League final, a remarkable achievement that saw them overcome significant domestic challenges to lift a major European trophy. This victory not only granted them a place in the top European competition but also an additional spot for England.

For the UEFA Europa League, Crystal Palace earned a direct place by winning the 2024-2025 FA Cup, marking a historic achievement for the South London club. Their cup success ensures they will compete on the continental stage next season. The other Europa League spot, typically reserved for the Carabao Cup winner, was taken by Aston Villa due to Newcastle United having already qualified for the Champions League via the league.

At the other end of the spectrum, the season proved to be a harsh reality for the newly promoted clubs. Leicester City, Ipswich, and Southampton, who had all earned their places in the Premier League for the 2024-2025 season after impressive campaigns in the EFL Championship, unfortunately, found themselves heading straight back down. Their fight for survival was valiant, but ultimately insufficient to maintain their top-flight status.

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 Premier League season, the EFL Championship has already determined which teams will be making the step up to the top division. Leeds United have secured direct promotion as champions of the EFL Championship, showcasing a dominant performance throughout their season. They will be joined by Burnley, who finished as runners-up. The third and final promotion spot was claimed by Sunderland after navigating the challenging play-off system, ensuring their return to the Premier League. These three clubs will be eager to solidify their positions and avoid the immediate relegation fate of their predecessors.

La Liga: Barcelona’s Resurgent Championship and Fierce European Race

The 2024-2025 La Liga season delivered an enthralling spectacle, culminating in Barcelona being crowned champions. With 90 points from their 38 games, Hansi Flick‘s side showcased a remarkable blend of tactical discipline and attacking brilliance to secure their 28th Spanish league title. This victory underscored a period of significant rebuilding and strategic success for the Catalan giants, solidifying their position at the pinnacle of Spanish football.

The fight for UEFA Champions League qualification was particularly competitive in Spain this season, with La Liga also benefiting from an additional ‘performance spot’ due to Spain’s excellent UEFA coefficient. This allowed five teams to qualify directly for Europe’s premier club competition through their league positions. Alongside champions Barcelona, arch-rivals Real Madrid secured their place, followed by Atlético Madrid, Athletic Bilbao, and Villarreal. All five teams demonstrated consistent quality throughout the campaign to earn their coveted spots among Europe’s elite.

In the UEFA Europa League, Real Betis and Celta Vigo earned their places through their strong league finishes, securing the right to compete in the continent’s second-tier competition. Their campaigns were marked by resilience and tactical prowess, allowing them to clinch these sought-after European berths. Furthermore, Rayo Vallecano secured a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, a significant achievement for the club, highlighting the depth of competition for European places in La Liga.

At the opposite end of the table, the challenge of staying in La Liga proved too great for some clubs. CD Leganés, Las Palmas, and Valladolid faced the harsh reality of relegation to the La Liga 2. These teams battled hard but ultimately could not amass enough points to avoid the drop, bidding farewell to the top flight for the upcoming season.

Looking forward to the 2025-2026 La Liga season, new challengers are set to emerge from the La Liga 2. Levante have secured their promotion back to La Liga, demonstrating a strong campaign and a desire to return to the top flight. Elche are set to join them from 2nd place as they have a 2 point lead heading into the last matchday. While Oviedo and Mirandes (who already secured a spot in the promotion playoffs), Racing Santander, Almeria and Granada will hope to secure that last spot.

Serie A: Napoli’s Long-Awaited Triumph and a Shifting European Landscape

The 2024-2025 Serie A season was a dream come true for Napoli, who dramatically clinched their fourth league title and their first in over three decades. With 82 points from 38 games, as shown in the final standings, Napoli demonstrated remarkable consistency and flair throughout the campaign, finally bringing the coveted Scudetto back to the passionate football city of Naples. Their triumph was a testament to a well-executed strategy and the collective brilliance of their squad.

For UEFA Champions League qualification, the top four teams in Serie A secured their coveted berths in Europe’s elite club competition. Champions Napoli were joined by Inter, Atalanta, and Juventus, all earning direct entry into the Champions League. While Italy’s strong UEFA coefficient did secure an additional ‘performance spot’ for the upcoming Champions League format, its precise allocation can depend on various factors, including the winners of the Champions League or Europa League. Based on direct league qualification for the main group stage, these four clubs represent Serie A. AS Roma, finishing 5th, would typically compete for a Europa League spot.

In the UEFA Europa League, Bologna secured a surprising but well-deserved spot, despite finishing 9th in the league. Their qualification came via winning the prestigious Coppa Italia, adding a significant piece of silverware to their trophy cabinet and earning them direct entry into the competition. Additionally, AS Roma and Fiorentina also secured European qualification based on their strong league positions, likely entering the Europa League and Europa Conference League, respectively, showcasing the depth of talent vying for European football in Italy.

