Europe’s top soccer clubs battle for the UEFA Champions League trophy every year. Millions of fans watch in anticipation as these legends of the pitch chase glory and the coveted title of Europe’s best team.
For some, the trophy is a familiar sight. For others, it’s a dream that always seems just out of reach. These are the iconic teams that have captured hearts and headlines but never lifted the famous silver cup.
Despite their efforts, their UEFA campaigns have ended in heartbreak. These soccer teams keep returning to the stage, year after year, hoping that one day, the story will end differently.
Sevilla – 0 finals, 0 wins
Sevilla FC stands out as one of the most successful clubs in European competition without a Champions League final appearance. Their dominance in the UEFA Europa League is unparalleled, boasting a record seven titles, including their latest triumph in 2023.
Despite this success, the Andalusian side has struggled to replicate such performances in the Champions League, often exiting in the group stages or early knockout rounds.
The club’s best Champions League campaign came in the 2017–18 season, reaching the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Bayern Munich. With a squad that has seen talents like Jesús Navas and Ivan Rakitić, Sevilla continues to strive for a breakthrough in Europe’s premier club competition.
Arsenal – 1 final, 0 wins
Arsenal’s most notable Champions League run culminated in the 2006 final against Barcelona. Despite taking an early lead through Sol Campbell, the Gunners were reduced to ten men after Jens Lehmann’s red card. Late goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti dashed Arsenal’s hopes, resulting in a 2–1 defeat.
Since that final, Arsenal has consistently qualified for the Champions League but has often fallen short in the knockout stages. Their European pedigree includes a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup victory in 1994, but the Champions League remains elusive.
Fiorentina – 1 final, 0 wins
Fiorentina reached the European Cup final in 1957, facing Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. Despite a valiant effort, the Italian side lost 2–0, with goals from Alfredo Di Stéfano and Francisco Gento sealing Madrid’s victory.
This final marked Fiorentina’s most significant European achievement. While they have had sporadic appearances in European competitions since, replicating such a deep run has proven challenging.
Partizan – 1 final, 0 wins
FK Partizan reached the European Cup final in 1966, becoming the first Eastern European club to do so. Facing Real Madrid, Partizan took the lead but eventually lost 2–1, with goals from Amancio and Fernando Serena overturning the deficit.
This historic run remains a significant achievement for the Serbian club. While they continue to participate in European competitions, reaching similar heights has remained elusive.
Panathinaikos – 1 final, 0 wins
Panathinaikos made history in 1971 by becoming the only Greek club to reach a European Cup final. Facing Ajax at Wembley Stadium, the Greek side lost 2–0, with goals from Dick van Dijk and an own goal sealing their fate.
Despite the defeat, Panathinaikos’s run to the final remains a proud moment in Greek football history. The club continues to be a prominent figure in Greek football, with aspirations of European success.
Leeds United – 1 final, 0 wins
Leeds United’s most significant European achievement came in 1975 when they reached the European Cup final against Bayern Munich. Despite dominating large portions of the match, Leeds lost 2–0, with goals from Franz Roth and Gerd Müller.
Controversy surrounded the match, with Leeds having a goal disallowed and two penalty appeals turned down. The aftermath saw riots from Leeds fans, leading to a ban from European competition.
Saint-Étienne – 1 final, 0 wins
AS Saint-Étienne reached the European Cup final in 1976, facing Bayern Munich at Hampden Park. Despite a spirited performance, the French side lost 1–0, with Franz Roth scoring the only goal.
The match is remembered in France for the “square goalposts” at Hampden, which many believe contributed to Saint-Étienne’s misfortune. The team’s return to France was met with a hero’s welcome, despite the loss.
Borussia Mönchengladbach – 1 final, 0 wins
Borussia Mönchengladbach’s golden era in the 1970s saw them reach the European Cup final in 1977. Facing Liverpool in Rome, the German side lost 3–1, with goals from Terry McDermott, Tommy Smith, and Phil Neal securing Liverpool’s victory.
Despite the defeat, Mönchengladbach’s performances during this period solidified their reputation in European football. They continue to be a competitive force in the Bundesliga and European competitions.
Club Brugge – 1 final, 0 wins
Club Brugge reached their only European Cup final in 1978, facing Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. In a tightly contested match, Brugge lost 1–0, with Kenny Dalglish scoring the decisive goal.
