Europe
UEFA Europa League
The second tier of European club football. Clubs reach it by finishing just below the Champions League places at home, and winning it now earns a Champions League place the following season, which has made it far more valuable than it used to be.
How it works
- Clubs
- 36
- Matches each
- 8 in the league phase, then knockout rounds
- Winner decided by
- A single final in May.
Entered by domestic league position or by winning certain domestic cups. Clubs knocked out of the Champions League playoff round also drop into it.
The winner qualifies for the following season's Champions League, which is the reason clubs take it seriously rather than resting players in it.
Where these clubs come from
No club plays in this competition every year. They earn a place by how they finish at home, so these are the leagues to follow if you want to know who will be in it next season.
Back to all leagues and competitions
Table and club data from football-data.org. League explanations are ours. Terms of use.