The 1980/81 European Cup was the 26th edition of the competition. 33 club teams took part, including 32 national champions from the previous season and with Nottingham Forest the defending champions. The Prinzenpark in Paris was the venue for the final on May 27, 1981.
The participants played in a pure cup mode with (except for the finals) back and forth games for the crown of European club football. In the case of a tie, the higher number of goals scored away counted first; if there was also a tie, the second leg was extended and, if necessary, a penalty shoot-out was played immediately afterwards.
Preliminary round
The first leg took place on August 16, the second leg on September 3, 1980.