Europe is a blast
The four Premier League clubs playing in the lesser continental competitions face each other on Sunday – but three are struggling domestically
TL;DR
- Sunderland fans experienced a dream European away game in Portugal, valuing the adventure and community over potential relegation risks.
- Three of the four Premier League clubs in the Europa League and Conference League are struggling domestically.
- The financial rewards for these competitions are relatively small for Premier League clubs, with Champions League qualification being the main prize.
- Historically, teams playing in Europe for the first time often see a drop in their league position the following season.
- Factors beyond European competition, such as tough fixture lists, injuries, and managerial transitions, also contribute to the struggles of these clubs.