How many points do Arsenal need for Champions League qualification?

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Evening Standard

·30. April 2025

How many points do Arsenal need for Champions League qualification?

Gunners in danger of being dragged back into a battle for Champions League qualification

Work to do: Arsenal

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Arsenal’s hopes of reaching this year’s Champions League final hang in the balance, and they still have work to do in order to qualify for the competition next season.

A 1-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final first leg on Tuesday night leaves the Gunners facing a big task at the Parc des Princes as anything less than victory will see them eliminated.

Before the trip to Paris, Arsenal are back in Premier League action this weekend as they welcome Bournemouth to the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta has a big decision to make with regards to his team selection as he may want to rest the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice to ensure they are fresh for the second leg against PSG.

Though, that could be a risky move from the Arsenal manager for many reasons. One being that the Cherries are more than capable of leaving the Emirates with a result and the other is that Champions League qualification is far from certain.

Following a run of three draws in five Premier League games, the Gunners are looking nervously over their shoulders at Newcastle and Manchester City for the right to finish runners-up to recently crowned champions Liverpool.

As a result, with four league fixtures remaining, there is a scenario - albeit an unlikely one - where this season’s Champions League semi-finalists fail to return to European football’s top table next season if their patchy league form continues.

How many points do Arsenal need for Champions League qualification?

As things stand, a top five finish will be enough for Arsenal to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

London rivals Chelsea are currently fifth on 60 points and can reach a maximum of 72 were they to win all of their remaining games.

Arsenal have already accumulated 67 points so would require another six points (73) to be absolutely certain of Champions League qualification. That works out to be two wins.

Five points - one win and two draws - should also be enough given their superior goal difference.

Nottingham Forest are a side to keep an eye on as they can still reach a maximum of 75 points due to playing a game fewer than the rest of the Champions League hopefuls.