The Best UEFA Europa League Finals Ever
The UEFA Europa League has provided some of the most dramatic and entertaining finals in European football history. Often seen as the gateway to the Champions League, the competition has featured thrilling comebacks, legendary performances, and unforgettable moments.
In this article, we rank the 10 best UEFA Europa League finals ever, showcasing the most dramatic encounters that left fans on the edge of their seats.
1. Sevilla 3-2 Dnipro (2015) – A Five-Goal Thriller
🔹 Venue: National Stadium, Warsaw
🔹 Key Moments:
✅ Carlos Bacca’s late winner sealed Sevilla’s fourth Europa League title.
✅ Dnipro, the underdogs, took an early lead through Kalinic.
✅ Ever Banega’s midfield masterclass dictated the game.
🔥 Why It Was Special:
This final had everything—five goals, relentless attacking football, and late drama. Sevilla’s win solidified their reputation as the kings of the Europa League.
2. Liverpool 5-4 Alavés (2001) – The Golden Goal Classic
🔹 Venue: Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
🔹 Key Moments:
✅ Liverpool led 3-1 at halftime, but Alavés mounted a comeback.
✅ The match saw four goals in extra time, ending with a Golden Goal own goal.
✅ Gary McAllister’s heroics led Liverpool to their third UEFA Cup triumph.
🔥 Why It Was Special:
This was one of the most chaotic, high-scoring finals in history, ending in Golden Goal heartbreak for Alavés.
3. Atlético Madrid 3-0 Athletic Bilbao (2012) – The Falcao Show
🔹 Venue: Arena Națională, Bucharest
🔹 Key Moments:
✅ Radamel Falcao’s stunning first-half brace set the tone.
✅ Diego added a third, ensuring Atlético Madrid’s dominance.
✅ Marcelo Bielsa’s Bilbao team, known for their pressing, was completely dismantled.
🔥 Why It Was Special:
Falcao’s world-class performance made this one of the most one-sided but brilliant Europa League finals.
4. Sevilla 5-2 Middlesbrough (2006) – A Fairytale Ends
🔹 Venue: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven
🔹 Key Moments:
✅ Sevilla crushed Middlesbrough with four second-half goals.
✅ Luis Fabiano, Maresca (2), and Kanouté all scored.
✅ Steve McClaren’s Middlesbrough saw their fairytale run end in heartbreak.
🔥 Why It Was Special:
Sevilla’s first-ever European trophy began their golden era in the competition.
5. Chelsea 4-1 Arsenal (2019) – Hazard’s Farewell Masterpiece
🔹 Venue: Olympic Stadium, Baku
🔹 Key Moments:
✅ Olivier Giroud scored against his former club to break the deadlock.
✅ Eden Hazard’s brace in his final Chelsea game sealed the victory.
✅ Petr Čech’s last professional game ended in heartbreak against his former club.
🔥 Why It Was Special:
This final had a London derby rivalry, stunning goals, and a masterclass from Eden Hazard in his Chelsea farewell.
6. Sevilla 3-2 Inter Milan (2020) – Lukaku’s Highs and Lows
🔹 Venue: RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne
🔹 Key Moments:
✅ Lukaku scored early but later deflected the winning goal into his own net.
✅ Diego Carlos’ overhead kick sealed Sevilla’s sixth Europa League title.
✅ Ever Banega dominated the midfield in his farewell match for Sevilla.
🔥 Why It Was Special:
Sevilla’s incredible Europa League dominance continued, and Lukaku’s hero-to-villain moment added high drama.
7. Porto 2-1 Braga (2011) – The Portuguese Derby
🔹 Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
🔹 Key Moments:
✅ Radamel Falcao’s header was the decisive goal.
✅ André Villas-Boas became the youngest coach to win a European title (33 years old).
✅ Braga’s defensive approach nearly frustrated Porto.
🔥 Why It Was Special:
This was the first-ever all-Portuguese Europa League final, making it historic.
8. Sevilla 3-1 Liverpool (2016) – The Stunning Comeback
🔹 Venue: St. Jakob-Park, Basel
🔹 Key Moments:
✅ Liverpool led 1-0 at halftime after a Daniel Sturridge wonder goal.
✅ Kevin Gameiro equalized 17 seconds into the second half.
✅ Coke’s brace completed Sevilla’s incredible turnaround.
🔥 Why It Was Special:
Sevilla’s second-half dominance left Liverpool stunned and secured their third consecutive Europa League title.
9. Atlético Madrid 2-1 Fulham (2010) – Aguero and Forlán’s Brilliance
🔹 Venue: Hamburg Arena
🔹 Key Moments:
✅ Diego Forlán scored twice, including a dramatic extra-time winner.
✅ Sergio Aguero’s assist for the winning goal was world-class.
✅ Fulham’s magical run ended in heartbreak, despite their incredible campaign.
🔥 Why It Was Special:
Fulham, a club not expected to reach a European final, nearly pulled off a fairytale victory.
10. Eintracht Frankfurt 1-1 Rangers (2022) – Penalty Shootout Drama
🔹 Venue: Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Seville
🔹 Key Moments:
✅ Joe Aribo’s goal gave Rangers hope of their first European trophy since 1972.
✅ Borré equalized for Frankfurt, sending the match to penalties.
✅ Kevin Trapp’s heroic penalty save won Frankfurt their first European trophy in 42 years.
🔥 Why It Was Special:
A tense penalty shootout added to the drama, making this one of the most intense Europa League finals.
Final Thoughts
The UEFA Europa League has given football fans some of the greatest finals filled with drama, stunning goals, and unforgettable moments. From Liverpool’s nine-goal thriller against Alavés to Sevilla’s never-ending dominance, the competition continues to produce legendary nights.
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💬 Which Europa League final do you think was the greatest? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀
