UEFA recently provided 6 ways to win the UEFA Cup Final!
1. Be the first to score!
In all 9 finals played in a single leg on neutral ground, 8 of the teams that opened the score, won the trophy. The only exception to this rule is TSKA Moscova. The Russian where down 0-1 at the halftime, but managed to score 3 times in the second half and defeat Sporting Lisbon.
2. Make sure that you are not defending trophy holders!
According to the stats only 2 clubs managed to defend their trophies. Real Madrid in 1985, 1986 and more recent FC Sevilla in 2006 and 2007.
3. Play the final against a French squad!
French teams have a negative history in the UEFA Cup. They managed to reach the final 4 times and lost the chance to grab the trophy, every single time.
4. Play the final against Espanyol Barcelona!
The Spanish squad managed the negative performance to lose both finals that they qualified for. More they lost at the penalty shoot-out. In 1988 they couldn’t defend a 3-0 lead and got equalized, while in 2007 they lost to defending Champions FC Sevilla.
5. Attack!
With a goal average of 2,65 goals per game, the UEFA Cup Final is not for the teams that chose a defensive approach! Last Final that did not offer a goal was the 2000 one played between Galatasaray and Arsenal. It was won by the Turkish side.
6. Ask Juande Ramos how to do it!
The Spanish coach managed to win the trophy twice with FC Sevilla in 2006 and 2007 from an outsider position. He now coaches Real Madrid so you might find him in the Spanish capital!
