2018–19 UEFA Europa League — 48th season of Europe's secondary club football tournament organised by UEFA
Chelsea defeated Arsenal 4–1 in the first Europa League final between two clubs from the same city, with all four European final teams drawn from the Premier League.
Key Facts
- Season number
- 48th edition of the UEFA Europa League
- Final score
- Chelsea 4–1 Arsenal
- Final venue
- Olympic Stadium, Baku, Azerbaijan
- First use of VAR
- VAR implemented in the final for the first time
- Premier League finals
- All four European final spots held by Premier League clubs
- Title holders
- Atlético Madrid (defending), eliminated by Juventus in R16 of UCL
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Organised annually by UEFA, the Europa League entered its 48th edition and 10th under its current name, with clubs from across Europe qualifying through domestic league performance, cup competitions, and Champions League qualification play-offs. Chelsea and Arsenal both advanced through the knockout rounds to reach the final in Baku.
The 2018–19 UEFA Europa League final was contested at the Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan, between London clubs Chelsea and Arsenal — the first Europa League final between two teams from the same city. Chelsea won 4–1, claiming the title. Simultaneously, Liverpool and Tottenham contested the Champions League final, making all four European final participants English Premier League clubs.
Chelsea's victory qualified them for the 2019 UEFA Super Cup against Champions League winners Liverpool. Because Chelsea had already secured Champions League qualification via a third-place Premier League finish, their reserved Europa League group stage berth passed to Lyon (third in Ligue 1). Defending champions Atlético Madrid, having moved to the Champions League, were eliminated in the round of 16 by Juventus.