Southampton F.C. in European football
Southampton's European history began in the 1969–70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Southampton Football Club, founded in 1885, first entered European competition in 1969. The club has since participated in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the European Cup Winners' Cup, the UEFA Europa League, and the Texaco Cup. Their qualification for European football after the 2014–15 season was their first via league position since 1984.
Quick Facts
- Continent
- Europe
- Club
- Southampton F.C.
- Seasons played
- 9
- First entry
- 1969–70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
- Last entry
- 2016–17 UEFA Europa League
Facts from the source article.
History
Southampton took part in the Anglo-Franco Friendship Cup, an inter-league competition between four English and four French teams. The 1961–62 draw paired Southampton with Bordeaux; the Saints lost 2–3 on aggregate, though the English League won the trophy with two aggregate victories and one tie. The club's first proper European campaign came in the 1969–70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, alongside fellow English sides Newcastle United, Liverpool, and eventual winners Arsenal.
Southampton faced Norwegian club Rosenborg in the first round, losing 1–0 away but winning 2–0 at home to progress 2–1 on aggregate. In the second round they met Portuguese side Vitória de Guimarães, drawing 3–3 away and winning 5–1 at home for an 8–4 aggregate victory. The last 16 paired Southampton with Newcastle United; a 0–0 draw away and 1–1 at home meant Southampton lost on away goals. After finishing seventh the following season, Southampton qualified again and drew Athletic Bilbao in the first round.
They won the first leg 2–1 after coming from behind, but lost the second leg 2–0 away, exiting the competition 3–2 on aggregate.
More in English Football Clubs in International Competitions
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