Three of the most shocking relegations in soccer history

Relegation, the transfer of a team to a lower division, is one of the biggest fears for soccer fans and clubs. The heartbreak and agony relegation can bring to a city or town is unique. Some clubs never recover.  

Big clubs rarely suffer relegation, but here are three from within the past 20 years that shocked the soccer world.  

Villarreal 2011-12

In the 2010-11 season, Villarreal finished fourth in La Liga and qualified for UEFA Champions League. With experienced players such as Diego López, Marcos Senna, and Giuseppe Rossi, the following season was an unexpected nightmare for “El Submarí Groguet.”

Star strikers Rossi and Nilmar, who scored 29 goals between them the previous season, suffered long-term injuries, leaving Villarreal lacking attacking options and putting its defense under huge pressure.

Despite its best efforts, Villarreal would be relegated on the final day of the La Liga season, missing out on safety by a single point. The club has since bounced back from their relegation, winning the UEFA Europa League against Manchester United in 2021 as well as reaching the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League the following season under the management of Unai Emery.

River Plate 2010-11

Argentinian giant River Plate suffered the first relegation in its 100-year history in 2011. A financial crisis at the Buenos Aires club saw it rack up $75 million in debt and eventually suffer relegation.

River Plate found itself in Primera B Nacional after finishing last in the top division and then losing a two-legged playoff match to Belgrano de Córdoba on aggregate, 3-1. The relegation sparked joy for the Boca Juniors, who mocked their city rival on its darkest day.