With Arsenal’s domestic campaign currently paused for an extended three-week international break, and 17 Gunners away representing their countries, it gives us an opportunity to delve a little deeper into the Gunner’s history, with a rare gap in the club schedule.Arsenal have played in various European tournaments for over 60 years, with our latest season witnessing us reach and unfortunately lose the 2026 Champions League final to double-winning champions PSG on penalties.The Gunners’ first-ever campaign in Europe came during the 1963/64 season, 63 years ago, after qualifying for the competition by finishing seventh in the 1962/63 First Division. This secured a place in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup first round the following season.Billy Wright leads Arsenal into EuropeThe man who led Arsenal into Europe was former England and Wolves legend Billy Wright, who struggled to make a name for himself as gaffer at Highbury between 1962 and the summer of 1966.His record was bleak, winning roughly only 38% of his matches in North London overall. However, he did sign two crucial heroes in Arsenal’s history: future 1970/71 double-winning captain Frank McLintock and goalie Bob Wilson.On 25th September 1963, in front of only 15,000 fans away to Staevnet, also referred to more commonly as Copenhagen XI, the hosts were hammered 7-1 by the Gunners.Two Arsenal players managed to record hat-tricks, Joe Baker and Geoff Strong, with Johnny Macleod rounding off the scoresheet.However, at home Wright’s men struggled to get things right after they were defeated 3-2 by the Danish outfit. The game saw John Barnwell and Alan Skirton score for the Gunners as they annihilated the visitors 9-4 on aggregate!In the second and final stage of the competition, Arsenal came up against Liege on 13th November at Highbury, who they struggled to get past.The two fought hard for a 1-1 draw, witnessing Terry Anderson find the back of the net for the men of Highbury and Islington under the lights, before their away tie in Belgium versus Royal Football Club Liege.Unfortunately, they sent Arsenal packing home and out of the tournament after dismantling them 3-1 and 4-2 on aggregate, with Billy McCullough’s effort not being enough on its own to take the Gunners further down their European path that year.Arsenal would have to wait another six seasons to play in Europe, which saw them herald the 1970 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – second time lucky!(Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)Arsenal’s nine European finalsSince that famous occasion in Arsenal’s history, they’ve reached nine European finals. Here below are all the finals reached, won and lost, with the majority unfortunately being losses and this season being the chance to change that!1969/70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – 4-3 Anderlecht (Belgium)1979/80 European Cup Winners’ Cup – 4-5 on penalties Valencia (Spain), 0-0 after extra time1993/94 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup – 1-0 Parma (Italy)1994/95 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup – 1-2 Real Zaragoza (Spain), AET1994/95 European Super Cup – 0-2 AC Milan (Italy)1999/2000 UEFA Cup (Europa League) – 1-4 on penalties Galatasaray (Turkey), following 0-0 AET2005/06 UEFA Champions League – 1-2 Barcelona (Spain)2018/19 UEFA Europa League – 1-4 Chelsea (England)2025/26 UEFA Champions League – 3-4 PSG (France) on penalties after 1-1 AETThe men in red and white have also won two major European honours, being, as you probably saw above, the 1970 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup and 1994 Cup Winners’ Cup, which is the last time we won outside of the UK.Overall, we have played in Europe 41 times, which is almost double the number of times that Manchester City have achieved!Liam HardingHow much did you know about Arsenal’s first adventure into European football? And which of the Gunners’ European campaigns stands out most in your memory? Let us know in the comments below._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsArsenal’s European journey: From 1963/64 to last season’s Champions League final25 September 2026, 22:00Should alcohol restrictions at the Emirates be relaxed? – Opinion25 September 2026, 21:15“It’s obviously tough” Odegaard opens up on his injury hell25 September 2026, 20:30The post Arsenal’s European journey: From 1963/64 to last season’s Champions League final appeared first on Just Arsenal News.