With the knockout stages of European football’s most prestigious prize in full flow, we take a look at the teams that made it to the last 16 and are vying to win the coveted trophy. Each team is forming their own journey to Madrid in June, and you can get there too with Ryanair. Here are 14 European football city breaks on the road to the final…
Ajax are three time winners of the European Cup but haven’t won it since 1995. Amsterdam is a wonderful city to visit any time of year, but during a big match the Dutch capital is a great location for those in search of European football city breaks. Check out Try Somewhere New to discover more about the home of Holland’s most successful club.
Flights to Amsterdam
Juventus last made it to the final in 2017, but haven’t lifted “Old Big Ears” since 1996. One of the favourites for this year’s competition, and one of our favourite European football city breaks, Juventus play their home games in the beautiful Italian city of Turin which is a perfect base for a European ski trip.
Flights to Turin
Semi-finalists in 2011, Schalke play their home games in Gelsenkirchen, just a short drive from Düsseldorf. If you’re heading to watch Schalke in action, make sure to give yourself enough time to explore the fashionable and artistic German city.
Flights to Düsseldorf
Two clubs from Manchester have high hopes of lifting the European Cup this year. Manchester United, who have won the competition three times already, and Manchester City, who are hoping to claim the trophy for the first time in their history.
One of the best European football breaks is in Manchester – it’s an ideal destination for any football fan. Stadium tours aside, Manchester is home to The National Football Museum and even has a football themed hotel to stay in.
Flights to Manchester
Always one of the favourites to win the competition, FC Barcelona are looking to add to their five European cups, the last of which was won in 2015. Barcelona is home to great food, culture, nightlife, and activities to keep you busy during your trip to see Lionel Messi and co. tear defences apart.
Flights to Barcelona
Paris Saint-Germain are one of Europe’s richest clubs, but their vast fortune hasn’t been enough to add the cup to their trophy cabinet yet. PSG’s crest showcases the city’s most famous landmark, the Eiffel Tower, but the French capital has plenty more to see and do when you visit. Find out more on Try Somewhere New.
Flights to Paris
Just one club from London are taking part in Europe’s premier football competition this season, with Tottenham Hotspur hoping to win the European Cup for the first time, and in the process their first trophy since their League Cup victory in 2008. The English capital is full of exciting activities and interesting sights, discover what to do in London here.
Flights to London
Beaten finalists in 2013, Borussia Dortmund are looking to add to their one European Cup victory, which came in 1997 against Juventus. Dortmund is home to the German Football Museum, an interactive experience that any football fan will enjoy on a trip to see BVB in action.
Flights to Dortmund
Olympique Lyonnais have never gone further than the semi-finals in the tournament. They’re one of the underdogs in this season’s competition and will be looking to prove the doubters wrong and claim the trophy for the first time ever. Lyon has an impressive renaissance old town, historical industrial districts and fascinating Roman ruins to keep you occupied before and after the match. The French city is roughly an hour away from Grenoble Airport.
Flights to Grenoble
Roma haven’t been to the European Cup final since 1984, when Liverpool beat them on penalties in the Italian capital. Last season was their best performance in the competition since then, making it to the semi-finals, where they were knocked out once again by Liverpool. Home to some of Europe’s most important sites and delicious Italian cuisine, a trip to Rome is a must – it’s one of the best European football breaks.
Flights to Rome
Five time winners and the most successful English side in the competition, Liverpool went all the way to the final last year only to lose out to Real Madrid in Kiev. They’ll be hoping to go one step further this season and lift the trophy for the first time since 2005.
Anfield is famous for its electric atmosphere on European nights, and the city itself is home to some must-see landmarks and cultural activities. Explore what the city has to offer here.
Flights to Liverpool
Germany’s most successful club, Bayern Munich, are also looking to add a sixth European Cup to their trophy cabinet this season. They last made it to the final in 2013, in which they beat German rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Beer and Munich go hand in hand, so no matter when you visit the Bavarian region you can expect there to be a party atmosphere. Aside from the beer, there are plenty of museums and historic sites to visit before kick-off.
Flights to Munich
The 2019 final takes place in Madrid, with two clubs from the Spanish capital hoping to make it there. Real Madrid, the current champions, have won the competition for the last three years in a row. The Galacticos have also won the competition more than any other – with 13 titles to their name. Local rivals, Atletico Madrid, have never won the competition and will be hoping to lift the trophy for the first time in their own stadium this June.
If you make it to the final, you can expect to be surrounded by art, culture and some of the finest cuisine Europe has to offer. Check out Try Somewhere New to find out what Madrid has to offer.
Flights to Madrid
Unlike the teams in this list, your journey to the final in June doesn’t have to be as difficult. You can visit any of these destinations with Ryanair for European football city breaks like no other. See you in Madrid!
- Seán Walsh
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