Last 10 different Europa League Winners (2023/24 Not Included) -sportinglad

The UEFA Europa League, often overshadowed by the illustrious Champions League, holds a special place in European football. It provides a platform for rising stars, established clubs seeking redemption, and underdogs etching their names in history. This article delves into the Last 10 different Europa League Winners (excluding the ongoing 2023/24 season), exploring their journeys to glory, key players, and the impact these victories had on their respective clubs.

1. Villarreal CF (2020/21): Resilience Rewarded (Spain)

Unai Emery’s Tactical Masterclass: Villarreal, under the astute leadership of manager Unai Emery, defied expectations to claim their first major European trophy. Emery, a Europa League specialist with three previous wins with Sevilla, instilled a defensively sound and tactically astute approach that proved highly effective.
Gerard Moreno: Spearheading the Attack: Spanish striker Gerard Moreno emerged as the hero for Villarreal, scoring a staggering 7 goals throughout the tournament and bagging a brace in the final against Manchester United. His clinical finishing and movement in the penalty area were instrumental in their success.
A Defining Moment for a Historic Club: Villarreal’s Europa League triumph marked a defining moment for the club. It solidified their place among Spain’s elite and announced their arrival on the European stage, etching their name on the coveted trophy.

2. Sevilla FC (2019/20): The Kings of the Europa League (Spain)

Sevilla’s Sixth Title: A Record-Breaking Feat: Sevilla further cemented their status as the “Kings of the Europa League” by claiming their record-extending sixth title in the 2019/20 season. Their experience, tactical prowess, and winning mentality proved too much for Inter Milan in the final.
Ever Banega: Orchestrating the Midfield: Veteran midfielder Ever Banega was the fulcrum of Sevilla’s success. His creativity, passing range, and leadership in the center of the park allowed them to control the tempo of games and dictate play.
A Legacy of European Domination: Sevilla’s sixth Europa League title solidified their dominance in the competition. Their experience, hunger, and tactical awareness allowed them to consistently navigate the challenging knockout stages and reach the pinnacle.

3. Chelsea FC (2018/19): Rejuvenation Under Sarri (England)

Maurizio Sarri’s Pragmatic Approach: Chelsea, under manager Maurizio Sarri, adopted a pragmatic approach focused on ball possession and controlling the midfield. Jorginho, a key acquisition from Napoli, orchestrated the play from deep, while Eden Hazard’s brilliance provided the attacking spark.
Olivier Giroud: A Force in the Air: Veteran striker Olivier Giroud emerged as a crucial figure for Chelsea, particularly in the knockout stages. His aerial prowess and ability to hold the ball up created space and opportunities for his teammates.
A Stepping Stone for a Transitional Chelsea: Chelsea’s Europa League victory served as a stepping stone for a club in transition. It provided silverware, boosted team morale, and offered manager Sarri a platform to implement his philosophy before departing the following season.

4. Atletico Madrid (2017/18): Simeone’s Winning Mentality Prevails (Spain)

Diego Simeone’s Trademark Grit: Atletico Madrid, under the relentless leadership of Diego Simeone, triumphed in the Europa League with their characteristically resolute and defensive approach. They stifled opponents with their organized pressing and capitalized on counter-attacking opportunities.
Antoine Griezmann: Leading the Line: French forward Antoine Griezmann, then in his prime, was Atletico’s attacking talisman. His pace, dribbling skills, and ability to link up with teammates were instrumental in their attacking play.
Champions League Heartbreak, Europa League Redemption: This Europa League victory came after Atletico’s heartbreaking Champions League defeat earlier in the season. It showcased their resilience and mental strength under Simeone’s demanding management style.

5. Manchester United (2016/17): Mourinho Delivers a Treble (England)

Jose Mourinho: The Master of Cup Competitions: Manchester United, under the guidance of Jose Mourinho, secured a Europa League title alongside the League Cup, completing a domestic cup treble. Mourinho’s experience in cup competitions and his ability to motivate players for these high-pressure situations proved crucial.
Paul Pogba: Orchestrating the Midfield: French midfielder Paul Pogba, a marquee signing for United, showcased his talent throughout the tournament. His creativity, passing range his creativity, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of games were vital in their Europa League success.
A Stepping Stone for United’s Rebuild: The Europa League win provided Manchester United with a much-needed trophy and a sense of progress under Mourinho. It also offered a platform for integrating new signings and fostering a winning mentality during a period of rebuilding for the club.

