Premier League surge: Why English clubs are outpacing La Liga rivals in the Champions League

Recent Champions League results highlight a shift in power toward English clubs as they increasingly outclass their La Liga counterparts in Europe this season.

Chelsea's 3-0 win over Barcelona extended a notable run, bringing English sides to 10 wins from 11 meetings with their Spanish rivals in the competition's modern era.

INLIBER Sport investigates the factors behind this ongoing trend, from financial muscle to coaching and talent development across the Premier League.

La Liga greats

In the 2008-09 Champions League final, Manchester United, anchored by Ferdinand-Vidic and Rooney-Ronaldo, were defeated by a Barcelona side considered among the generation's best in Rome.

Two years later, the Wembley rematch saw Barcelona, featuring Messi, Xavi, Iniesta and Villa, prevail again.

Real Madrid then sparked a run of five straight titles by Spanish clubs, culminating in a 3-1 win over Liverpool in Kiev 2018, becoming the first team to lift the trophy three times in a row in the Champions League era.

The run continued with wins in 2022 and 2024, bookending a golden period for La Liga giants. Yet a shift seemed possible as English clubs began to close ranks.

When La Liga claimed five CL titles between 2014-2018, they also led with 16 wins over English clubs, compared to seven for the Premier League (D10).

Since Real Madrid's last triumph in 2024, English teams have collected 13 of 16 possible wins in the competition over the past two seasons.

Arsenal's two-leg triumph over Madrid in last season's quarter-finals sparked a fresh run, with English teams winning 10 of 11 meetings in the current spell.

One Spanish win in this stretch came in Barcelona's 2-1 victory at Newcastle in September.

In 2025-26, eight English clubs have already dominated the continent's premier competition, matching or surpassing season-long benchmarks not seen since 2008-09.

Chelsea's 3-0 victory over Barcelona on Tuesday underlined the rising strength of English clubs, with a late strike from teenage forward Estevao signaling the depth of talent in the league.

That pathway is reinforced by a growing view in Spain that England now operates as the 'super league' of European football, driven by the Premier League's financial and organizational power.

Rise of Premier League teams

The Premier League's rapid ascent is inseparable from its financial powerhouse status. Broadcast revenue has funded sustained investment in players, staff, and academies across clubs.

Last summer, English clubs spent a record-breaking sum, exceeding £3 billion, a figure that dwarfs rivals from other major leagues.

Arsenal led the way with a £250 million outlay, and their strong form sees them atop the Premier League and tied for the Champions League lead alongside Bayern Munich as they prepare for a marquee clash.

Real Madrid's recent success culminated in a 2024 final win over Dortmund, marking their 15th European crown, while Spanish sides overall have historically tallied the most European Cups—though the current cycle favors English clubs.

As Balague notes, England's structure, talent pool, and executive setup create a formidable advantage, with limited signs of a quick reversal, save for Bayern or PSG mounting a challenge.

'England is the super league of Europe'

Part of the shift stems from the Premier League's extraordinary financial power. Broadcast deals and sponsorships have turned English clubs into global heavyweights, allowing deep-squad construction and continued investment in training and facilities.

In the most recent window, Premier League teams spent more than £3 billion—an all-time high and more than the combined spend of the Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Serie A clubs.

Arsenal's activity led the way with a £250 million outlay, and the Gunners now lead the domestic table and share the Champions League group with Bayern Munich, setting up a high-profile midweek clash.

While Real Madrid remain a force, and La Liga clubs have a storied European history, the current trend points toward English superiority in European competition.

Balague adds that the next five years could see England's supremacy solidify, with the caveat that teams like Bayern and PSG will repeatedly test the balance of power.

Key Takeaways

• English clubs are winning a growing share of Champions League matches against La Liga sides this season.
• Premier League teams hold a record pace in 2025-26, with multiple rounds featuring five English wins.
• Financial investment, coaching quality, and deep squads underpin England's European edge.
• La Liga remains competitive, but the current cycle favors England's structures and resources.

Expert comment: Guillem Balague argues England could dominate for several years, though European powers like Bayern and PSG will remain threats. The Premier League's financial model reinforces that edge.

In summary, English clubs have shifted the balance of power in European football, propelled by investment, elite coaching, and a large talent pipeline. The trend is evident in match results, transfer activity, and continued advancement through the Champions League rounds. While Real Madrid and Barcelona retain prestige, the current landscape favors the Premier League club ecosystem.

English clubs have reshaped European football's balance of power through investment, coaching, and talent development. Source