7 of the worst teams to qualify for a European competition: Spurs, Wigan…

 

Although most teams earn European competition spots through strong league performances, there have been notable exceptions over the years.

In Europe, success in cup competitions can also secure a place in European tournaments, even for teams struggling in their leagues.

We’ve examined this trend and identified seven of the weakest teams to qualify for European competitions in recent history.

Tottenham Hotspur

For many Tottenham fans, the pain of their domestic woes faded after a stunning Europa League final victory over Manchester United.

This triumph secured Champions League qualification for next season, despite Spurs languishing in 17th place in the Premier League, a staggering 28 points behind the top five.

Injuries have plagued Ange Postecoglou’s squad throughout the campaign, but even with a fully fit team, they’ve fallen far short of Champions League caliber. As of now, they’ve suffered 21 league defeats this season, matching the tally of Leeds United’s relegated 2022-23 side—a grim statistic for Spurs supporters.

Will their European success spark a revival, or is more struggle on the horizon?

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Birmingham City

In 2011, Birmingham City earned a Europa League spot while simultaneously suffering relegation from the Premier League.

Under Alex McLeish, they stunned Arsenal in the League Cup final, securing Europa League qualification. However, their league form faltered, and they dropped to the Championship on the final day of the 2010-11 season.

As a Championship side, Birmingham competed in the 2011-12 Europa League, winning three of six group stage matches. Despite a solid effort, they failed to advance to the knockout rounds.

Wigan Athletic

Like Birmingham, Wigan Athletic won a domestic cup and earned a Europa League spot while being relegated to the Championship.

Roberto Martinez led Wigan to FA Cup glory in 2013 but couldn’t prevent their Premier League drop.

In the 2013-14 season, Wigan competed in the Europa League as a Championship side but didn’t advance past the group stage.

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Millwall

In 2004, Millwall, a Championship side, earned a UEFA Cup spot without winning a trophy. Under Dennis Wise, they finished 10th in the Championship but reached the FA Cup final, losing to Manchester United. Since United had already secured a Champions League place, Millwall, as FA Cup runners-up, gained entry to Europe. They faced Hungarian club Ferencvaros in a playoff but were eliminated over two legs.

Aachen

Like Millwall, Aachen earned UEFA Cup qualification while competing in Germany’s second division.

As DFB-Pokal runners-up in 2004, they secured a UEFA Cup spot and performed impressively. In a group with Lille and Sevilla, Aachen advanced to the round of 32, where they were defeated by AZ Alkmaar.

EA Guingamp

Though competing in France’s second tier, Guingamp earned a 2009 Europa League spot by stunningly winning the Coupe de France.

Their European journey ended in the playoff round, where they suffered a heavy defeat to Hamburger SV over two legs.

Beira-Mar

In the 1998-99 season, Beira-Mar earned a UEFA Cup spot by winning the Taça de Portugal, despite being relegated from Portugal’s top division. They finished the league campaign with just 33 points, leading to their drop to a lower tier.