Formidable sides to have won the UCL: Over the years, there have been some memorable finals which showed all the drama, passion, and the spirit of some teams to lift the famous trophy. Here are some of the best finals that showed you the supreme teams who took their route to the top dominating and suppressing all other opposition. These teams, on their A-Day, were one of the most dominant in Europe. They ran rampant throughout the campaign and proved themselves worthy winners of the title " Champions of Europe".
A.C. Milan - 1994 UEFA CL Winners The winning A.C Milan side that had destroyed Barcelona.
Throughout the late 1980s until the mid-90s, AC Milan were the most dominant side in Europe. This culminated in 1994, when Milan dominated both the Champions League and Serie A.
Milan eased their way through the group stage without a loss before defeating Monaco to reach the final. Against a strong Barcelona side that reached the final just two years before, Milan crushed Barca 4-0 to close out one of the greatest seasons in the history of the Champions League. Ajax - 1995 UEFA CL Winners The '95 UCL winners lifting their trophy.
Looking at this Ajax side 17 years after their triumph in the European Cup, it is amazing that they were able to assemble a squad with such amazing players.
In the Champions League final alone, they had the likes of Edwin van der Sar, Frank Rijkaard, Danny Blind, Clarence Seedorf, Marc Overmars, Edgar Davids, Jari Litmanen and Patrick Kluivert on their squad. Managed by Louis van Gaal, Ajax went unbeaten in the Eredivisie (Dutch First Division of football) and were tremendous in the Champions League. This Ajax side is certainly the best Dutch domestic side since the early 1970s, when Johan Cruyff led Ajax to three consecutive European Cups with their "Total Football" philosophy. Bayern Munich - 2001 UEFA CL Winners Fantastic run by the German side in the European Cup resulted in a well deserved trophy.
They had not captured a Champions League title since 1976, but Bayern Munich were able to ride a fantastic run through the knockout stage to become European champions.
Bayern twice defeated Manchester United and Real Madrid in the knockout stages to reach the final where they prevailed on spotkicks. Domestically, Bayern were able to claim their third consecutive Bundesliga title. |
Complete list of Winners:Year - Winner
2012 - Chelsea FC 2011 - FC Barcelona 2010 - Inter 2009 - FC Barcelona 2008 - Manchester United 2007 - AC Milan 2006 - FC Barcelona 2005 - Liverpool FC 2004 - FC Porto 2003 - AC Milan 2002 - Real Madrid 2001 - Bayern München 2000 - Real Madrid 1999 - Manchester United 1998 - Real Madrid 1997 - Borussia Dortmund 1996 - Juventus 1995 - AFC Ajax 1994 - AC Milan 1993 - Olympique Marseille 1992 - FC Barcelona 1991 - Crvena Zvezda 1990 - AC Milan 1989 - AC Milan 1988 - PSV Eindhoven 1987 - FC Porto 1986 - Steaua Bucureşti 1985 - Juventus 1984 - Liverpool FC 1983 - Hamburger SV 1982 - Aston Villa 1981 - Liverpool FC 1980 - Nottingham Forest 1979 - Nottingham Forest 1978 - Liverpool FC 1977 - Liverpool FC 1976 - Bayern München 1975 - Bayern München 1974 - Bayern München 1973 - AFC Ajax 1972 - AFC Ajax 1971 - AFC Ajax 1970 - Feijenoord 1969 - AC Milan 1968 - Manchester United 1967 - Celtic FC 1966 - Real Madrid 1965 - Inter 1964 - Inter 1963 - AC Milan 1962 - SL Benfica 1961 - SL Benfica 1960 - Real Madrid 1959 - Real Madrid 1958 - Real Madrid 1957 - Real Madrid 1956 - Real Madrid Real Madrid - 2002 UEFA CL Winners The Galacticos winning the UCL 2000 final, with their galaxy of stars.
Real Madrid had some of the best players of the world in 2002 in Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane, and those players displayed their magic throughout their Champions League campaign.
After finishing first in their first group stage, Madrid again topped the second group before defeating Bayern Munich and Barcelona to reach the final. Madrid won the final 2-1 thanks to a great goal from Zidane, giving Madrid their ninth Champions League title. This Real Madrid side was known as the "Los Galacticos" in other words meaning "galaxy". This was because their squad was so star studded it was compared to a galaxy of stars. Among those who lifted the trophy were Claud Makelele, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Raul, Steve McManaman, and Guti, just to name a few. Present day captain and legend, Iker Casillas also played but was just a substitute and started off the bench. |
Players who have graced the UCL with their Style, Elegance and Class..
Over the years, many players have come and gone through out the Champions League. The ones that are about to be mentioned are those who have taken this competition into their stride. Playing without fear and bursting with flair and potential, they have put up some impressive, eye-catching displays that have simply left the crowd awestruck, and jaw hanging. With their style, elegance, class, and touch, they have changed the face of the game, and will be remembered far after their glory days. There are too many to name, so the ones about to appear on your screen will just be some stand-out favorites who just have to be mentioned. A short video for each will be also included. Here are my absolute, top favorites:
Oliver Kahn - Goalkeeper
Oliver Kahn is arguably the greatest German goalkeeper of all time and has one Champions League title to his name.
