The Champions League is the greatest competition for all European clubs. Every team dreams of winning the Cup with the big ears, but to do so, you need the best players and you need to beat the best teams. Let’s take a look at the best teams to have won the LDC.
Here are the top 10 teams to have won the LDC in the 21st century.
1. FC Barcelone : 2011
Barcelona’s 2010-2011 Champions League campaign will go down in the annals of football history. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, the team delivered a total spectacle, combining technical mastery with creativity. Lionel Messi was the orchestrator, scoring 12 goals, while Xavi and Iniesta dictated the pace in midfield. Barça eliminated formidable rivals such as Real Madrid and Manchester United, before beating Manchester United 3-1 in the final, with goals from Pedro, Messi and Villa. The victory established Barça as one of the most memorable teams in Champions League history.
2. Real Madrid : 2017
Real Madrid’s triumphant Champions League campaign in 2016-2017 remains a legendary footballing epic. Under the guidance of Zinedine Zidane, the Merengues demonstrated an impressive collective strength. Cristiano Ronaldo shone with an exceptional performance, scoring a total of 12 goals, including two in the final against Juventus. Real Madrid outclassed formidable opponents such as Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid, demonstrating exceptional resilience. The 4-1 victory in the final consecrated Real Madrid as the first team to win back-to-back Champions League titles in the current format.
3. Bayern Munich : 2020
Bayern Munich’s triumphant campaign in the 2019-2020 Champions League has been one of undisputed dominance. Under Hansi Flick, the Bavarians displayed dazzling football, crushing high-profile opponents. Robert Lewandowski was a master goalscorer, while young talents such as Alphonso Davies shone. Bayern eliminated Barcelona 8-2 in the quarter-finals, before winning a tense final against Paris Saint-Germain 1-0, thanks to a goal from Kingsley Coman. The victory established Bayern Munich as undisputed champions and rounded off a memorable campaign.
4. Barcelone : 2015
The 2014-2015 Champions League season was unforgettable for FC Barcelona. Under Luis Enrique, the team demonstrated total excellence. Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez and Neymar formed a formidable attacking triplet, contributing to the resounding victory over Juventus in the final. Messi was the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals. The final, won 3-1, saw some moments of genius, including Suárez’s memorable goal. The victory marked Barça’s fourth Champions League triumph, establishing the team as one of the best in the club’s history.
5. Bayern : 2013
The 2012-2013 season was an unforgettable one for Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Under Jupp Heynckes, Bayern enjoyed an outstanding campaign. Arjen Robben, Franck Ribéry and Mario Mandžukić were attacking driving forces, while the defence led by Manuel Neuer proved impregnable. In the final, Bayern faced Borussia Dortmund in a memorable German duel. Arjen Robben scored the decisive goal, giving Bayern a 2-1 victory. The triumph ended a wait of many years, establishing Bayern Munich as the kings of Europe and leaving an indelible mark on the history of football.
6. AC Milan : 2007
AC Milan’s 2006-2007 Champions League campaign remains a glorious chapter in the club’s history. Under Carlo Ancelotti, the Rossoneri showed exceptional resilience. Kaka, their iconic captain, shone with sparkling creativity, scoring crucial goals. The legendary final against Liverpool, six years after the 2005 defeat, was a spectacular redemption. Inzaghi scored twice to give Milan a 2-1 victory. This victory symbolised revenge and solidified AC Milan as one of the big names in the Champions League, crowning a historic season.
7. Liverpool : 2019
The 2018-2019 season has been a fairytale for Liverpool in the Champions League. Under Jürgen Klopp, the Reds have pulled off some memorable feats. Virgil van Dijk provided defensive solidity, while the attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino shone. The legendary comeback against Barcelona in the semi-final, won 4-0, left a lasting impression. In the final in Madrid, Liverpool beat Tottenham 2-0 with goals from Salah and Divock Origi. This victory put Liverpool in the pantheon of European football, sealing an extraordinary season.
8. Manchester United : 2008
The 2007-2008 season was a historic chapter for Manchester United in the Champions League. Under Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils reached the European summit. Cristiano Ronaldo was the attacking catalyst, essentially scoring at every stage. In the final, against Chelsea in Moscow, the match ended 1-1 after extra time. The emblematic moment came during the penalty shoot-out, won 6-5 by United. Edwin van der Sar was a hero, and Ronaldo’s winning shot secured victory. The win marked the third Champions League for Manchester United, immortalising the team in football history.
9. Real Madrid : 2002
The 2001-2002 season remains legendary for Real Madrid in the Champions League. Under Vicente del Bosque, the Galacticos lit up European football. The Ronaldo-Zinedine Zidane pairing was phenomenal, while Raúl and Roberto Carlos also shone. In the final in Glasgow against Bayer Leverkusen, Zidane scored one of the most memorable goals in history, a majestic volley. Real won 2-1 to claim their ninth Champions League title. The victory confirmed Real Madrid’s European dominance and left an indelible mark in the annals of football.
10. Inter Milan : 2010
The 2009-2010 season was a memorable Champions League triumph for Inter Milan. Under José Mourinho, the Nerazzurri enjoyed an exceptional campaign. Samuel Eto’o was the master goalscorer, combining skilfully with Diego Milito. In the semi-finals, Inter eliminated Barcelona, before going on to face Bayern Munich in the final in Madrid. Diego Milito scored twice to secure a 2-0 victory. The win ended a 45-year wait for Inter to win the Champions League and established Mourinho and his team as heroes in the history of the club and Italian football.
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