UEFA Champions League is undoubtedly the most prestigious trophy in club football. There have been many historic moments for most of the clubs in the UEFA Champions League, over the years. Their success in the European Cup or Champions League is all about reputation.
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The tournament involves the top teams from various domestic leagues in Europe, who compete against each other to win the prestigious UEFA Champions League title. Real Madrid is the most successful club in the history of the UEFA Champions League, having won the competition 14 times. Other successful clubs include AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Barcelona. Let’s take a look at which clubs are the most unlikely European Champions League winners in history.
Chelsea
The 2011-2012 UEFA Champions League was won by Chelsea Football Club. It was a historic victory for the club, marking their first-ever Champions League title. Chelsea had a remarkable campaign in the tournament. They finished second in their group and advanced to the knockout stage. Chelsea defeated Napoli in the round of 16, Benfica in the quarterfinals and defending champions, Barcelona in the semifinals.
The final was held on May 19, 2012, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. Chelsea faced Bayern Munich. Home team Bayern is the favourite to win the tournament. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, with Thomas Müller scoring for Bayern early and Didier Drogba equalizing for Chelsea in the 88th minute. Chelsea won the trophy after the penalty shootout. Chelsea managed to seal the victory with a 4-3 scoreline.
Porto
Porto won the 2004-2005 UEFA Champions League title. It was a historic victory for the club with an average squad. The team was managed by the legendary coach José Mourinho. They defeated several top European clubs on their way to the final. Porto finished second in the group stage. They defeated Manchester United in the round of 16, Lyon in the quarterfinals and Deportivo La Coruña in the semifinals.
The UEFA Champions League final took place on May 25, 2005, at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. Porto faced AS Monaco. The Portuguese side won the match comfortably with a score of 3-0. Carlos Alberto opened the scoring in the 39th minute, and Deco added a second goal in the 71st minute. Dmitri Alenichev sealed the victory with a goal in the 75th minute.
Liverpool
The 2006-2007 UEFA Champions League was won by Liverpool. It was a historic victory for the club in the dramatic finals. The team was managed by Rafael Benítez. Liverpool finished first in their group. They defeated Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16, Juventus in the quarterfinals and Chelsea in the semifinals. The 2004-2005 UEFA Champions League triumph was a historic and unforgettable moment for Liverpool. The achievement remains one of the most iconic in the club’s history.
The UEFA Champions League final took place on May 25, 2005, at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. Liverpool faced AC Milan in a highly dramatic match that is known as the “Miracle of Istanbul.” Milan dominated the first half, taking a mind-blowing 3-0 lead with goals from Paolo Maldini and a brace from Hernán Crespo. However, Liverpool staged an extraordinary comeback in the second half. Steven Gerrard scored in the 54th minute to and Vladimir Smicer added a goal just two minutes later. Xabi Alonso equalized in the 60th minute with a rebounded shot after his penalty was saved. The match ended 3-3 after extra time. Liverpool won the penalty shootout with a 3-2 scoreline.