Daily Junction.mobi portalThe Champions League features Europe's top 36 clubs with prize money up to €85 million for winners, while the Europa League has 36 teams with €18 million for winners. Champions League qualification goes to top-four finishers in major leagues, while Europa League takes 5th-7th place plus cup winners. TV revenue is vastly different: Champions League clubs earn €15-120 million per season, Europa League clubs earn €3-15 million. The Champions League anthem, Wednesday night slots, and prestige make it the pinnacle of club football, while Europa League is seen as a consolation prize. Since 2021, the Europa Conference League has been added as a third tier for smaller clubs. The Champions League is better in every way — money, prestige, quality, global attention — but the Europa League is still a major trophy and offers a route to Champions League qualification. For top clubs, the Europa League is a distraction. For smaller clubs, it is a dream. Both competitions are part of what makes European football special, but the Champions League is the one everyone wants to win.