> It is a bit like saying an amateur team who play the early rounds of the FA Cup are not really in it till they reach the first round "proper".
<sigh>
OK, then - here goes - eyes down, look in for a full house, and with subtitles for the hard of thinking...
Man City, Man Utd and Arsenal have already achieved AUTOMATIC entry into round one of next year's Champions' League.
If Chelsea win this year's Champions' League final, they will also win AUTOMATIC entry into round one of next year's Champions' League, and Spurs will miss out.
If Chelsea lose this year's Champion's League final, they will NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES play any part in next year's Champions League but, instead, will gain entry into the Europa League. At this point, Spurs will be required to play two qualification matches to determine whether they have EARNED their place in next year's Champions' League.
Are you being deliberately obtuse...?