The 1981/82 European Cup was the 27th edition of the competition. 33 club teams took part, including 32 national champions from the previous season and the defending champions with Liverpool FC . The UEFA set the final on May 26, 1982 in Rotterdam's De Kuip .
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 25, the second leg on September 1, 1981.