5 Worst European Finals Ever Ft. Tottenham Hotspur vs Manchester United UEFA Europa League Final
European finals, the grand finales of months of grueling competition, are usually showcases of footballing excellence. We get to see breathtaking goals, tactical genius, and moments of sheer drama that become legendary. Think back to those iconic clashes – moments of brilliance that define careers and cement legacies. However, the beautiful game, in its unpredictable nature, occasionally throws up encounters that fall far short of these lofty expectations. Instead of high drama spectacles, we sometimes witness dull affairs, marred by errors, devoid of excitement, and leaving fans feeling utterly deflated.
This year, the footballing gods have presented a tantalizing, or perhaps concerning, prospect: a UEFA Europa League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United. Both clubs have been omnipresent in English top-flight football, their names synonymous with passion and history. Yet, their recent journeys have been anything but glorious. Could this be a final destined to join the ranks of the worst European finals ever? Before we jump to conclusions, let’s take a look back at some European finals that have unfortunately earned a place on the list of all-time disappointments.
5 Worst UCL and UEL Finals Ranked
Here’s a quick look at our ranking of these five less-than-thrilling European finals:
| Rank | Fixture | Year | Competition | Score | Why it was poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Ajax vs Juventus | 1996 | UCL | 1(2)-1(4) | Decided by penalties, the game itself was not overly exciting, significantly overshadowed by a major doping scandal involving Juventus |
| 4 | Sevilla vs Benfica | 2014 | UEL | 0(4)-0(2) | Goalless draw, decided by penalties, Benfica’s continued struggles in European finals, lack of clear attacking intent |
| 3 | Porto vs Braga | 2011 | UEL | 1-0 | Low-scoring, Braga’s defensive approach, few clear opportunities, and overall cautious game |
| 2 | Tottenham vs Liverpool | 2019 | UCL | 0-2 | Early penalty killed the game’s flow, Tottenham struggled to create chances, and Liverpool also were not at their best |
| 1 | Juventus vs AC Milan | 2003 | UCL | 0(2)-0(3) | Goalless draw in regular time, defensive tactics, controversial disallowed goal |
5 Worst European Finals Ever
Before we definitively label a potential Tottenham versus Manchester United showdown as the absolute worst, it’s worth remembering that history is littered with other European finals that have failed to ignite the passions of football fans. For the purpose of this discussion, we’ll primarily focus on finals from the UEFA Champions League era, starting from the 1995-96 season onwards (a nod to the modern format and increased competition), and the UEFA Europa League in its current guise (recognizing its evolution from the UEFA Cup). These are the finals that, for various reasons, have left a lasting impression of disappointment rather than delight.
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5. Ajax vs Juventus 1996 UEFA Champions League Final
The 1996 UEFA Champions League final in Rome pitted the reigning UCL champions, Ajax, against Juventus. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Juventus eventually winning their first Champions League title in 11 years after a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout. Fabrizio Ravanelli put Juventus ahead early in the game, but Ajax’s star midfielder, Jari Litmanen, quickly responded with an equalizer before halftime. However, this final is perhaps more remembered for the significant doping scandal that subsequently engulfed Juventus and cast a long shadow over their victory.
While the match itself wasn’t necessarily the most dull affair on the pitch, the later allegations of performance-enhancing drug use within the Juventus squad have undoubtedly tainted the memory of this final for many. Reports from the time suggest that Juventus’ performance was somewhat underwhelming, and both goals scored in the match arose from defensive errors rather than moments of exceptional attacking play. While Ajax, with their young and talented squad, were considered favorites by some, they ultimately fell short against a Juventus side whose triumph would later be viewed with suspicion and controversy
4. Sevilla vs Benfica 2013/14 UEFA Europa League Final
The 2014 UEFA Europa League final saw Spanish side Sevilla face Portuguese giants Benfica at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. This final also ended in a goalless draw after extra time, with Sevilla eventually lifting the trophy after a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout. For Benfica, this match continued their unfortunate trend of falling at the final hurdle in European competitions. Despite having a slightly higher number of shots than Sevilla throughout the 120 minutes, they were unable to find the elusive breakthrough goal.
Sevilla, while perhaps not as dominant in open play, showed their composure and accuracy in the decisive penalty shootout. While the tension of a penalty shootout can often provide dramatic moments, the preceding two hours of football lacked the spark and attacking quality one would typically expect from a European final. It often felt like both teams were hesitant to commit too many players forward, resulting in a somewhat cagey and ultimately unmemorable encounter for those without a vested interest in either club.
3. Porto vs Braga 2011 UEFA Europa League Final
The 2011 UEFA Europa League final brought together two Portuguese sides, Porto and Braga, at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. This encounter also proved to be a low-scoring affair, with Porto securing a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a first-half header from their star striker, Radamel Falcao. Braga did have a couple of early opportunities to potentially take the lead, but after conceding to Falcao just before halftime, they struggled to mount a sustained attacking threat against a well-organized Porto defense.
For much of the game, Braga appeared to adopt a more cautious and defensive approach, limiting the number of clear-cut chances created by either side. The first half of the final was particularly devoid of excitement, characterized by few genuine scoring opportunities and a noticeable amount of physical challenges and tackling. While Porto, under the guidance of a young André Villas-Boas, ultimately deserved their triumph, the single goal and the overall cautious nature of the match meant it wasn’t a final that lingered long in the memory of neutral football fans.
