UEFA Champions League: History, records and epic moments
The most coveted prize in club football is, undoubtedly, the Champions League. 2018-19 edition of the tournament kicks off today. The best footballers, in history, have played a part here and left their glorious legacy. The first European Cup tournament was played during the 1955-56 season. However, the tournament's name was changed in 1992-93 to Champions League. Here's a brief history of Champions League.
Real Madrid are true European champions
Spanish giants, Real Madrid, have won the tournament a record 13 times with five consecutive wins from 1956-60 and three between 2016-18. AC Milan come next, having won the tournament 7 times. Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool have won 5 times each, with Ajax winning it on 4 occasions. Manchester United and Inter Milan have both won the tournament thrice.
The initial 5 years were completely dominated by Real Madrid
Real Madrid were the rulers of European football from 1956 to 1960, as they won the European Cup on all five occasions. They were led valiantly by the Argentine legend Alfredo di Stefano, and the first European Cup final was played in Paris between Real and Reims. The 1959-60 season saw the biggest margin ever in a UCL final when Real defeated Frankfurt 7-3.
Total Football declares European dominance: The rule of Ajax
From 1971-73, AFC Ajax won the European Cup consecutively for three seasons. Behind the success of the club was their revolutionary manager Rinus Michels, who brought in the philosophy of Total Football. And to lead the team was the legendary Johann Cruyff. He also used the strategy in his gameplay with the Netherlands national team and took them to the 1974 World Cup final.
Miracle of Istanbul: The most intense Champions League final ever
The 2005 final at Istanbul, Turkey has gone down in history as the most dramatic Champions League final ever. The match was played between Liverpool and AC Milan, with Milan going up by 3-0 before halftime. It looked all set for Milan to win the grandest prize when Liverpool miraculously came back to equalize affairs. Then, the Reds snatched away the win on penalties.
Individual records in the Champions League
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 120 Champions League goals, 20 more than second-placed Lionel Messi. Iker Casillas has the most number of Champions League appearances, having played 167 times in the competition. Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane, and Carlo Ancelotti have won the title thrice as managers, with Zidane winning back-to-back. Seven individuals have won the Champions League as a player and manager.
Champions League records not yet broken by Messi and Ronaldo
Messi and Ronaldo have taken it upon themselves to break all records in football. However, there are some Champions League records, which they haven't touched till now. Bafetimbi Gomis remains the one with the fastest hat-trick (under 8 minutes). Puskas and di Stefano hold the record for most goals in a UCL final- 7. Alfredo also holds the record of scoring in 5 finals.
