Villarreal has made history by winning the Europa League, but tonight much more was at stake than a title against Manchester United. Of course, the priority was to win the trophy, but achieving it has given the Submarino a place in the Champions League next season. During part of the year, Spain considered the possibility of putting eight clubs between Champions, Europa League and Conference League. Ultimately, it won't.
The reason why only seven teams will represent LaLiga on the continent is that Villarreal had already qualified for European competitions. Specifically, for the Conference League to finish the championship in seventh position. In front, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atlético de Madrid and Sevilla were in the Champions League by position in the League. Real Sociedad and Betis, from the Europa League.
Thus, it only remained to decide where Villarreal will play. He will play the Champions League, because he has won the second continental competition. Therefore, the possibility that Spain is not represented in the new Conference League has been fulfilled.
At the time, it was said that the sixth classified, Betis in this case, would fall to the Conference League if Villarreal won. It is not like this. Spain has lost that Conference place and would have to wait another year to find representation for the first time. However, it is possible that Betis or Real Sociedad remain third in the group in the Europa League and fall to the newly created competition. They would go directly to the crossroads, as happens in the Champions League with the old UEFA.
How are the European competitions after the victory of Villarreal
Champions: Atlético de Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Seville and Villarreal.
Europa League: Real Sociedad and Betis.