Introduction to UEFA Country Derby Finals

For the first time in six years, the UEFA Europa League final will feature an all-English clash as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur face off at the San Mamés stadium in Bilbao on May 21. This match continues the tradition of rare but thrilling finals between clubs from the same country in UEFA competitions.

The Rarity and Significance of Country Derby Finals

Country derby finals, where two clubs from the same nation compete for the title, are a unique spectacle in European football. They are not common, making each occurrence a significant event in the football calendar. This season’s Europa League final marks only the 10th instance of such a match in the competition's history.

Historical Overview of UEFA Country Derby Finals

Combining both the Europa League and the UEFA Champions League, there have been only 18 country derby finals since the 1950s. The Champions League has seen eight of these, with the most recent being Chelsea’s victory over Manchester City in 2021.

Ranking the Most Memorable Country Derby Finals

18. AC Milan vs. Juventus (2002-03 Champions League Final)

This final is remembered for its lack of excitement, with AC Milan eventually winning on penalties after a goalless draw.

17. Porto vs. Braga (2010-11 Europa League Final)

Porto clinched the title with a single goal from Radamel Falcao, in a match that lacked significant action.

16. Inter Milan vs. Roma (1990-91 UEFA Cup Final)

Inter Milan won the title despite losing the second leg, showcasing the unpredictability of two-legged finals.

15. Juventus vs. Fiorentina (1989-90 UEFA Cup Final)

Juventus dominated the first leg and held on in the second to secure the title.

14. Parma vs. Juventus (1994-95 UEFA Cup Final)

Parma upset the three-time champions Juventus with a narrow aggregate victory.

13. Liverpool vs. Tottenham Hotspur (2018-19 Champions League Final)

Liverpool secured a straightforward victory, marking their sixth European Cup title.

12. Chelsea vs. Manchester City (2020-21 Champions League Final)

Chelsea thwarted Manchester City’s ambitions with a tactical masterclass, winning 1-0.

11. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (1971-72 UEFA Cup Final)

Tottenham claimed their second European title with a victory over Wolves in the competition’s inaugural season.

10. Inter Milan vs. Lazio (1997-98 UEFA Cup Final)

Inter Milan won the first single-leg final of the UEFA Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory.

9. Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid (2015-16 Champions League Final)

Real Madrid won their 11th European title in a dramatic penalty shootout against their city rivals.

8. Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach (1979-80 UEFA Cup Final)

Frankfurt turned the tie around with a crucial away goal, winning on aggregate.

7. Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund (2012-13 Champions League Final)

Bayern Munich completed a treble with a victory over Dortmund at Wembley.

6. Real Madrid vs. Valencia (1999-00 Champions League Final)

Real Madrid dominated Valencia with a 3-0 victory, showcasing their European pedigree.

5. Atlético Madrid vs. Athletic Club (2011-12 Europa League Final)

Atlético Madrid won their second Europa League title in three years, thanks to a stellar performance by Falcao.

4. Manchester United vs. Chelsea (2007-08 Champions League Final)

Manchester United won in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Moscow.

3. Sevilla vs. Espanyol (2006-07 Europa League Final)

Sevilla defended their title in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw.

2. Chelsea vs. Arsenal (2018-19 Europa League Final)

Chelsea dominated Arsenal in a 4-1 victory, showcasing their European strength.

1. Real Madrid vs. Atlético Madrid (2013-14 Champions League Final)

Real Madrid won their 10th European title in a dramatic extra-time victory against Atlético Madrid.

Conclusion

Country derby finals in UEFA competitions are rare but memorable events that add a unique flavor to European football. They not only highlight the competitive spirit within leagues but also bring an added layer of excitement and prestige to the finals.