The UEFA European Cup, or the UEFA Champions League as it is now known, is without a doubt the crown jewel of club football silverware in the globe.
Since 1955, the best teams from throughout Europe have been competing for the ultimate crown and bragging rights.
Real Madrid has won nine titles, more than any other club, and is followed by AC Milan of Italy with seven and Liverpool of England with five as the top three winners of all time.
The idea is to see the two greatest teams in Europe compete in the Final, and there have been some exciting confrontations thus far. The top 5 European Championships are listed here.
1. FC Porto vs. Bayern Munich, 1987
FC Porto won its first European title in a dramatic manner, as two goals in five minutes from Rabah Madjer in the 77th minute and substitute Juary in the 81st minute, both assisted by Madjer, helped the Dragons overturn a 0-1 halftime deficit against Bayern Munich.
2. Barcelona vs Arsenal, 2006
Barcelona won their second European Championship in Paris, defeating Arsenal with a second-half comeback reminiscent of FC Porto’s in 1987.
3. Inter Milan vs Real Madrid, 1964
Internazionale Milan won their first two European Cups back-to-back in 1964, defeating five-time winners Real Madrid in Austria in a spectacular effort of excellence from the Nerazzurri.
4. AC Milan vs Barcelona, 1994
On May 18, 1994, AC Milan won their sixth European Championship with a resounding win over Barcelona in Athens.
Daniele Massaro scored the game’s first two goals in the 22nd and 45th minutes of extra time during the first half.
5. Bayer Leverkusen vs. Real Madrid, 2002
Real Madrid had not lost in a final appearance since 1981, and they got off to a good start with a goal from renowned striker Raul Gonzalez in the 8th minute.
Lucio, on the other hand, pulled the Germans back into the game in the 13th minute, and the score remained equal until the 45th minute, when Zinedine Zidane, another iconic character, put Real back in ahead.
Source: syndication bleacher report
