Several famous clubs have experienced the shock of missing out on the UEFA Champions League, often due to unexpected circumstances or tough competition in their domestic leagues. Here are some notable teams that have failed to qualify for the tournament:
1. AC Milan
Once a dominant force in European football, AC Milan missed out on the Champions League for several seasons in the late 2010s after struggling in Serie A. Their absence was shocking given their storied history, including seven Champions League titles.
2. Manchester United
After years of dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United failed to qualify for the Champions League in the 2014-2015 season. This marked a significant decline for the club, as they were accustomed to consistently competing at the highest level.
3. Chelsea
Chelsea missed the Champions League for the 2016-2017 season after finishing fifth in the Premier League. This was surprising given their recent success, including winning the tournament in 2012 and reaching the final in 2008.
4. Liverpool
Although Liverpool has a rich Champions League history, they missed the tournament in the 2016-2017 season. Their absence was notable, especially considering they had won the competition five times previously.
5. Juventus
Juventus, a powerhouse in Serie A and multiple-time Champions League finalists, missed out on the tournament in the 2020-2021 season. This was a surprising development, given their strong squad and previous success in the competition.
6. Inter Milan
Inter, a traditional giant in Italian football, missed the Champions League in the 2019-2020 season. Their absence highlighted a period of struggle for the club, despite their rich history and previous European successes.
7. Borussia Dortmund
Dortmund, known for their passionate fan base and strong performances in the Champions League, missed out on the 2015-2016 tournament. Their failure to qualify was unexpected, given their history as regular competitors.
8. Valencia
Once a formidable force in Europe, Valencia has missed out on the Champions League multiple times in recent years, including the 2020-2021 season. Their decline from consistent contenders to struggling to qualify was surprising.
9. Olympique Lyonnais
Lyon was a dominant force in French football during the mid-2000s, regularly reaching the Champions League knockout stages. However, they missed the tournament in 2020, marking a decline from their previous status.
10. Atletico Madrid
Though Atletico Madrid has had success in recent years, including winning La Liga, they faced a surprising miss in the 2020-2021 season, marking a downturn after their rise in European competitions.
Conclusion
The absence of these famous clubs from the UEFA Champions League highlights the unpredictability of football and the fierce competition in domestic leagues. Their struggles serve as a reminder that even the most storied teams can experience downturns, and they often come back stronger, eager to reclaim their place in Europe’s elite competition.