 The 1970s also saw Stoke compete at European Level for the first time in its history . Stoke qualified for the UEFA Cup in 1972 – 73 as a result of their League Cup triumph . In the first round , Stoke played Kaiserslautern of Germany : Stoke won the first leg 3 – 1 at the Victoria Ground , with a crowd of over 22 @,@ 000 . However , the club lost the second leg 4 – 0 , therefore losing 5 – 3 on aggregate . Stoke qualified for the UEFA Cup two years later , due to their fifth @-@ place finish in the First Division in the 1973 – 74 season . In the 1974 – 75 competition , Stoke were again knocked out at the first stage . Stoke drew both legs against Dutch side Ajax , 1 – 1 and 0 – 0 respectively , but went out due to the away goals rule . 
