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All Things You’ll Need To Know About UEFA Europa League

 

Everybody loves the UEFA Europa League, yet, not many truly understand what this league is about, its history, rules, etc. In this article, we will help you to gain a better understanding of this widely known football club competition. Now, let’s get started!

 

The UEFA Europa League? What is it?

 

The UEFA Europa League (also known as the UEL) is a UEFA-organized annual football club competition for qualified European football clubs. Founded in 1971, it was originally called the UEFA Cup. 

 

Clubs meet the criteria for the tournament depending on their results in their respective national leagues and cup matches. It is currently the second-tier competition of European club football, after the UEFA Champions League.

 

The history of the UEFA Europa League

 

Further to a new format in the 2009–10 season, the competition was renamed the Europa League. The UEFA Cup Winners' Cup was annulled in 1999, and then the UEFA Cup was integrated with it. A group stage was introduced before the knockout phase in the 2004–05 contest. 

 

The UEFA Intertoto Cup was consolidated with the competition in 2009, resulting in a larger tournament format with an expanded group stage and new qualifying criteria. The victor of the UEFA Europa League advances to the UEFA Super Cup and, since the 2014–15 season, to the UEFA Champions League group stage the following season.

 

The rules of UEFA Europa League

 

The Europa League is played in a traditional double round-robin format, with each team playing every other team in their group twice (at home and away) throughout six Matchdays. The group winners and runners-up advance to the playoffs, where they will be united by 8 Champions League's third-ranked teams.

 

Interesting Facts About UEFA Europa League

 

  • The most victories (12) have been achieved by Spanish clubs, followed by England and Italy (9 wins each).

  • The title has been gained by 28 clubs, with 13 of them winning it multiple times.

  • Sevilla is the highest-performing team in the competition, having won 6 titles.

  • Sevilla is the current champion, having defeated Inter Milan 3–2 in the final in 2020.

 

Conclusion

 

Overall, the UEFA Europa League or UEL is considered one of the most popular leagues in the football world. We hope that this article brings you some insightful information. What else do you know about this wonderful league? Please share your idea with us in the comments.