The Submarine is the side to have played the most matches in this competition from the group stages onwards
A classic UEFA Europa League team. Villarreal CF begins its eighth participation in the secondary European competition. Since the competition began in 2009, when it replaced the UEFA Cup, the Submarine has become one of the most regular, key teams in this prestigious European tournament.
Including the current 2020/21 season, Villarreal has played in eight of the twelve editions of this competition. Likewise, the Yellows are the fourth side to have played the most official matches in the UEFA Europa League (80), after Salzburg (84), FCSB (83) and Sevilla FC (81). Nevertheless, counting only the games from the group stages onwards, the Submarine have played the most encounters with 75 games.
Villarreal’s greatest achievement in the UEFA Europa League was reaching the semi-finals on two occasions. The Submarine took on Porto FC in the 2010/11 season and Liverpool FC in the 2015/16 season.
The Submarine’s track-record in the Europa League is remarkable. In 80 matches, the Yellows have amounted 44 wins, 17 draws and 19 losses. Villarreal’s performances in the Europa League group stages have really stood out; having always advanced from the group stages and as top of the group on three occasions.
Unai Emery, the king of the Europa League
Unai Emery is the most successful manager in the history of the Europa League. The Yellows boss has won three trophies in the competition all of which he achieved with Sevilla FC, in the 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons.
The Basque manager has a record of 79 UEFA Europa League games, 27 more than the second manager with the most official matches. A whole history of European encounters under his belt.
