Barcelona entered the international break with a victory in La Liga on Sunday: a 1-0 victory over Rayo Vallecano, thanks to a single goal from Ronald Araujo.
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The result keeps them at the top of the table before the international break with 73 points, four more than second-placed Real Madrid, which has 69 after defeating fourth-placed Atlético de Madrid 3-2 in the derby.
On the other hand, Villarreal, third in the standings, achieved a 3-1 victory against Real Sociedad, while Real Betis, fifth in the standings, lost 2-1 against Athletic Club.
Qualification for the UCL is now assured
Qualified for the UCL next season (Photo by Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images)
This combination of results ensures that Barcelona will finish the season in the top four. With only nine games left, the teams will have a total of 27 points at stake. And the difference of 29 points between Barça and Betis is already greater.
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As a result, the current La Liga leaders and defending champions have mathematically confirmed their place in next season’s Champions League.
It will be their 37th participation in the competition and the 23rd consecutive, without missing a single edition since the 2004-05 campaign.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona have already reached the quarter-finals of this season’s Champions League after defeating Newcastle United 7-2 in the second leg of their round of 16 tie, following a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.
They will now face Atlético de Madrid in the next round and, if they advance, their opponent in the semi-finals would be the winner of the tie between Arsenal and Sporting CP.