The Belgian side’s run to the final remains a significant achievement. They continue to be a dominant force in Belgian football, regularly participating in European competitions.
Malmö – 1 final, 0 wins
Malmö FF’s most notable European achievement came in 1979 when they reached the European Cup final against Nottingham Forest. In a match played in Munich, Malmö lost 1–0, with Trevor Francis scoring the only goal.
Despite the defeat, Malmö’s run to the final remains a proud moment in Swedish football history. The club continues to be a dominant force in Sweden, with regular appearances in European competitions.
Roma – 1 final, 0 wins
AS Roma reached the European Cup final in 1984, facing Liverpool at their home ground, the Stadio Olimpico. The match ended 1–1 after extra time, with Liverpool winning 4–2 on penalties.
The loss was a heartbreaking moment for Roma fans, especially given the home advantage. The club continues to seek European success, with their most recent achievement being the UEFA Europa Conference League title in 2022.
Sampdoria – 1 final, 0 wins
Sampdoria’s pinnacle in European football came in 1992 when they reached the European Cup final against Barcelona at Wembley Stadium. After a goalless 90 minutes, Ronald Koeman’s extra-time free-kick secured a 1–0 victory for Barcelona.
Despite the defeat, Sampdoria’s journey to the final remains a significant achievement. The club continues to compete in Italian football, aiming to replicate such European success.
Bayer Leverkusen – 1 final, 0 wins
Bayer Leverkusen’s most notable European campaign was in 2002 when they reached the Champions League final against Real Madrid. Despite a spirited performance, Leverkusen lost 2–1, with Zinedine Zidane’s iconic volley proving decisive.
The 2001–02 season saw Leverkusen finish as runners-up in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Champions League, earning them the moniker “Neverkusen.” The club continues to be a competitive force in German football.
Monaco – 1 final, 0 wins
Monaco reached their only UEFA Champions League final in 2004 under the guidance of Didier Deschamps. That year, the team captivated Europe with an exciting style of play and memorable victories against European heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Chelsea, with key players like Ludovic Giuly, Fernando Morientes, and Jérôme Rothen leading the charge.
However, in the final, they faced a formidable Porto side managed by José Mourinho and succumbed to a 3-0 defeat. Despite falling at the last hurdle, Monaco’s inspiring run remains one of the tournament’s most remarkable underdog stories.
Valencia – 2 finals, 0 wins
Valencia CF endured a pair of painful final defeats in the early 2000s. In the 1999-2000 season, the Spanish club reached the final only to lose 3-0 to Real Madrid in Paris. The following season, they again made it to the showpiece event, this time squaring off against Bayern Munich.
The 2001 final ended 1-1 after extra time, but Valencia were ultimately defeated in the penalty shootout. These consecutive heartbreaks left a lasting mark on the club and solidified the reputation of that talented side coached by Héctor Cúper.
Atlético de Madrid – 3 finals, 0 wins
Atlético de Madrid stands out as one of the most unlucky clubs in the competition’s history, having lost three finals. Their first chance came in 1974 against Bayern Munich. After drawing 1-1 in the initial match, Atlético fell 4-0 in the replay.
Decades later, they returned to the final in both 2014 and 2016, facing their city rivals Real Madrid on both occasions. In 2014, they conceded a dramatic equalizer in stoppage time before losing in extra time. In 2016, they fought hard to force a penalty shootout but once again fell short.
Reims – 2 finals, 0 wins
Valencia have participated in two consecutive UEFA Champions League finals so far. The first was the 2000 UEFA Champions League Final, when they met with the unstoppable Real Madrid on May 24, 2000, at the Stade de France in Paris. The final score was 3-0 for the Whites.
The Bats returned to feature in the next season’s final. This time, they faced Bayern, and the Spaniards were an equal opponent for a total of 120 minutes. However, the Bavarians won 5-4 on penalties.
Tottenham – 1 final, 0 wins
Tottenham Hotspur made their debut in the Champions League final in 2019, in what was an extraordinary run for the club. Managed by Mauricio Pochettino, Spurs stunned fans by knocking out giants like Manchester City and Ajax, securing their place in the final against Liverpool. It was their first ever appearance at this stage, marking a historic moment for the London side.
Despite their efforts and moments of brilliance, Tottenham were defeated 2-0 by Liverpool in the final held at the Wanda Metropolitano in Madrid. The loss was painful, yet the journey itself reinvigorated the club’s profile in European football and inspired hope for future campaigns.