Overview
The UEFA Europa League is Europe’s second-tier club competition, founded in 1971 as the UEFA Cup. It originally used a straight knockout format. In 2009, the tournament was rebranded as the Europa League and introduced a group stage similar to the UEFA Champions League. Clubs qualify through domestic league positions and domestic cup results, and some teams join after finishing third in their UCL groups.
Since its creation, the competition has showcased strong European clubs and rising football talent. Italian and German teams dominated the early years, while Spanish clubs, especially Sevilla, have defined the modern era. The Europa League final is played at a neutral venue and is one of the most followed club matches globally.
Most Successful Clubs
| Club | Titles |
|---|---|
| Sevilla (ESP) | 7 |
| Inter Milan (ITA) | 3 |
| Juventus (ITA) | 3 |
| Liverpool (ENG) | 3 |
| Atlético Madrid (ESP) | 3 |
Selected Finals (Since 1971)
| Season | Winner | Runner-Up | Host City |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Atlético Madrid | Fulham | Hamburg |
| 2013–14 | Sevilla | Benfica | Turin |
| 2015–16 | Sevilla | Liverpool | Basel |
| 2018–19 | Chelsea | Arsenal | Baku |
| 2022–23 | Sevilla | Roma | Budapest |