Chelsea Clinch Champions League Spot and Set Premier League Record

Chelsea have officially secured a return to the UEFA Champions League for the first time in three years, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on the final day of the Premier League season.

This marks a significant achievement for Enzo Maresca’s side and caps off a rollercoaster campaign.

The Blues began the season with strong form. Despite a narrow loss to Manchester City on opening day, they bounced back impressively, suffering just one further defeat—to Liverpool—before Christmas. However, form dipped dramatically after December 22, with the club managing only two wins through the end of February.

From that point onward, Chelsea’s consistency remained a concern. Performances fluctuated, and results were mixed. Yet, a late-season resurgence saw the team win five of their final six matches. That final push proved vital, with today’s win sealing their place among Europe’s elite next season.

Beyond the qualification itself, Chelsea’s achievement is made even more remarkable by the youthfulness of their squad. According to BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella, citing Opta, Chelsea’s starting XI against Nottingham Forest had the youngest average age in Premier League history.

This underlines not just a return to European competition, but the promise of a new generation driving the club forward.

With Champions League football returning to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea can now look ahead with optimism to a bright future under Maresca’s leadership.