2. Tottenham vs Liverpool 2018-19 UEFA Champions League Final
The 2019 Champions League final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in Madrid was a prime example of a match that promised much but ultimately delivered very little. The game got off to a dramatic start when Liverpool were awarded a penalty within the first minute, following a handball by Tottenham’s Moussa Sissoko. While the decision was debatable, Mo Salah calmly converted the spot-kick, giving Liverpool an early advantage. However, this early goal seemed to suck the life out of the game for a significant period. Tottenham struggled to find any rhythm or create meaningful chances against a resolute Liverpool defense. Their attacking play lacked its usual spark, with passes often going astray and touches proving heavy.
Harry Kane, who had been rushed back from an ankle injury, appeared to be far from his best. Even Liverpool, despite holding the lead, didn’t exactly set the world alight with their performance. The match felt tense but lacked the flowing, attacking football expected from a Champions League final. Many neutral observers found the spectacle to be rather dull. The game only produced another moment of significance in the 87th minute when Divock Origi sealed the victory for Liverpool with a well-taken second goal. However, by that point, the final had largely failed to live up to the hype generated by the thrilling semi-finals that preceded it.
1. Juventus vs AC Milan 2003 UEFA Champions League Final
After 120 minutes of tactical maneuvering and ultra-cautious football, the 2003 Champions League final between Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan at Old Trafford ultimately went to a penalty shootout, which Milan won 3-2. Both managers, Carlo Ancelotti of Milan and Marcello Lippi of Juventus, set their teams up in a robust defensive manner. Clear-cut scoring opportunities were incredibly scarce. Milan did have an early goal by Andriy Shevchenko disallowed for offside, a decision that appeared somewhat harsh upon closer inspection. Following this, the game descended into a tactical battle, with both sides seemingly more concerned with not conceding than with taking risks to score.
While there were moments that hinted at excitement – Antonio Conte hitting the post for Juventus and Andrea Pirlo striking the bar for Milan – these were isolated incidents in a largely uneventful affair. The legendary Johan Cruyff famously remarked that fans should have been offered refunds for their tickets after witnessing such a poor spectacle. While Milan celebrated their penalty shootout victory, the final itself is largely remembered as a contest devoid of attacking intent and genuine excitement for the neutral viewer.
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Conclusion: Is Manchester United vs Tottenham the Worst European League Final?
The question of whether a Tottenham versus Manchester United Europa League final could be the absolute worst is a valid one, given the turbulent seasons both clubs have navigated so far. Tottenham Hotspur, despite an initial burst of optimism under Ange Postecoglou, have experienced a significant downturn in their Premier League form. Their struggle has been so visible that they currently occupy a lowly 17th position in the league table, a stark illustration of a season that has veered far from their European ambitions. Adding salt to the wound, they have regrettably broken their own Premier League record for the most defeats in a single campaign. This domestic form hardly screams “European Champion.”
Adding another layer to the narrative is Postecoglou’s own confident pronouncements about securing silverware in his second season at a club. This hypothetical Europa League final looms as a critical juncture for the Australian manager, potentially his last opportunity to deliver on that bold claim. The weight of expectation, coupled with the team’s inconsistent league performances, creates a scenario where the final could either be a triumphant redemption or a stark reminder of a season that promised much but ultimately under-delivered.
Across the country, Manchester United’s fortunes have mirrored those of their potential final opponents. Sitting just one place above Tottenham in the Premier League standings, they too have endured a season riddled with inconsistency and disappointment. They have also etched their name in the history books for the wrong reasons, surpassing their previous highest number of Premier League losses in a single season. The once-imposing aura of Old Trafford has diminished, making their journey to a European final feel more like a fortunate detour than a testament to their dominance.
Furthermore, the specter of injuries looms large over both squads. Tottenham have been particularly affected, with key players like James Maddison and Radu Dragusin spending significant time on the sidelines. These absences have undoubtedly hampered their team cohesion and tactical flexibility. Manchester United have also grappled with their fair share of injury woes, with a lengthy list of unavailable players, including crucial defenders like Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot.
A European final contested by depleted teams raises concerns about the overall quality and spectacle of the match. Interestingly, despite their respective struggles, Tottenham have managed to achieve a clean sweep against Manchester United in their Premier League encounters this season. This head-to-head dominance might suggest a potential outcome for the final, but the unique pressures and dynamics of a one-off European final often defy regular-season form.
Will Manchester United finally overcome their Spurs hoodoo on this grand stage, or will Tottenham continue their dominance? The answer remains shrouded in uncertainty.
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FAQs
What made the 2019 Champions League final between Tottenham and Liverpool disappointing?
An early penalty for Liverpool disrupted the game’s flow, and neither team played with much attacking flair, leading to a rather uneventful final.
Why was the 2011 Europa League final between Porto and Braga considered low-scoring and somewhat dull?
Braga adopted a defensive strategy, and the game lacked clear scoring opportunities, with Porto winning 1-0 in a match characterized by excessive tackling.
What is the main reason the 1996 Champions League final between Ajax and Juventus is viewed negatively?
While the game itself was a draw decided by penalties, the final is largely remembered due to the doping scandal that later surrounded Juventus’ victory.
Why is the 2003 Champions League final between Juventus and AC Milan considered boring?
The 2003 final was the only Champions League final to end 0-0 and was decided by penalties after a defensive display, which resulted in a cautious match with few scoring chances.