Could Harry Kane Goal Earn Germany Extra Champions League Spot in 2026?

Harry Kane's stoppage-time goal for Bayern Munich could mean much more to the Bundesliga in the battle for extra Champions League spots.

Bayern Munich's Late Pressure Falls Short Against PSG It appeared as though Harry Kane's stoppage-time goal for Bayern Munich on Wednesday was merely a consolation - but it could signify much more to the Bundesliga. The England captain scored in the 94th minute to earn a 1-1 semi-final second-leg draw against Paris St-Germain, but it was the Ligue 1 side who advanced to the Champions League final 6-5 on aggregate. The draw could prove to be absolutely crucial in the struggle for one of the two European Performance Spots (EPS) - the extra places in the Champions League based on each country's overall performance in Europe. The Premier League is far ahead and secured one of the two places a month ago, but the battle for second has come down to the wire between the Bundesliga and La Liga. ## How Kane's Goal Could Prove Crucial for Germany Kane's goal earned Germany 0.412 points towards its coefficient score. That might not seem like a significant amount, but in such a tight battle, it could prove to be the difference. Germany currently sits in second place going into the second legs of the Europa League and Conference League semi-finals on Thursday, with La Liga (21.781) just 0.424 points ahead. A win and a draw for the Bundesliga would give Germany the edge it needs to secure second place. ## Key Matches on Thursday That Could Decide the Outcome La Liga and the Bundesliga will both have one team left in action on Thursday, with Freiburg representing Germany and Rayo Vallecano representing Spain. Freiburg must overcome a 2-1 deficit at home to Braga, while Rayo Vallecano takes a 1-0 lead to Strasbourg. If Freiburg beats Braga and advances to the final, they will add 0.428 to Germany's score, and if Rayo Vallecano loses in France, La Liga will score nothing and will be unable to finish above the Bundesliga. In this scenario, Germany would confirm second place by just 0.00446 of a coefficient point. ## Other Scenarios for the EPS on Thursday - If Rayo Vallecano wins, Spain is assured of the extra place regardless of Freiburg's result. - If both teams go out, Spain gets the additional place. - If both go through with Rayo Vallecano drawing, it goes down to the finals. ## Battle for Fourth Place in Germany In Germany, there is a three-team battle for fourth place between Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart, and Hoffenheim. All three teams are on 58 points with two games to go. Without the EPS, only one team will make it into the Champions League.