2011–12 UEFA Europa League — 41st season of Europe's secondary club football tournament organised by UEFA
Atlético Madrid claimed the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League title, defeating fellow Spanish club Athletic Bilbao 3–0 in the final in Bucharest.
Key Facts
- Edition
- 41st overall (3rd as Europa League)
- Final result
- Atlético Madrid 3–0 Athletic Bilbao
- Final venue
- Arena Națională, Bucharest, Romania
- Competition start
- 30 June 2011
- Competition end
- 9 May 2012
- Defending champions
- Porto (eliminated by Manchester City)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The UEFA Europa League, successor to the UEFA Cup, entered its third season under the rebranded format in 2011–12. Porto held the title as defending champions after winning the previous edition, while clubs from across Europe entered through qualifying rounds beginning 30 June 2011.
The tournament ran from June 2011 to May 2012, featuring group stage matches officiated with two additional goal-line officials as part of an ongoing trial. Defending champions Porto were eliminated by Manchester City in the Round of 32. Atlético Madrid and Athletic Bilbao advanced to an all-Spanish final at Arena Națională in Bucharest on 9 May 2012.
Atlético Madrid won the trophy with a 3–0 victory over Athletic Bilbao, claiming the club's second UEFA Cup/Europa League title. The all-Spanish final was a notable outcome, and the continued use of extra goal-line officials reflected UEFA's ongoing experimentation with match officiating technology in the competition.