PARIS, The Premier League’s money machine is out of control. And the rest of Europe simply can’t cope.
An unprecedented SIX English sides will feature in today’s Champions League last 16 draw, a staggering show of force from a league that now boasts FIFTEEN of the world’s 30 richest clubs .
Newcastle’s 9-3 aggregate demolition of Qarabag midweek sealed the historic milestone, with the Magpies joining Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City in the knockout stages .
The numbers are genuinely frightening. In 29 games against opponents from Spain, Germany, Italy and France this season, English clubs lost just SIX times .
MONEY TALKS
Here’s the stat that’ll keep European rivals awake at night. UEFA’s latest report shows Premier League TV revenue increased by €1.5billion between 2014 and 2024 .
The combined increase across the OTHER 53 European top flight leagues? €1.6billion .
England’s top flight is now operating in a different galaxy. Total revenue up €3.5billion in a decade, more than Spain, Germany, Italy and France’s combined increase of €2.4billion .
WHAT RIVALS ARE SAYING
Inter Milan boss Cristian Chivu didn’t hold back after his side crashed out following a stunning loss to Bodo/Glimt.
“They had more intensity, technique and pace,” Chivu said after Arsenal battered his side last month. “I won’t point out how much money they spent, but the Premier League has a very different intensity to Italian football.”
Inter, beaten finalists last season, are GONE. Atalanta are Italy’s ONLY survivors.
THE DRAW LOWDOWN
The Swiss ceremony kicks off at 11am GMT, with each team having just TWO potential opponents based on league phase positions .
Here’s how it breaks down:
Arsenal/Bayern (1st/2nd) face either Atalanta or Bayer Leverkusen
Real Madrid/Bodo/Glimt face either Man City or Sporting
Galatasaray/Atletico Madrid face either Liverpool or Spurs
PSG/Newcastle face either Chelsea or Barcelona
That last one’s a beauty. Newcastle against Chelsea? At St James’ Park? Under the lights? Sign us up.
THE FULL LINE UP
Pot 1 (direct qualifiers):
Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Tottenham, Barcelona, Chelsea, Sporting, Man City
Pot 2 (playoff winners):
Atletico Madrid, Bodo/Glimt, Newcastle, Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid, Atalanta, PSG, Galatasaray
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
The path to the Budapest final on May 30 is mapped out today. And with six English sides in the mix, the Premier League’s dominance could get even more ridiculous.
The only question now? How many make the quarter finals. And whether anyone can stop them.
