For the first time all six Premier League sides competing in Europe's top competition had made the last 16, with five of them finishing inside the top eight of the league phase, but the English dominance proved short-lived. Between 2018 and 2023, Premier League clubs reached at least one Champions League final in five of six seasons, often supplying multiple semi‑finalists and winning the trophy three times. "They've played over 100 games in 18 months, they've had no break in terms of the international games," Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior said after the Champions League exit. STYLEPremier League football rewards pace and intensity, but Champions League knockouts frequently demand control and restraint. "I think in the Champions League they're more decisive on the counter-attack," former Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend said.

Source: BBC March 19, 2026 18:28 UTC