BackSPORTS
English clubs reach all three European finals for first time
Arsenal reached the Champions League final, while Aston Villa and Crystal Palace advanced to the Europa League and Conference League finals respectively—marking the first time English clubs have finals in all three European competitions in a single season. The developments came across May 5-7, 2026, with final dates set for later in May.
Why It Matters
This milestone highlights English clubs' dominance across Europe and sets up a rare multi-final scenario that could yield multiple European titles for English football in one campaign.
Timeline
8 Events
Crystal Palace reach Conference League final
May 7, 2026
Crystal Palace progressed to the Conference League final after a 2-1 second-leg win against Shakhtar Donetsk, following a 3-1 first-leg victory seven days earlier; they will face Rayo Vallecano in the final on May 28.
Aston Villa reach Europa League final
May 7, 2026
Aston Villa overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to beat Forest 4-1 on aggregate, advancing to the Europa League final against Freiburg in Istanbul on May 20.
Arsenal reach Champions League final
May 5, 2026
Arsenal sealed their place in the Champions League final with a 2-1 aggregate victory against Atletico Madrid.
Chelsea win the Champions League (2021)
2021
Kai Havertz scored the only goal as Chelsea defeated Manchester City to win the Champions League final.
English clubs suffer two finals defeats in 2006
2006
Arsenal were beaten in the Champions League final by Barcelona; Middlesbrough were thrashed by Sevilla in the UEFA Cup final.
Italian clubs win two of three finals in 1993-94
1994
In the 1993-94 season AC Milan won the Champions League and Inter won the UEFA Cup, while Parma lost the Cup Winners' Cup final to Arsenal.
Italian clubs dominate Europe in 1989-90
1990
In the 1989-90 season Italian clubs won all three major European trophies: AC Milan won the European Cup/Champions League, Juventus won the UEFA Cup, and Sampdoria won the Cup Winners' Cup.
Spanish clubs reach three finals in 1985-86
1986
Real Madrid won the UEFA Cup; Barcelona were European Cup finalists; Atletico Madrid finished runners-up in the Cup Winners' Cup.