Man United, Tottenham suffer Champions League blow as fifth spot confirmed

While the top four sides in English football will earn a direct ticket to the revamped Champions League next season, coefficient rankings offered up a fifth spot to teams based on their performances in this season's European competitions.

Italy — who have all of Atalanta BC, Roma and Fiorentina still vying for European glory — were the first nation to secure an additional Champions League place, before English hopes suffered damaging blows with a wave of exits.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool's eliminations from Europe severely harmed British chances of finishing in the top two of the coefficient rankings, and the final nail was hammered into the coffin on Wednesday evening.

A Niclas Fullkrug effort propelled Borussia Dortmund to a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Paris Saint-Germain, after Bayern Munich drew 2-2 with Real Madrid on Tuesday night.

Reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen also have a Europa League semi-final with Roma on their agenda, but even before the first ball has been kicked in that tie, the Bundesliga was assured of Champions League place number five.

The news is particularly welcoming for Dortmund, who currently occupy fifth place in the Bundesliga table and have a five-point gap to make up to RB Leipzig with just three games of the season left to play.

Edin Terzic's side would earn direct qualification by winning this year's edition, but their current top-flight ranking would suffice if they fall short in