With countless remarkable Champions League finals behind us, which one do you deem the finest?
As Manchester City takes on Inter Milan in the upcoming Champions League final on Saturday, the goal is to complete the Treble.
Will this match earn a place among the legendary finals in the competition? With the last three finals concluding in a 1-0 score, we’re due for a memorable one.
Sport News Center offers you a list of 10 most significant finals till now, though, unavoidably, some classic matches were left out. Review each one and choose your favourite at the end.
Gareth Bale stands out as the only player to have been substituted in and scored twice in a European Cup or Champions League final.
The Karius/Bale Final
Real Madrid vs. Liverpool 3-1 (2018, Kyiv)
This final might be remembered as either the Loris Karius or the Gareth Bale final, depending on your perspective.
Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Karius, unintentionally aided Karim Benzema in scoring the first goal and never played for the team again. Despite Sadio Mane’s equalizing goal, Bale took the spotlight with a breathtaking bicycle kick, followed by a second goal, solidifying Madrid’s victory.
The Brilliant Barca Treble Completion
Juventus vs. Barcelona 1-3 (2015, Berlin)
In Barcelona’s latest Champions League win, they gave an outstanding performance against Juventus. With a succession of goals by Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez, and Neymar, Barcelona secured their treble in Luis Enrique’s inaugural season.
The First Derby Final Results in Atletico’s Heartbreak
Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid 4-1 (after extra time) (2014, Lisbon)
Atletico was on the verge of an extraordinary season, but Real Madrid’s 10th European Cup victory dashed their hopes.
The Drogba Final
Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich 1-1; Chelsea won 4-3 on penalties (2012, Munich)
Didier Drogba’s farewell match for Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League final couldn’t have been scripted better.
Barca Teaches Man Utd a Lesson
Barcelona vs. Manchester United 3-1 (2011, London)
Barcelona outplayed Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League final, demonstrating why they were at their peak under Pep Guardiola.
The ‘Miracle of Istanbul’
Liverpool vs. AC Milan 3-3; Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties (2005, Istanbul)
Liverpool’s stunning comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 final is etched in history as ‘the miracle of Istanbul’.
That Zidane Goal
Bayer Leverkusen vs. Real Madrid 1-2 (2002, Glasgow)
The 2002 final may not be the best overall, but it hosted arguably the greatest Champions League final goal by Zidane.
Man Utd’s Last-minute Victory
Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich 2-1 (1999, Barcelona)
Manchester United’s 1999 Champions League victory remains the most dramatic conclusion to a final.
Ajax’s Young Guns Shine
Ajax vs. AC Milan 1-0 (1995, Vienna)
This final might not have been the most thrilling, but it remains iconic due to Ajax’s extraordinarily young squad.
The Largest Final Win to Date
AC Milan vs. Barcelona 4-0 (1994, Athens)
AC Milan’s 4-0 triumph over Barcelona in the 1994 Champions League final is considered one of the finest final performances.
Which of these finals do you believe is the best in Champions League history? If you believe it’s a different one, please choose ‘Other’. We
6 comments
No way, man. U left out the ’08 final. ManU vs Chelsea. Epic penalty shootout.
Karius, poor guy. i mean we all make mistakes but that was huge. can’t imagine how he musta felt.
Ajax’s ’95 squad was something else, pure talent. They’d smash most of the teams today, no doubt.
’99 final, best moment of my life. i still get goosebumps, pure magic!!
Zidane’s goal, pure artistry! nothing beats that, it was perfect.
Istanbul 2005, nothing will top that! our boys did us proud that day, ynwa.