6. Sevilla FC (2015/16): The Kings Rise Again (Spain)

Emery’s First Europa League Triumph: Unai Emery, in his first stint with Sevilla, laid the foundation for their future Europa League dominance. His tactical flexibility and ability to exploit weaknesses in opposing teams proved highly effective.
Carlos Bacca: A Lethal Finisher: Colombian striker Carlos Bacca emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with 7 goals. His pace, composure in front of goal, and clinical finishing were instrumental in Sevilla’s attacking success.
A Defining Chapter for a Resurgent Sevilla: This Europa League title marked a defining chapter for Sevilla’s resurgence. It signaled the beginning of their reign as Europa League specialists and instilled a winning mentality that would fuel their future success in the competition.

7. Liverpool FC (2015/16): A Historic Night in Klopp’s First Season (England)

Jurgen Klopp’s Pressing Philosophy Takes Root: Liverpool, under their new manager Jurgen Klopp, showcased their high-pressing, attacking style of play throughout the Europa League campaign. This energetic approach overwhelmed opponents and instilled a new identity for the club.
Daniel Sturridge: Finding Redemption on the Big Stage: Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, after a period of injury struggles, rediscovered his goalscoring form in the Europa League. His pace, awareness in the box, and clinical finishing played a key role in their victory.
A Springboard for Future Success: The Europa League triumph proved to be a springboard for Liverpool’s future success under Klopp. It instilled a winning mentality, established Klopp’s philosophy, and provided a platform for integrating new signings who would be instrumental in their future Premier League and Champions League triumphs.

8. Sevilla FC (2013/14): Unstoppable Force under Emery (Spain)

Emery’s Tactical Mastery: Unai Emery, in his second season with Sevilla, further cemented his reputation as a Europa League specialist. His tactically astute approach, emphasizing possession and exploiting weaknesses in opponents, proved highly effective.
Kevin Gameiro and Carlos Bacca: A Lethal Duo: Sevilla’s attacking force was spearheaded by the deadly duo of Kevin Gameiro and Carlos Bacca. Their combination of pace, movement, and finishing provided a constant threat to opposing defenses.
A Foundation for a Dynasty: This Europa League victory laid the foundation for a period of dominance in the competition for Sevilla. It boosted team morale, instilled a winning mentality, and marked the beginning of Emery’s successful reign as manager.

9. Chelsea FC (2012/13): Rafa Benítez Delivers a Double (England)

Rafa Benítez’s Pragmatic Approach: Chelsea, under manager Rafa Benítez, adopted a pragmatic approach focused on stifling opponents defensively and capitalizing on counter-attacking opportunities. Juan Mata’s creativity and skill were crucial in creating chances for the clinical Fernando Torres.
Fernando Torres: Recapturing His Glory Days: Veteran striker Fernando Torres, after a period of struggles, rediscovered his scoring touch in the Europa League. His pace, finishing ability, and experience proved valuable assets for Chelsea’s attacking play.
A Trophy-Laden Season for Chelsea: The Europa League victory complemented Chelsea’s FA Cup triumph in 2012/13, marking a successful season under Benítez. It provided silverware for a talented squad and offered a platform for integrating new signings.

10. Atlético Madrid (2011/12): Falcao’s Last Stand Before Joining Monaco (Spain)

Falcao’s Unrelenting Goalscoring: Colombian striker Radamel Falcao was in a league of his own during the tournament, netting a staggering 17 goals. His pace, power, and finishing ability terrorized defenses and propelled Atletico Madrid towards the title.
Simeone’s Foundation for Future Success: The Europa League triumph under Diego Simeone marked the beginning of a successful era for Atlético Madrid. His defensive philosophy, relentless work ethic, and ability to motivate players took root, laying the foundation for future challenges in the Champions League.

Conclusion

The past decade of the Europa League has provided a fascinating narrative, showcasing a diverse range of champions. From established clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea to underdogs like Villarreal and Sevilla’s reign of dominance, the competition has proven its ability to create captivating storylines and produce unexpected heroes.

Looking ahead, the Europa League remains a coveted trophy, offering a path to Champions League qualification and a chance for clubs to etch their names in European football history. As the competition continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the Europa League will continue to be a breeding ground for champions, unearthing hidden gems and providing a platform for clubs to dream big and achieve glory on the European stage.