The 2023-2024 Euro League Soccer season has concluded, delivering thrilling finishes, historic wins, and dramatic qualifications across Europe’s top leagues. From Germany to Italy and France, let’s dive into a comprehensive review of the Bundesliga, Serie A, and Ligue 1 seasons, highlighting the champions, Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League qualifications, as well as relegation battles.
Bundesliga: Leverkusen’s Unstoppable Run
Bayer Leverkusen etched their name in Bundesliga history by clinching their first-ever league title in spectacular fashion. Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen completed an unprecedented unbeaten season, showcasing tactical brilliance and consistent performance throughout the campaign. Their dominant run marked a significant shift in German football, breaking Bayern Munich’s decade-long stranglehold on the title.
Adding to their triumph, Leverkusen also secured the DFB Pokal, defeating Kaiserslautern in the final. This domestic double capped off a truly memorable season for “Die Werkself.”
Champions League Qualification: Germany was awarded an extra Champions League spot due to their strong European performances, meaning five Bundesliga teams will compete in the UCL next season. Leverkusen, Bayern Munich, Stuttgart, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Dortmund have all secured their places in Europe’s premier club competition.
Europa League and Europa Conference League: With Leverkusen’s DFB Pokal victory, the Europa League spots extend to sixth and seventh place in the Bundesliga. Eintracht Frankfurt and Hoffenheim will represent Germany in the Europa League. Heidenheim will enter the Europa Conference League.
Relegation Drama: The relegation battle in the Bundesliga provided its share of drama. Bochum faced a daunting relegation playoff against Fortuna Düsseldorf after a heavy first-leg defeat. However, a stunning comeback in the return leg, followed by a dramatic penalty shootout victory, ensured Bochum’s Bundesliga survival. Unfortunately, Darmstadt and FC Köln were automatically relegated from the top flight. Meanwhile, St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel celebrate their promotion to the Bundesliga, adding fresh blood and exciting prospects to the league next season.
Serie A: Inter Milan’s Scudetto Command
In Italy, Inter Milan cruised to the Scudetto, demonstrating consistent dominance and tactical prowess under Simone Inzaghi. Inter’s title win was a testament to their strong squad depth and effective gameplay, marking their 20th league title and earning them the second star.
Similar to Germany, Serie A also gained an extra Champions League spot due to collective strong European performances. This meant five Italian clubs qualified for the prestigious tournament.
Champions League Qualification: Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, Atalanta, and Bologna will represent Italy in the Champions League next season. Atalanta’s strong finish ensured that the fifth Champions League spot remained with the top five finishers in Serie A, rather than extending to sixth place.
Europa League and Europa Conference League: Juventus’s Coppa Italia victory ensured that the Europa League spots were allocated to sixth and seventh place in Serie A. AS Roma and Lazio will compete in the Europa League next season. Fiorentina will participate in the Europa Conference League.
Relegation Battles: The relegation zone in Serie A witnessed a tense final matchday. Frosinone, starting the day outside the drop zone, succumbed to relegation after losing to Udinese. Empoli dramatically escaped relegation with a 93rd-minute winner in their final game. Ultimately, Frosinone, Sassuolo, and Salernitana were relegated to Serie B. Parma and Como secured automatic promotion to Serie A, while Venezia triumphed in the promotion playoff to complete the Serie A lineup for the next season.
Ligue 1: PSG’s Continued Dominance and European Qualification Surprises
Paris Saint-Germain continued their reign in Ligue 1, securing the title comfortably. Despite managerial changes and squad adjustments, PSG’s financial might and star-studded team proved too strong for the competition.
However, the race for European spots in Ligue 1 provided significant drama, especially concerning Champions League qualification.
Champions League Qualification: Ligue 1 offers three automatic Champions League spots, with a fourth team entering the qualifying rounds. The final matchday saw a dramatic shift as Brest, who were remarkably in fourth place as the 90th minute approached, scored to draw level on points and goal difference with Lille. Initially, Lille held onto third place due to head-to-head record. However, in a stunning turn of events, Lille conceded in the fourth minute of added time, pushing Brest into the automatic Champions League group stage for the first time in their history. PSG, Monaco, and Brest will go directly to the Champions League group stage. Lille will enter the Champions League qualifying rounds.
Europa League and Europa Conference League: PSG’s Coupe de France victory meant the Europa League spot passed to sixth place in Ligue 1. Lyon, despite a turbulent season, finished sixth and secured a Europa League spot alongside Nice. Lens will compete in the Europa Conference League.
Relegation and Promotion: The relegation battle in Ligue 1 saw Metz relegated after losing their relegation playoff against Saint-Étienne. Lorient and Clermont Foot also faced direct relegation. Saint-Étienne, after their playoff victory, secured promotion back to Ligue 1, joining automatic promotion winners AJ Auxerre and Angers.
The 2023-2024 Euro league soccer season delivered excitement, surprises, and compelling narratives across Europe’s top leagues. As teams prepare for the next season, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling soccer action and the unfolding stories of the upcoming campaigns.
