The Champions League is the most prestigious club competition in Europe, arguably the world. Showcasing the best teams and players in the world, battling against each other to be crowned the best team in Europe. Since its inception in the 1992/93 season, there have been 31 finals. We’re here to give you our pick of the best while you get excited for Borussia Dortmund to take on Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium on the 1st of June.
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AC Milan Vs Barcelona, Athens 1994
At the time Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona team were the kings of Europe and were clear favourites to win their second Champions League in three years. Without star striker Marco Van Basten, captain Franco Baresi and the world’s most expensive footballer, young prospect Gianluigi Lentini, AC were not expected to rock the boat.
But two first-half goals from Daniele Massaro left Barça stunned and without a plan to deal with the dynamic Milan side. Dejan Savićević spectacularly lobbed goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta for the 3rd goal which is one of the best ever scored in a Champions League final. Marcel Desailly added the fourth to cap off a historic win that shocked world football.
Cruyff’s total-football Barcelona had lost before, but never in such embarrassing fashion.
Chelsea Vs Manchester United, Moscow 2008
On a rainy night in Moscow, two of the Premier League’s biggest and most reputable clubs took to the pitch at the Luzhniki Stadium to face off for the Champions League trophy. Manchester United were the favourites, dominating the premier league under Sir Alex Ferguson, but did not expect the fight they got from Avram Grant’s side.
Cristiano Ronaldo nodded Manchester United into the lead leaping like a salmon for a sublime header. Frustratingly for the Red Devils, a pinballing shot fell to Frank Lampard just before half-time and the sides went into the break even.
The second half was hotly contested and fans were on the edge of their seats as both teams had their opportunities to clinch the tournament.
But 90 minutes couldn’t separate the team and extra time was needed. Much of the same continued into the extra 30 minutes with neutrals enthralled by the back-and-forth game that could’ve ended with any goal. But the only significant event was the sending off of Didier Drogba in the 116th minute.
This didn’t have too much of an opportunity to affect the game as penalties soon followed. The shootout was fascinating with Mancheser united missing early on, Cristiano Ronaldo left thinking he would be responsible for his side’s loss.
But on the fifth Chelsea penalty that would’ve won them the game, defender and captain John Terry slipped as he was about to strike the ball, sending it wide and inviting Man U back into the shootout.
After Terry’s miss, the Red Devils wouldn’t miss another penalty. Winning the Champions League by the skin of their teeth after Nicholas Anelka’s penalty was saved by Edwin Van Der Sar.
Bayern Munich Vs Chelsea, Munich 2012
Bayern hosted Chelsea on home turf in the final of 2012. The German powerhouse most people’s favourite for the win.
With Chelsea’s back up against the wall from early on it was a cagey affair with both teams having their chances. But neither had the composure in front of goal to make an impact on the tie.
But in the 83rd minute, Thomas Müller headed in off the crossbar to all but end Chelsea’s hopes of winning the trophy. But five minutes later Didier Drogba would head home at the other end to equalise for the Blues and take it to extra time.
But disaster struck shortly after when an over-exuberant Drogba committed a foul in the box and a penalty was awarded to Bayern and Chelsea hearts were broken. Ex Chelsea player Arjen Robben stepped up to take it, but Petr Čech was equal to his effort.
Penalties were set to decide who would be crowned champions. Heads dropped when Juan Mata’s penalty was saved by Manuel Neuer. But Čech would go on to save penalties from Ivica Olić and Bastian Schweinsteiger to get Chelsea’s hands on the famous Champions League Trophy.
Real Madrid Vs Atlético De Madrid, Lisbon 2014
The Madrid derby would headline the 2014 Champions league and it was Los Blancos and Cristiano Ronaldo who were clear favourites to come out on top. Ancelotti’s Galacticos were feared all over Europe after impressive wins on the way to the final. But Diego Simeone’s Rojiblancos were determined to upset Real.
Diego Godín was fortunate to be in the line of an Iker Casillas save that saw him score without really knowing how. But it didn’t matter, Atleti were ahead. Simeone’s team have a reputation of winning ugly and would do whatever they needed to in order to get one over on their city rivals.
But with the last kick of the game, Real Madrid talisman Sergio Ramos would head into the bottom corner to save Los Blancos at the death.
Most of extra time was extremely tense with neither team wanting to put a foot wrong. But in the 110th minute a mazy run from Ángel Di María resulted in a save from Courtois that looped onto the head of Gareth Bale, who gave Real the lead.
Shell shocked, eight minutes later Atleti would allow Marcelo to stroll through the centre of the park to shoot freely at Courtois who couldn’t stop Real from confirming their status as Europe’s top club. Insult was added to injury when Cristiano Ronaldo slotted home a penalty in the last minute and the Galacticos were champions once again.
AC Milan Vs LIverpool, Istanbul 2005
Be honest, when you read the title of this article, this game is the first one that came to mind. The most iconic Champions League final there has ever been took place in 2005 in the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. It was contested between Liverpool of the Premier League and AC MIlan of Serie A.
Rafa Benítez’s men got off to a nightmare start in a nervy first half from the Reds. Two goals from Hernán Crespo (the second remembered for an incredible Kaká assist) and Paolo Maldini’s first minute volley, saw Liverpool three down before the break. Fans were heartbroken, turning off their TV sets and giving up on a lost final.
But, in the second half Liverpool mounted one of the most incredible comebacks ever seen in the Champions League. Shortly after the break, Steven Gerrard headed home to claw a goal back, urging the crowd to get behind the team as he sprinted back to the centre spot, ready for more. Vladimír Šmicer fired into the bottom corner just two minutes later, game on.
The English side did not have to wait much longer to get excited, when Liverpool were awarded a penalty for a Gennaro Gattuso foul on Steven Gerrard. Xabi Alonso stepped up to take and hearts dropped when Milan keeper Dida saved to his right. But hope was restored when Alonso followed in to smash home the equaliser and the impossible was complete. Well, not quite.
Heroics from Jerzy Dudek took the final to penalties where the Polish goalkeeper shone again saving three penalties and securing the unbelievable comeback win for Liverpool.
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