The penultimate round of La Liga kicks off with Betis and Celta facing Elche and Levante, respectively. Both clubs are the main contenders for the fifth Champions League spot awarded to Spain based on European performance. Betis holds a four-point advantage, and the financial stakes are massive: the difference between qualifying for the Champions League and the Europa League amounts to as much as €14 million from the start.
The numbers make it clear why Betis and Celta are fighting tooth and nail for a place in Europe’s elite competition. A Champions League berth guarantees €18.6 million upfront, compared to just €4.3 million for the Europa League and €3.17 million for the Conference League. The gap is stark.
Even a modest showing in the Champions League—winning just two or three group-stage matches—would generate more revenue than reaching the Europa League quarterfinals. Advancing deep into the Europa League would still struggle to reach €25–30 million in total earnings. Last season, Betis earned around €18 million from its run to the Conference League final.
Every detail underscores the financial leap. A Champions League win pays €2.1 million, a draw €700,000. In the Europa League, a win brings €450,000 and a draw €150,000. Reaching the Champions League round of 16 adds another €11 million, while the equivalent in the Europa League nets just €1.75 million. The Conference League offers figures closer to its sister competition.
Beyond prize money, the fifth-place Spanish club also receives a 25% share of broadcast rights, further boosting income. For both Betis and Celta, the path to the Champions League starts with this weekend’s matches. The ultimate prize is clear: a spot among Europe’s elite, both in prestige and in the bank.
