Chelsea vs Arsenal: Gunners eyeing 1st European glory in 25 years

 

Since winning the Recopa de Europa 1993-94 at Parma (1-0), the English side has lost the five continental finals they have played.

The final of the Europa League this Wednesday in Baku between Arsenal and Chelsea (1-4) confirmed the ‘Gunners’ as one of the largest ‘Pupa’ on the continent. And you have to go back 25 years to find the last time you could win a continental final. It was on May 5, 1994, in the Recopa de Europa won in Parma (1-0) with a goal from striker Alan Smith in Copenhagen.

Since then, there are five that have played and five that have lost: European Super Cup of 1994 against Milan (0-2 in the World Cup), 1994-1995 European Cup against Real Zaragoza (1-2), UEFA Cup 1999- 2000 against Galatasaray (in penalties after 0-0), Champions League 2005-2006 against Barça (1-2) and the recently contested European League.

In addition to the Recopa 1993-94, Arsenal only won one FA Cup in Europe (that of the 1969-70 season against Anderlecht by an aggregate of 4-3). He was also runner-up in the 1979-80 Recopa, won by Valencia in the penalty shoot-out after tying to zero in the regulation time and in the extension. In total, eight finals with a balance of two wins and six losses.