Two of the continent’s most illustrious clubs meet in the Europa League final next week when Manchester United face Ajax in Stockholm.
Here, we look at the how the two teams have fared in their previous European finals.
A decade on from the Munich air disaster, Matt Busby’s team became the first English club to lift the European Cup with a victory over Benfica after extra-time.
One year after United’s success Ajax became the first Dutch team to reach a European Cup final only to come unstuck due to Pierino Prati’s hat-trick.
Despite possessing the talent of Johan Cryuff, Ajax were beaten by AC Milan.
Ajax returned to the showpiece occasion two years later and this time they emerged victorious thanks to efforts in either half from Dick van Dijk and Arie Haan at Wembley.
Ajax striker Dick Van Dijk watches his header sail past Panathinaikos goalkeeper Takis Economopoulos.
The defending champions, who had changed managers from Rinus Michels to Stefan Kovacs since their last triumph, made it back-to-back European Cup successes with a brace from Johan Cruyff.
John Cruyff scored a brace for Ajax.
The Amsterdam giants’ dominance continued as they won the competition for a third straight year, with their total-football philosophy proving too much for Juve.
Cruyff lifts the trophy, yet again.
A new generation of Dutch stars emerged to lead Ajax to more silverware as Marco van Basten scored the winner for a team managed by Cruyff himself.
Ajax players celebrate Marco van Basten’s goal.
Van Basten and Cruyff had both left by the time Ajax returned to the 1988 final and a goal from a Dutchman, Piet den Boer, delivered the trophy for Belgian outfit Mechelen.
Mechelen players celebrate winning the trophy.
In the first season in which English clubs were allowed to play in European competitions again following the Heysel disaster, Mark Hughes’ brace earned Alex Ferguson just his second trophy at the helm.
Michael Phelan (L) Bryan Robson (C) and Lee Sharpe (R) of Manchester United celebrate with the trophy.
Ajax followed Juventus in becoming the only clubs to have won all three UEFA cup competitions as Louis van Gaal claimed the first trophy of his managerial career.
Ajax complete a clean sweep.
Eighteen-year-old substitute Patrick Kluivert grabbed the winner for Van Gaal’s young side over a Milan outfit in their third straight final.
Ajax celebrate a 1-0 win against AC Milan in the final.
A fifth European Cup success eluded Ajax as Edgar Davids and Sonny Silooy had penalties saved.
Juventus captain Gianluca Vialli (C) holds the cup after beating Ajax on penalties.
Ferguson’s men clinched the treble in the most dramatic circumstances having trailed in stoppage time before goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stunned Bayern.
Manchester United coach Sir Alex Ferguson and players celebrate a memorable comeback win.
In the first all-English European Cup final, United won on penalties thanks to John Terry’s costly slip and Edwin van der Sar’s save from Nicolas Anelka in the driving rain.
Manchester United players celebrate after a win against rivals Chelsea in the Champions League Final.
United’s quest to become the first team ever to win back-to-back Champions League titles failed at the final hurdle with Lionel Messi outshining Cristiano Ronaldo in Rome.
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi celebrates scoring a goal in the final.
A repeat of the 2009 final produced the same outcome as Pep Guardiola’s great team won again at Wembley in what would be the last final of Ferguson’s reign.
Loves scoring against English teams: Lionel Messi was terrific on the night.
