Do Europa League Winners Flop in the Champions League? Here’s What History Says

Tottenham are heading to next season’s Champions League as freshly crowned Europa League champions. But how do EL winners usually fare on Europe’s biggest stage?

Let’s look at the track record — and whether fans should expect magic or misery.

Since 2015/16: Just Two Clear Failures

Since UEFA began awarding Champions League group stage spots to Europa League winners in 2015/16, only two teams have truly flopped in the following season — and both happened recently.

Sevilla (2023/24): After lifting the Europa League in 2022/23, Sevilla finished dead last in their UCL group with Arsenal, PSV, and Lens.
Atalanta (2024/25): The Italian side crashed out in the UCL playoff round (knockout round play-offs) after losing to Club Brugge.

The Middle Ground: Early Knockout Exits

In six seasons, Europa League champions did manage to escape their group but fell in the Round of 16. Respectable, but not spectacular. Consistent, but never a deep run.

When Things Went Right

Only twice have Europa League winners done something memorable in the Champions League the following year:

Sevilla (2015/16): Finished 3rd in their UCL group, dropped into the Europa League — and won it again.
Villarreal (2021/22): After their 2021 EL triumph, Unai Emery’s side stunned Europe by reaching the Champions League semi-finals, knocking out Juventus and Bayern before falling to Liverpool.

What Does This Mean for Spurs?

With Postecoglou at the helm and momentum on their side, Tottenham fans can dream. But history says most Europa League winners don’t go far in the UCL — and in the past two seasons, they’ve struggled badly.

Will Spurs be the next Villarreal? Or follow the path of Sevilla and Atalanta?

Time will tell — but expectations should be kept in check.

Published by Patrick Jane
23.05.2025