He is one of 20 players who has over 100 appearances—107 to be exact—in the competition. Maybe not as well known today, as he was in the past, he is one of the best goalkeepers with his outstanding reflexes, coupled with spectacular saves. Roberto Carlos - Defender
Roberto Carlos is another member of the over-100 club as he has 128 appearances in the competition. He can also add three Champions League trophies and some superb displays at left-back to his resume.
An outstanding defender for the Real Madrid, also part of the Galacticos era, he is surely one you cannot miss out on. David Beckham - Midfielder
People will always doubt David Beckham's playing ability, but he has achieved a lot during his career.
When you make it to 111 appearances in a prestigious competition such as the Champions League and win a trophy while being named the best midfielder and best player, all in the same 1999 edition of the competition, you must be doing something right. Known for his accuracy in free kicks, and being able to curve the ball, this midfielder was surely one of the best to have played in the competition. He is also part of the Galacticos squad of Real Madrid after moving from Manchester United. His trademark, "Bend it Like, Beckham" will never be forgotten. Clarence Seedorf - Midfielder
Clarence Seedorf is the only player to have won the Champions League with three separate teams. It took him 131 appearances (and still counting) to get his four winners' medals. Both these statistics are signs of his longevity and his quality in the game.
Raul - Forward
Raul has scored the most goals in the competition, 71, and has the most appearances, 144. (and counting) He's also won the competition on three separate occasions.
The Real Madrid legend surely was one of the most outstanding during his prime. Ronaldinho - Midfielder
Ronaldinho is by common consent one the most most talented footballers in the world. He combines a graceful athleticism with the touch and vision of a genius, a midfield attacking maestro for both Barcleona and Brazil. As with all Brazilian players he plays under a nickname, obviously "Ronaldinho" meaning Little Ronaldo. Some 6 years years ago he was known as "Ronaldinho Gaucho" meaning "Little Ronaldo from the South of Brazil"
He won the Champions League with FC Barcelona in 2005-06. |
Iker Casillas - Goalkeeper
Iker Casillas is a two-time Champions League winner and one of the greatest goalkeepers the competition and the world has seen.
He has 124 appearances in the competition (and counting) and is the youngest person to have kept goal in the final of the Champions League, at 19 years and four days in 2000. The Madrid legend also known as "San Iker" is currently the captain of Real Madrid is one of the best players in the world. Paolo Maldini - Defender
This Italian legend definitely deserves to be on this list. Paolo Maldini won the competition five times and is high up on the list of appearances with 139 to his name.
Lifting the trophy 5 times with A.C. Milan is just absolute class. He captained them to glory and stayed in one club through out his entire career. It just shows how loyal and devoted he is. Zinedine Zidane - Midfielder
Zinedine Zidane won the Champions League in 2002 with Real Madrid and scored the winning goal in the final. He was a runner-up in the competition twice with Juventus.
He appeared in 82 games in the competition with both Juventus and Real Madrid. He was also apart of the Galacticos. This midfielder absolutely oozes class, and has truly changed the face of the game. He is an absolute genius, and the way he manipulates the ball makes him seem more like a dancer performing a wonderful show. He is like the conductor, orchestrating play with the perfect pass, flawless touch and ending it with a simply stunning goal that seems out of this world. After which, he takes a bow for putting up such a virtuoso and masterclass display. Simply remarkable, Zinedine Zidane is one of most spectacular players to have played the sport of football. Xavi Hernandez - Midfielder
Xavi has 126 appearances (and counting) in the Champions League and is a three-time winner of the competition.
He was the club midfielder of the year in 2009, his first winners' medal with Barcelona, and also won the Man of the Match award in the final against Manchester United. The pass master of Barcelona, he is a general on the pitch dictating and orchestrating the game with leadership, passing skills, and desire to win. He is the current captain of FC Barcelona and is one of the best players to have graced the game. Lionel Messi - Forward
Lionel Messi has already won the competition three times. He has 51 goals in 68 appearances (and counting) at the age of 24.
He can easily top Raul's mark of 71 in the goal-scoring charts and may surpass his 144 appearances as well. Playing for FC Barcelona, Messi is currently the world's best player and is always breaking records and soaring to new heights. Known for being so humble and modest at the age of 24, this prodigy simply cannot be missed. Form is temporary, Class is permanentThese players have truly graced the UEFA Champions League. Remarkable talents who have shone on the big stage, they are all phenomenons who have achieved the one of the most prestigious awards in European football.
The UCL is the best place for them to play, to be pitted against the best of the best. Even now when some are not anymore playing, new talents will rise up, and prosper, taking their place and putting up a great show for us all. |
