Coming from the same town as the world renowned F.C. Barcelona,

Espanyol 

have to understandably live in the shadows of their neighbours sometimes.  But they deserve credit in their own right; overall they are Spain's 5th most successful side ever!  No mean feat when you consider the nation also holds the likes of Real Madrid, Valcenia, Sevilla and other such great teams.

Last year they made it to the final of the UEFA Cup, the second time in the clubs history they have reached the UEFC Cup final.  But they lost out to fellow Spanards Sevilla.  Just like the last final in '88 when Germans Bayer Leverkusen beat them on penalties.

 
This year they will be intriguing to watch as they try and reach the same level next year! Get you merchandise and support Espanyol in the UEFA cup or any of the other international competitions the club are regularly entered into, or indeed any of the Spanish club matches!

As for the history of The UEFA Cup Competition, it was first played in 1971 which was to replace the Inter-cities Fairs cup, as well as replacing the UEFA Cup winners' Cup in 1999. Tottenham was the first club to ever win this competition.

In soccer terms, this is the second most important competitions in Europe for clubs, teams, managers and players, after the UEFA Champions League.