With the financial power and security that the Champions League provides, it’s imperative for all of Europe’s major clubs like AC Milan that they take part in Europe’s premier football competition.
With the format of the competition changing from next year, there are bigger revenues available which make qualifying for next season’s Champions League absolutely essential.
After a decent first half of the season, Milan look well placed to finish in the all important top four in the league, but there could be barriers in their way.
Join us as we take a deeper dive into everything Milan need to achieve if they are to line up in next season’s Champions League and attempt to win an eighth title.
The easy path
The easiest way for Milan to guarantee themselves Champions League football next season is via a top four finish in Serie A. As it stands, Milan find themselves in a great position to wrap up one of those spots.
Third in Serie A, Milan currently have a five point cushion over Napoli who are in fifth spot. But they can’t afford to get complacent.
A host of top clubs which include Napoli, Roma, Atalanta are all within striking distance and if Milan go on a poor run of results, the five point lead they currently enjoy will be quickly wiped out.
Whilst no Milan fan would be happy to settle for a spot in the top four, winning this year’s Serie A title already looks a tall order as Milan are already nine points behind city rivals Inter.
Whilst it’s great to always look up the table, Milan will need to keep one eye looking over their shoulder as some of Italy’s biggest clubs attempt to make a late run and barge in.
The other route
Although this season’s Champions League didn’t quite pan out how most Milan fans would have hoped, Milan’s stunning 2-1 victory over Newcastle during the final match day ensured that they would drop down into the Europa League.
The Europa League provides another opportunity to reach the Champions League as the winner of the Europa League will guarantee themselves a spot in next season’s Champions League.
Milan’s involvement in the Europa League has seen them positioned as one of the tournament favourites with most soccer betting websites in the United States and they will be hopeful of a deep run.
A play-off contest against Rennes will be tricky but should be a tie that Milan win. If they can advance, they will find themselves in the last 16 and in with a real chance of victory.
Teams like Roma, Liverpool, Leverkusen, West Ham and Benfica certainly won’t be easy to navigate past, but with Milan’s rich European history and pedigree they will have high hopes for success and will be aiming to win the Europa League for the very first time.
