It is the aspiration of every supporter to witness their preferred club march to the tune of the poignant UEFA Champions League anthem. Marvel’s ‘Avengers Assemble’, Game of Thrones’ ‘Battle of the Bastards’, and European football’s champions wage war on Tuesday or Wednesday nights.
Real Madrid, AC Milan, Liverpool, and Bayern Munich are just a few of the numerous organizations that have achieved success in Europe’s premier club competition. UEFA is perpetually in pursuit of methods to bolster the tournament’s appeal, such as boosting participation rates.
In the years ahead, numerous of Europe’s most prestigious clubs will be anxious to make their Champions League debut. While the European Cup Winners’ Cup was in existence, certain teams held the throne of European football. However, after its relaunch in 1992, they have struggled and have yet to return.
1. Union Berlin (Germany)
Reason: Despite their recent Bundesliga success and qualification for the UCL in 2023–24, they had no prior precedence in top-tier European competition until recently.
Domestic Peak: Fourth position in the Bundesliga during the 2022–23 season.
Note: The “never played” label was shattered by their 2023 debut.
2. Leicester City (England)
The reason for this is that they had no top-tier European presence prior to their 2015–16 Premier League victory and their 2016–17 quarterfinal run in the UCL.
Before the UCL era, they were never able to qualify.
Note: Although they technically played at UCL, their success was such a surprise that they are still regarded as a “late bloomer.”
3. Ipswich Town (England)
Reason: League contenders in the 1970s and 1980s and UEFA Cup champions (1981).
Domestic Peak: 1st Division runners-up (1981, 1982).
Never qualified: Despite the presence of robust teams under Bobby Robson.
4. Turin (Italy)
Reason: A historic Italian club that has won the Serie A title in 1949 and has had strong squads in the 1980s and 1990s.
Domestic Peak: Champions of the Serie A and consistent top-half finishers.
I have never been to UCL. Era: Despite its European heritage.
5. Real Betis (Spain)
Reason: A Copa del Rey champion and one of Spain’s earliest clubs.
Domestic Peak: Recent top-6 finishes, La Liga runners-up (1935).
Participated in the UEFA Cup/Europa League: However, it was not until recently that it reached the UCL proper.
6. Sheffield Wednesday (England)
Justification: Premier League founding member, historic institution.
Domestic Peak: League Cup winners, multiple top-3 finishes (pre-UCL era).
Never Qualified: Even at the height of their powers in the 1990s.
7. Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany)
Europa League champions (2022), UEFA Cup champions (1980), and Bundesliga runners-up.
Prior to 2022–23, there was no participation in the UCL Group Stage.
Late Arrival: For years, a dominant force without any affiliation with UCL.
8. SC Heerenveen (Netherlands)
Reason: Recognized for its exceptional Eredivisie performances and player development (e.g., Huntelaar).
Domestic Peak: Eredivisie runners-up (1999–2000).
Never attained UCL Proper: Despite its consistent participation in the UEFA Cup.
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