Relive the glory days of the Europa League with this countdown of the top 10 most unforgettable matches – nail-biting finishes, stunning comebacks, and pure football magic!
The Europa League might be considered the Champions League’s little brother, but don’t let that fool you. This competition has served up some absolute belters over the years – matches that have left fans gobsmacked and pundits scratching their heads. So, grab your footie scarf, settle in, and let’s dive into the top 10 greatest Europa League matches that had us all on the edge of our seats.
1.Liverpool 4-3 Borussia Dortmund (2015/16 Quarter-Final): A Klopp classic! Down 3-1 after the first leg, the Reds pulled off a miraculous comeback at Anfield, with Dejan Lovren’s injury-time header sealing a dramatic victory.
2. Sevilla 3-2 Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk (2014/15 Final): Sevilla’s fourth Europa League title was a rollercoaster. Despite Dnipro’s early lead, the Spaniards battled back, with Carlos Bacca netting a brace to secure the win.
3. Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1 Rangers (2021/22 Final, Rangers won on penalties): A heart-stopping final that went the distance. After a 1-1 draw, Rangers clinched their first European trophy in 50 years in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
4. Fulham 2-1 Juventus (2009/10 Round of 16): Roy Hodgson’s Cottagers stunned the Old Lady, overturning a 3-1 first-leg deficit with a thrilling 4-1 victory at Craven Cottage.
5. Atletico Madrid 3-0 Athletic Bilbao (2011-12): Radamel Falcao was once again the star in this final. His first-half brace, including a stunning solo effort, put Atletico in control. Diego’s late goal sealed the win, giving Atletico their second Europa League title in three years.
6. Inter Milan 3-2 Shakhtar Donetsk (2019/20 Semi-Final): Romelu Lukaku was simply unplayable. The Belgian powerhouse bagged two goals and set up another as Inter bulldozed their way into the final. This match was a reminder that the Europa League is a breeding ground for some of the world’s finest talents.
7. Basel 4-0 Valencia (2013/14 Quarter-Final): Nobody gave Basel a chance against the Spanish giants, but that’s the beauty of football. Valentin Stocker’s hat-trick propelled the Swiss minnows to a stunning victory, proving that anything is possible on a European night.
8.Atalanta vs Bayer Leverkusen: Ademola Lookman made history as the first player ever to score a hat-trick in a Europa League final. Atalanta triumphs over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final, thanks to a stellar hat-trick performance by Ademola Lookman.This match will go down as one of the greatest in Europa League history, a night where an underdog rose to the occasion and a star was born. Ademola Lookman’s hat-trick performance will be talked about for years to come, and Atalanta’s triumph will serve as an inspiration for other clubs striving for European success.
9. Benfica 3-2 Fenerbahce (2012/13 Semi-Final): This match had more twists and turns than a rollercoaster. With the tie on a knife-edge, Nicolas Gaitan’s late winner sent Benfica through to the final, leaving Fenerbahce devastated.
10.Tottenham Hotspur 3-2 Ajax (2018/19 Semi-Final): Lucas Moura, take a bow! The Brazilian winger produced a second-leg hat-trick, capped off by a last-gasp winner that sent Spurs to their first-ever Champions League final. This was a night that will forever be etched in Tottenham folklore.
These matches showcase the drama, excitement, and unpredictability that make the Europa League such a captivating competition. From stunning comebacks to last-gasp winners, these games will live long in the memory of football fans everywhere. As we look ahead to the next edition of the Europa League, we can only hope for more of the same magic and mayhem that has made this competition so special over the years.So, next time you’re looking for a football fix, don’t dismiss the Europa League – it might just surprise you.
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