Five Premier League teams who qualified for European football against the odds – The Non-League Football Paper

The unpredictability of the Premier League is one of its most captivating features, even as Manchester City have dominated the title race in recent years.

Pep Guardiola’s side lead the Premier League betting odds to lift the trophy for a fifth successive time, but the loss of Rodri and good form of Arsenal and Liverpool make it a close affair once again.

Further down the table, the competition for Champions League places will also be tense as we approach the business end of the campaign. Over the years, teams have managed to break into the established top six and snatch one of the European places.

Last season Aston Villa emerged as one of those remarkable success stories, finishing fourth under the guidance of Unai Emery.

Following a challenging start, Villa transformed their campaign, having been relegation candidates as recently as 2022 following Steven Gerrard’s departure.

The Villains’ achievement, which has seen them draw the likes of Juventus and Bayern Munich in this season’s group stage, shows that even amidst a landscape often defined by the top teams, other clubs can still make their mark and reach the European stages – either the Champions League, Europa League or Conference League.

Here, we highlight five Premier League teams that defied expectations to qualify for European football, proving that determination and tactical brilliance can lead to success against the odds.

Newcastle United – Champions League 2022/23

Newcastle United’s resurgence to the Champions League a couple of seasons ago was nothing short of extraordinary.

Following their takeover by a Saudi consortium, the club flourished under manager Eddie Howe, who instilled a winning mentality and solid tactics.

The Magpies finished fourth in the league, securing their first Champions League spot in over two decades, showcasing their capability to challenge the established elite and even holding their own in the proverbial ‘group of death’ which included AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.

Wigan Athletic – Europa League 2012/13

A great example of the modern-day giant killing, Wigan Athletic’s journey in the 2012/13 season is a remarkable testament to the unpredictability of football.

Just days after lifting the FA Cup in a stunning upset against Manchester City, the Latics faced the harsh reality of relegation from the Premier League.

However, their triumph in the cup secured a spot in the Europa League for the following season, marking a surreal chapter in their history as they prepared to compete in European football from the second tier of the Championship.

Fulham – Europa League (then UEFA Cup) 2008/09

Fulham’s unforgettable run to the UEFA Cup final in 2009/10 remains a cherished memory for their supporters, but to get there they had to finish seventh in the Premier League.

The Cottagers had to overcome the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and City, who had freshly been taken over by the Etihad group, in one of the most competitive seasons of the modern era.

Under the experienced management of Roy Hodgson, the west Londoners embarked on a remarkable journey through Europe, eliminating several top clubs along the way.

Their fairy-tale finish culminated in a hard-fought defeat in the UEFA Cup final against Atlético Madrid the following year, which, despite ending in heartbreak, highlighted the club’s incredible spirit and determination.

Portsmouth – UEFA Cup 2007/08

The 2008/09 season was a memorable chapter for Portsmouth, following their FA Cup triumph the previous year.

Despite finishing eighth in the Premier League, their FA Cup victory earned them a spot in the UEFA Cup, beating Cardiff City at Wembley courtesy of a Kanu goal.

One of the standout moments came when they faced the legendary AC Milan at Fratton Park, a clash that fans still cherish, with the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka and Filippo Inzaghi gracing the South Coast — a game that Pompey took a 2-0 lead before earning a draw.  

While they exited the tournament in the group stage, Portsmouth’s European adventure remains a testament to the magic of cup success and the unpredictable nature of football.

Leeds United – Champions League 1999/00

Leeds United’s ascent to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2000/01 season marked a golden period for the club.

After years of rebuilding, Leeds stunned the football world by finishing third in the Premier League the season before, securing their spot in Europe’s top-tier competition as well as reaching the last four of the UEFA Cup with the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Johnathan Woodgate and Harry Kewell forming David O’Leary’s entertainers.

Their campaign, sometimes overshadowed by the loss to Galatasaray, was filled with memorable matches, showcasing the potential of a team that, despite facing challenges in the years that followed, made a significant mark on the continent.