runners-up

Third in La Liga and twice runners-up in the Champions League, Valencia arrived in the Potteries on Wednesday words that most football fans never thought they would read in the same sentence for a Europa League tie with Stoke that represents a major clash of cultures.

Will Valencia be up for it on a cold, windy night in the Potteries? | Stuart James 2012

He was blamed for failing to progress from the previous season when the club had finished runners-up behind Liverpool in the league, as well as not winning any trophies in his four-year reign.

Which footballers have degrees? | The Knowledge 2012

Shares in Trabzonspor, runners-up last season, rose last week on speculation they could be awarded the title but they fell 5.5% on Monday after the detention of their chairman.

Trabzonspor chairman 'arrested' in widening Turkish match-fixing probe 2011

Leicester's victory kept them in position to qualify for the quarter-finals, even if as one of the best runners-up.

Scarlets 20-32 Leicester | Heineken Cup match report 2011

The trial was conducted over the course of a season and – Oh dear, the inert substance did rather well – second place in the Premier League, Champions League runners-up and beaten finalists in the League Cup.

Is Avram Grant football's placebo effect? | Harry Pearson 2011

In the two quarter-finals on Sunday, Sweden beat Australia 3-1 before USA overcame the 2007 runners-up Brazil 5-3 on penalties, with the score 2-2 after extra time.

Hope Powell accuses players of 'cowardice' and hints at departure 2011

The top four runners-up win an Aimpoint-engraved Sling Blade knife from EKA.

50 Best Trail Cam Bears, Bobcats, Moose, and Other Critters From Our 2008 Photo Contest 2009

The top four runners-up win an Aimpoint-engraved Sling Blade knife from EKA.

Trail Cam Bloopers: Funny and Unusual Trail Cam Photos From Our 2008 Trail Cam Contest 2009

Other runners-up win their choice of a coveted Style Invitational Loser T-shirt or yearned-for Loser Mug.

Week 887: A new contest: We give you a line, you write the rest of the limerick The Empress 2010

One of the best runners-up slots looks beyond them.

Injury could keep Gavin Henson out of Wales squad 2011