Some facts about the Premier League club Everton when they played for the UEFA Champions League.
It is a well-known fact that Everton actually still has a long to go before they reach the European standards of their crosstown competitors, Liverpool.
Liverpool won the Champions League in 2019 when they beat Tottenham in the final. And had lifted their sixth Champions League trophy.
Stated below are some facts regarding Everton’s last qualification for the Champions League per Goal.
When was the last time Everton qualified for the Champions League?
The last time Everton qualified for the Champions League was under David Moyes in 2005. This was for the 2005-06 edition of the competition.
The Blues ended the season by landing the fourth place in the Premier League – above Liverpool. This granted them a spot in the third qualifying round of the Champions League.
Upon securing a spot in the Champions League, they faced La Liga club Villarreal in the qualification round. Nonetheless, Everton failed to beat the Spanish team – losing to a 4-2 on aggregate. Therefore, incapable to advance to the following round.
Everton ended up losing both games by 2-1. Luciano Figueroa and Josico scored for the Spanish side at Goodison Park.
Villarreal advanced to the following stage of the champions league in the second leg against Villareal. Juan Pablo scored the winning goal. Followed by an equalizer by Mikel Arteta. A goal at stoppage time by Diego Forlan sealed the win.
Furthermore, the match is remembered for referee Pierluigi Collina’s decision. As he decided to dismiss the possible goal that was scored by Duncan Ferguson.
Ferguson headed the ball into the net. Collina blew the whistle for a foul. And his celebrations did not last for long.
As Ferguson tried to protest the decision called out by the referee, Collina ignored the comment. And pretended to not hear what Ferguson was saying as he placed his hands over his ears.
Collina later went on to explain his decision for blowing the whistle was due to a shirt pull by Marcus Bent. Though, the replay showed that Bent’s shirt was pulled.
Shortly after the match of Everton vs Villarreal, the referee, Collina stated his retirement.
Villareal did not enjoy the victory for long. The club went out as it lost to Arsenal. Although, the Spanish side beat Manchester United and Rangers.
When was the last time Everton qualified for the Europa League?
In 2017, was the last time that Everton qualified for the Europa League. Ronald Koeman coached the Blues at that time.
Their seventh-placed Premier League finish landed them a place in the Europa League third qualifying round.
They were unable to advance past the group stages, giving them a finish in the third in Group E below Atalanta and Lyon.