SPAIN MAKES HISTORY IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Spain have entered into the history books, after becoming the first ever football nation to have as many as five domestic clubs qualify for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

Holders Barcelona, 2014 champions Real Madird, defending Europa League winners Sevilla and Atletico Madrid were joined by Valencia in the list of teams from Spain for the prestigious European competition this season.

Valencia progressed to the group stages of the Champions League after getting past French side Monaco in the playoffs with an aggregate 4-3 scoreline. Although the La Liga side lost the second leg clash on Tuesday 2-1, former Manchester City striker Alvaro Negredo's crucial opening goal on the night was enough for Valencia to progress to the group stages.

Los Che had won 3-1 in the first leg playoff clash at the Mestalla last week.

This is incidentally also the first season that the winner of the Europa League automatically qualifies for a Champions League spot. The UEFA had announced earlier that the winner of the Europa League 2014-15 will seal a Champions League spot in the following season, with Sevilla benefiting.

The five Spanish sides will now have to wait until Thursday to see who they will play in the group stages. All of the five aforementioned teams will have a chance to qualify for the round of 16 of the Champions League this year as they will be grouped in five separate pools.