The battle to avoid relegation was equally fierce in Serie A. Ultimately, Monza, Venezia, and Empoli faced the unfortunate fate of dropping down to Serie B. Despite their best efforts, these teams could not accumulate enough points to secure their top-flight status, marking the end of their Serie A journey for this season. For Venezia, this was a particularly difficult outcome, having only just been promoted for the 2024-2025 season.

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 Serie A season, the Serie B has already determined which teams will be making the step up. Sassuolo secured automatic promotion as champions of Serie B, demonstrating a strong and consistent performance. They will be joined by Pisa, who also achieved direct promotion as runners-up. The third and final team to earn promotion will be determined on the basis of the play-off promotion matches with the final pairing Cremonese and Spezia one against the other. These three clubs will undoubtedly bring fresh energy and competitive spirit to Serie A next season.

Bundesliga: Bayern Munich’s Enduring Reign and a Battle for European Places

The 2024-2025 Bundesliga season once again saw Bayern Munich assert their dominance, securing their 33rd Bundesliga title (and 34th German championship overall). With an impressive 82 points from 34 games, as shown in the final standings, Bayern demonstrated their consistent quality and depth, fending off challengers to once again lift the coveted Meisterschale. Their victory underlines their continued status as the powerhouse of German football.

For UEFA Champions League qualification, the Bundesliga secured four direct berths. Champions Bayern Munich led the charge, joined by an impressive Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt, and perennial contenders Borussia Dortmund. These four clubs will represent Germany in Europe’s premier club competition, promising exciting matches as they test their mettle against the continent’s best.

In the UEFA Europa League, SC Freiburg secured a direct qualification spot through their strong league finish. They will be joined by VfB Stuttgart, who, despite finishing 9th in the league, likely earned their Europa League spot by winning the prestigious DFB-Pokal (German Cup), a significant achievement that guarantees their continental participation. Furthermore, Mainz 05 secured a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, highlighting their resilience and determination throughout the season.

At the bottom of the table, the fight for survival was intense. Holstein Kiel and VfL Bochum, unfortunately, faced direct relegation to the Bundesliga 2, unable to accumulate enough points to stay in the top flight. Meanwhile, FC Heidenheim, finishing 16th, entered the perilous Bundesliga relegation play-off. In a tense two-legged affair, they will hope to survive in the top tier, facing Elversberg in the return leg of the relegation/promotion playoffs after a 2-2 draw at home.

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 Bundesliga season, two familiar names will be returning to the top tier. FC Köln and Hamburger SV secured direct promotion from the Bundesliga 2, finishing as champions and runners-up respectively. Both clubs boast rich histories and passionate fan bases, and their return promises to add renewed excitement and competitive spirit to the upcoming Bundesliga campaign.

Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain’s Unchallenged Reign and Dynamic European Qualification

The 2024-2025 Ligue 1 season once again saw Paris Saint-Germain solidify their status as the dominant force in French football. With an impressive 84 points from 34 games, as displayed in the final standings, PSG comfortably secured their 13th Ligue 1 title, continuing their impressive domestic trophy haul. Their blend of world-class talent and tactical prowess proved irresistible throughout the campaign.

The race for UEFA Champions League qualification offered an intriguing mix of direct and qualifying spots. PSG, as champions, were automatically in. They were joined by Marseille and Monaco, who secured direct entry into the prestigious competition. OGC Nice, finishing 4th, earned a spot in the UEFA Champions League qualifiers, meaning they will have to navigate preliminary rounds to reach the group stage, adding an extra layer of excitement to their European aspirations.

In the UEFA Europa League, Lille and Lyon secured their places, demonstrating strong performances to earn their spots in the continent’s second-tier competition. Furthermore, Strasbourg clinched a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers, a commendable achievement that will see them compete on the European stage.

At the bottom of the table, the relegation battles were fiercely contested. Saint-Étienne and Montpellier faced the unfortunate reality of direct relegation to Ligue 2, their efforts proving insufficient to retain their top-flight status. Meanwhile, Reims, finishing in 16th place, entered the tense Ligue 1 relegation play-off. In a crucial two-legged tie against Metz, the first game ended in a 1-1 draw and the 2nd leg at the Stade Auguste-Delaune in Remis will decide who will play in Ligue 1 next season.

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 season, new teams are set to join the top flight from Ligue 2. Lorient secured direct promotion as champions of the 2024-2025 Ligue 2 season. They will be accompanied by Paris FC, who also earned direct promotion as runners-up, promising fresh blood and exciting new rivalries in the French top division.