Betway Cup: A History of West Ham United's Pre-Season Clashes
The Betway Cup has served as a recurring fixture in West Ham United's pre-season preparations, providing the club with opportunities to test their squad against diverse international and domestic opposition. From high-profile encounters with European giants to tactical battles against Bundesliga and La Liga sides, these matches have often coincided with significant milestones for the club.
Key Facts
- Diverse Opposition: West Ham has faced teams from Germany, Italy, Spain, and England.
- Stadium Transitions: The cup spanned the club's move from the Boleyn Ground to the London Stadium.
- Penalty Drama: Several editions, including 2018, 2019, and 2024, were decided by penalty shootouts.
- Pandemic Impact: The 2020 edition was played behind closed doors due to COVID-19.
The Early Years: Boleyn Ground and the Move to London Stadium
The series began in 2015 at the historic Boleyn Ground, where West Ham faced Werder Bremen. The match ended in a 2–1 defeat for the Hammers, with goals from Ujah securing the win for the German side.
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By 2016, the Betway Cup played a pivotal role in the official opening of the London Stadium—the venue handed to West Ham following the 2012 Summer Olympics. Although the club had played NK Domžale in a Europa League match three days prior, the Betway Cup match against Italian champions Juventus marked the stadium's official opening. Juventus won 3–2, featuring a winning goal by Simone Zaza, who later joined West Ham on loan that same August.
European Tours and Tactical Tests (2017–2019)
In 2017, the competition took a different format with a two-legged tie against Werder Bremen in Germany. West Ham struggled in the first leg at Osterwald-Stadion, losing 1–0. However, they fought back in the second leg at Heinz-Dettmer, resulting in a 2–2 draw. Despite the draw, Werder Bremen won the tie 3–2 on aggregate.
The following years saw a return to high-tension finishes. In 2018, a clash with Mainz 05 in Austria ended 1–1 after regulation time, with West Ham eventually prevailing 7–6 in a dramatic penalty shootout. In 2019, the club hosted Athletic Bilbao at the London Stadium. After a 2–2 draw, Athletic Bilbao claimed victory in the shootout, winning 4–2.
Modern Era: Pandemic Challenges and Recent Success
The 2020 edition was uniquely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the match against AFC Bournemouth to be played behind closed doors with zero attendance. It was a high-scoring affair, though West Ham ultimately fell 5–3.
The club found more success in 2021, securing a clean 2–0 victory over Atalanta at the London Stadium, with goals from Antonio and Fornals. Most recently, in August 2024, West Ham faced Celta Vigo. After a 2–2 draw in regulation, the Hammers emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, winning 6–5.
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Betway Cup Match Summary
| Year | Opponent | Result | Score/Outcome | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Werder Bremen | Loss | 1–2 | Boleyn Ground |
| 2016 | Juventus | Loss | 2–3 | London Stadium |
| 2017 | Werder Bremen | Loss | 2–3 (Agg) | Germany |
| 2018 | Mainz 05 | Win | 1–1 (6–7 p) | Silberstadt Arena |
| 2019 | Athletic Bilbao | Loss | 2–2 (2–4 p) | London Stadium |
| 2020 | AFC Bournemouth | Loss | 3–5 | London Stadium |
| 2021 | Atalanta | Win | 2–0 | London Stadium |
| 2024 | Celta Vigo | Win | 2–2 (6–5 p) | London Stadium |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which match marked the official opening of the London Stadium?
The 2016 Betway Cup match against Juventus marked the official opening of the London Stadium, although the club had played a Europa League game there three days earlier.
How did the 2017 Betway Cup differ from other years?
Unlike the single-match format of other years, the 2017 edition was contested as a two-legged tie played in Germany against Werder Bremen.
Which match was played without spectators?
The 2020 match against AFC Bournemouth was played behind closed doors with an attendance of zero due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Who won the most recent Betway Cup mentioned?
West Ham United won the 2024 edition against Celta Vigo, winning 6–5 on penalties after a 2–2 draw.
Did any player move between clubs following a Betway Cup match?
Yes, Juventus striker Simone Zaza scored the winning goal against West Ham in the 2016 Betway Cup and subsequently signed for West Ham on loan later that August.