 AZ's first European experience was in the 1978–79 UEFA Cup where they reached the second round, losing 5–4 on penalties to FC Barcelona.The 1980–81 UEFA Cup campaign was their third season in European football.Ipswich Town qualified for the 1980–81 UEFA Cup as a result of finishing third in the Football League First Division the previous season, behind Manchester United, who also qualified for the UEFA Cup, and Liverpool, who qualified for the 1980–81 European Cup.