In the UEFA Europa League, a rare few have etched their names in glory with spotless campaigns. Going an entire tournament without tasting defeat is no small feat and only select champions have managed such dominance.
While lifting the trophy is achievement enough, doing so unbeaten adds an air of invincibility. These teams didn’t just win, they imposed their will from group stage to final, leaving behind a trail of frustrated rivals and flawless records.
Each unbeaten triumph tells a different story: tactical brilliance, sheer grit or a touch of magic. As the competition continues to evolve, these perfect runs remain timeless markers of soccer excellence. Only three teams have managed to win the UEFA Europa League without defeat: Chelsea, Villarreal, and Eintracht Frankfurt.
Every team that won the Europa League without a defeat
Chelsea
Chelsea’s victorious campaign in the 2018–2019 UEFA Europa League is a remarkable example of dominance and consistency, as they won the entire tournament without losing a single match.
A Chelsea flag is seen as the teams walk out prior to the UEFA Europa League Group L match between Chelsea and PAOK at Stamford Bridge on November 29, 2018. (Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
Under the management of Maurizio Sarri, the popular team combined tactical discipline with attacking prowess, navigating through the group stages and knockout rounds undefeated.
This unbeaten run culminated in a memorable final against Arsenal, held at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan, where Chelsea secured a convincing 4-1 victory over their London rivals. Key players such as Eden Hazard, who captained the team in the final, Olivier Giroud, and Jorginho played pivotal roles throughout the campaign.
Their flawless run in the Europa League was especially notable given their struggles in the Premier League that season, making the European triumph a defining achievement.
Villarreal
Villarreal’s run in the 2020–2021 UEFA Europa League was equally impressive and marked by drama and resilience. Managed by Unai Emery, who holds the record for the most Europa League titles as a coach, the team completed the entire tournament undefeated.
Gerard Moreno of Villarreal CF celebrates with his team mate Moi Gomez of Villarreal CF after scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the Liga match in 2020. (Source: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
The final, held at the Gdańsk Stadium in Poland, saw them face Manchester United in a thrilling encounter that ended 1-1 after extra time. Villarreal triumphed 11-10 in an epic penalty shootout, securing their first major European trophy in club history.
Players like Gerard Moreno and Pau Torres were crucial to this success, and goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli’s performance during the penalty shootout was decisive. This victory added to Emery’s legendary status in the league and represented a historic achievement for the team.
Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt’s 2021–2022 Europa League triumph was a testament to their consistency and mental strength, as they went through the tournament without a single defeat.
Sebastian Rode of Eintracht Frankfurt lifts the UEFA Europa League Trophy following their team’s victory during the UEFA Europa League final match in 2022. (Source: Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Led by coach Oliver Glasner, the German club navigated the group and knockout stages unbeaten, culminating in a tense final against Rangers FC at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in Seville.
The match ended 1-1 after regular and extra time, with Frankfurt prevailing 5-4 in the penalty shootout to claim their second major European title, their first since winning the UEFA Cup in 1980.
Players such as Randal Kolo Muani, Daichi Kamada, and goalkeeper Kevin Trapp were instrumental in this historic campaign. This victory was celebrated as a significant milestone for Frankfurt and German football.
