Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Thu 7 May 2026 7:40, UK Updated Thu 7 May 2026 9:00, UK

Leeds United could have quite the dramatic end to the season if results go their way, with Champions League football not out of the question.

Just a few weeks ago, the thought of relegation was lingering on the minds of Leeds supporters, and then hopes of European football with FA Cup success were dashed against Chelsea.

It has been a wild season for Daniel Farke so far, and things may not yet be finished.

Despite all the odds, Leeds can still make a return to Europe’s most prestigious competition next season.

It would take some doing for it to happen, with Leeds requiring plenty of Premier League and European results to go in their favour. But never say never; here is how it could happen.

How Champions League qualification could be secured by Leeds

Leeds will have to rely on 10 separate Premier League teams in order to qualify for the Champions League. Of course, Leeds United themselves would need to win their final three fixtures as well.

Here is the complete breakdown of what Farke’s side requires, as discovered by a Leeds fan on Reddit.

Aston Villa must win the Europa League but finish fifth in the Premier League. This is due to the Premier League’s extra Champions League spot, with Villa’s qualification via Europa League success negating that bonus position and dropping it to sixth.

Bournemouth must lose their remaining three games, and the Whites would have to recover an eight-goal difference swing.

Brentford would have to pick up just one point in the remaining three games and Leeds pull back an 11-goal difference swing.

Brighton have to pick up a maximum of two points, and Leeds have to overcome a 12-goal difference swing. The Whites are benefited by being one of the Seagulls’ final opponents.

Chelsea need to lose two out of their three remaining games or pick up four points as long as Leeds overcome an 11-goal difference deficit.

Everton can only earn a further four points, but if they gain four, Leeds must claw back a five-goal difference swing.

Fulham must beat Bournemouth and then at most pick up one point from their final two games. They have the same goal difference as Leeds.

Sunderland need to drop points in two of their remaining matches. While Newcastle need to lose just one game of their last three.

Crystal Palace have to lose one game out of their remaining four, and Leeds keep or extend their plus-one goal difference advantage.

If all the above were to happen, the Whites would finish on 52 points and in sixth place.

Leeds are currently predicted to finish on just 47 points, which would leave them far from the European places this season.

What is Leeds’ best route to Europe this season?

While the Champions League finish may be a pipe dream, although entirely possible, the Whites could still have a better route to Europe.

If Chelsea do not win the FA Cup, or do and finish inside a Europa League or higher spot, the Conference League position will go to eighth place.

As it stands, the Whites are seven points behind Brighton, who currently take up that place in the table. Additionally, with Farke’s side facing the Seagulls, that gap can be reduced through their own means.

They would also need Sunderland, Everton, Fulham and Newcastle to get the same outcome as the Champions League route, but relying on six teams is much better odds than 10.