Yesterday, May 11th, 2025, Chelsea’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s UEFA Champions League suffered a significant setback after a crucial 2-0 loss to fellow top-four contenders Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
Heading into the match, both sides were level on 63 points and identical goal tallies, making it a pivotal clash. Newcastle quickly asserted their dominance, taking the lead less than 10 minutes into the game and sealing the victory with a late second goal against 10 men Chelsea who gave their all. The win moves Newcastle three points clear of Chelsea on the Premier League table.
The loss not only allows Newcastle to take the upper hand but also opens the door for Aston Villa to potentially snatch the final Champions League spot if Chelsea fails to win their remaining fixtures against Manchester United (Friday, May 16) and Nottingham Forest (Sunday, May 25).
Aston Villa, who face Tottenham and Manchester United in their final two games, might have a slightly easier route. Both opponents are set to meet again in the UEFA Europa League final, with the winner securing a UCL spot, perhaps shifting their focus away from the league. Notably, both Tottenham and United lost at home over the weekend, suggesting their priorities may lie in the European final rather than chasing league points.
Related: Manchester United Makes Europa League Final
Upcoming Fixtures & League Schedule
Friday, 16th May
Aston Villa vs Tottenham – 7:30 PM
Chelsea vs Manchester United – 8:15 PM
Sunday, 18th May
Everton vs Southampton – 12:00 PM
West Ham vs Nottingham Forest – 2:15 PM
Brentford vs Fulham – 3:00 PM
Leicester City vs Ipswich Town – 3:00 PM
Arsenal vs Newcastle United – 4:30 PM
Monday, 19th May
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Liverpool – 8:00 PM
Tuesday, 20th May
Crystal Palace vs Wolverhampton Wanderers – 8:00 PM
Manchester City vs AFC Bournemouth – 8:00 PM
Final Day – Sunday, 25th May (All Kickoff Times: 4:00 PM Nigerian Time)
AFC Bournemouth vs Leicester City
Fulham vs Manchester City
Ipswich Town vs West Ham
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Manchester United vs Aston Villa
Newcastle United vs Everton
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
Southampton vs Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Brentford
