Man City's Champions League success could hand Premier League rivals perfect boost

Manchester City could have a major say in whether Manchester United secure a return to the Champions League next season - with the Premier League eyeing a lucrative fifth qualification spot due to strong performances across Europe this campaign.

The last-16 line-ups for Europe's two competitions were confirmed last night after the end of the play-off knockout round. Teams like AC Milan, Benfica, Freiburg, Marseille, Qarabag, Roma, Sparta Prague and Sporting CP all moved forward in the Europa League.

Meanwhile, teams like Ajax, Maccabi Haifa, Dinamo Zagreb, Servette, Molde, Sturm Graz, Olympiakos and Union Saint-Gilloise qualified in the Europa Conference League.

READ MORE: 'Why I want to rebuild Old Trafford' - Sir Jim Ratcliffe explains Manchester United stadium plans

ALSO READ: Neville invited by United to consult on regeneration of Old Trafford

Even though these two competitions don't directly affect the Champions League, the progress of each team will decide which country gets one of the two extra spots for next season's 'Swiss league' style of the Champions League.

These two spots will be given to the leagues that have done best across all three European competitions. The reward of the extra spots will be decided by coefficient points, which can be earned for wins and draws, making it a competition between leagues.

Italy and Germany are still in the top two spots, but England's chances of moving past the Bundesliga got a big boost from Belgian team Union Saint-Gilloise. They managed to beat German team Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 at Deutsche Bank Park after a 2-2 draw in the first leg, knocking Frankfurt out.

The Premier League is closer to Germany than Italy in the coefficient table, and Frankfurt's exit helps