CE Europa B

Origins

Club Esportiu Europa (originally Club Deportiu Europa) is historically recorded as founded on June 5, 1907. Later, two modest clubs in the city, Oriental FC and Madrid de Barcelona FC decided to merge with the already existing CD Europa, adopting its name and league spot. The foundational act occurred at the corner of Passeig de Sant Joan and Provença, and in 1909, they established their first headquarters in the already disappeared Bar-Bodega La Roca, at the Carrer de Sicília, 290, in Barcelona.

1900s and 1910s: The first steps

In 1909, Europa made its first appearance in the second division of the Catalan Championship, drawing 4–4 against UE Sant Andreu. In 1913–14, 1914–15, and 1915–16, the club participated in the promotion playoffs, but without any success. In 1917–18, Europa dropped to the third division after a league restructuring. This situation did not last long, as the club achieved promotion in 1917–18 and 1918–19, reaching the first division of Catalan football.

1920s: The golden decade

During the 1920s, Europa would live its most glorious years, turning de facto into the second strongest club in Catalonia, under FC Barcelona and above RCD Espanyol. In both 1920–21 and 1921–22, the club finished as runner-up in the Catalan Championship before winning the title in 1922–23 under the English coach Ralph Kirby. After finishing level on points with FC Barcelona, they then beat them 1–0 in a tiebreaker in the Camp de Vista Alegre, Girona. At that time, Europa was also the second Catalan football club with the most members: 6,000, and disposed over more sections than just football.

Subsequently, Europa was the representative team of Catalonia in the 1923 Copa del Rey, competing with the champions from other parts of Spain. Until the creation of La Liga in 1928, the Copa del Rey was the most prestigious championship in Spain. Europa defeated Sevilla FC in the quarterfinals (4–0 and 1–2) and Sporting de Gijón in the semi-finals (3–2 and 1–2). In the Copa del Rey final at the Les Corts stadium, the club lost 1–0 to Athletic Bilbao. According to the local press, Europa hit the post twice and was the dominant team.

Europa finished as runners-up in the Campionat de Catalunya again in 1923–24, 1926–27, 1927–28 and 1928–29.

In 1928, Europa was invited as one of the 10 teams participating in the first edition of La Liga as one of the finalists of the Copa del Rey. The club made its debut in Madrid against Real Madrid CF, losing 5–0. One week later, Europa received Arenas Club de Getxo in Barcelona and won 5–2, thanks to the competition's first pure hat-trick by Manuel Cros. During this season, the club beat Real Madrid (5–2) and Athletic Club at home, finally finishing 8th.

Europa spent three seasons in the Primera División: 1929, 1929–30 and 1930–31. After the last season, they were relegated to the Segunda División.

1930s: A severe crisis

In 1931, Europa merged with Gràcia FC, formerly known as FC Espanya de Barcelona, to survive economically. This crisis was caused by the high costs of participation in La Liga and the rise of professionalism. The fusion club received the name of Catalunya FC. However, the merger was not a success. During the 1931/32 season, Catalunya FC, with three games to go, was unable to complete their fixture list due to an accumulation of debts. Moreover, the club finished last in the Catalan Championship. As a result, the 15 games they had played in the Segunda División were cancelled, and the team was put back to the Tercera División. In the summer of 1932, this team ceased to exist.

During the same 1931–32 season, some members of Europa who did not support the fusion maintained an amateur team under the same identity as the Europa from before. This way, the spirit of the club managed to survive after the disappearance of Catalunya FC. Slowly and carefully, the club was rebuilt in the lowest division of Catalan football. The directors acquired a stadium, were able to compose a team, and, most importantly, secured the continuance of the club.