Chelsea approached the final day knowing victory might still not be enough — but in a season of resurgence under Enzo Maresca, the Blues held up their end of the bargain with a narrow win, and results elsewhere did the rest. They’re back in the Champions League, and momentum is building.
00:00Chelsea approach the final day knowing victory might still not be enough, but in a season of resurgence under Enzo Maresca,
00:09the Blues held up their end of the bargain with a narrow win and results elsewhere did the rest.
00:16They're back in the Champions League and momentum is building.
00:21The Premier League race for European places ended in dramatic fashion with Newcastle United, Chelsea and Aston Villa
00:28all heavily involved on a tense final day of the season.
00:33Newcastle secured a Champions League place despite suffering a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton.
00:39Their qualification was confirmed as neither Aston Villa nor Nottingham Forest, their closest rivals, managed to pick up wins of their own.
00:48It capped off a hugely successful campaign for the Magpies who also lifted the EFL Cup, their first major domestic trophy in 70 years.
00:56Their return to Europe's top competition marks another step forward under Eddie Howe's leadership.
01:03Chelsea also book their place in next season's Champions League with a vital 1-0 win away at Nottingham Forest.
01:11Levy Colwell scored the winner as Enzo Maresca's side climbed to fifth, finishing level on points with Newcastle, but behind them on goal difference.
01:19The Blues, who are also preparing for a UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis, now have the chance to become the first club to win all three major European competitions, Champions League, Europa League and Conference League.
01:36Aston Villa, meanwhile, were left to reflect on what might have been after a controversial 2-0 defeat at Manchester United.
01:45At 0-0, Morgan Rodgers had the ball in the net only for the referee to blow the whistle seconds earlier.
01:51Captain John McGinn described the decision as incredible and hard to take.
01:56Villa needed just a point to finish in the top five, but instead dropped to sixth and must settle for the Europa League.
02:03In the end, it was joy for Newcastle and Chelsea, but frustration for Villa, a thrilling conclusion to a fiercely competitive campaign.
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