For the first time in 24 years, a Spanish club has lost to a non-Spanish club in a European final. The Conference League final between Chelsea and Real Betis (4-1) on Wednesday ended a remarkable streak that lasted nineteen matches.
In 2001, two Spanish clubs received the runners-up medal after a European final. Deportivo Alavés lost the UEFA Cup final to Liverpool (5-4) after extra time. Valencia played in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich and lost after penalties.
But since then, the Spanish clubs have been untouchable in the finals of the Champions League, UEFA Cup, and Europa League for years.
No fewer than nineteen times in a row, a Spanish club won against a non-Spanish club in the final. In between, it did happen four times that a Spanish club lost a final, but that was against another Spanish club.
In 2014 and 2016, the Champions League final was between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. Both times, ‘The Royal One’ came out on top. Atlético Madrid did win the Europa League in 2012, in a final against Athletic Club. Furthermore, Sevilla won the UEFA Cup final against Espanyol in 2007.
Chelsea has a complete European collection
Chelsea’s final victory is also memorable for another reason. ‘The Blues’ now have all European cups in their possession.
After the Champions League, the European Cup II (discontinued in 1999), the Europa League, and the European Super Cup, the club from London has now also won the Conference League, which is a first.
European titles Chelsea
