The Last 10 UEFA Champions League Finals: A Decade of Football Excellence
The UEFA Champions League (UCL) is the pinnacle of club football, and over the last decade, we’ve witnessed some unforgettable finals that have shaped the landscape of European football. From thrilling comebacks to last-minute drama, the past 10 UCL finals have offered moments that will go down in history. Let’s take a look at these iconic encounters and relive the magic that defined a generation of football.
1. 2024: real madrid vs. brussia dortmund (2-0) (Wembley Stadium)
The 2024 UEFA Champions League final took place on June 1, 2024, at Wembley Stadium in London, featuring Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund. Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory, clinching their record-extending 15th Champions League title. The goals come from:.
- 74th Minute: Dani Carvajal headed in a corner from Toni Kroos, breaking the deadlock.
- 83rd Minute: Vinícius Júnior doubled the lead, securing the win for Real Madrid.
Dani Carvajal was named the official Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
This victory marked Real Madrid’s sixth Champions League title in eleven seasons, further cementing their dominance in European football.
2. 2023: Manchester City vs. Inter Milan (1-0) (Atatürk Olympic Stadium)
Manchester City’s quest for their first-ever Champions League trophy ended in triumph in 2024. The Cityzens, led by Pep Guardiola, faced off against Italian giants Inter Milan. Despite a resilient defensive performance from Inter, a single goal from Rodri sealed the victory for City, crowning them as Europe’s elite. This final was a testament to City’s dominance and marked the culmination of years of investment and hard work.
3. 2022: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid (0-1) (Stade de France)
Real Madrid continued their European supremacy in 2022, defeating Liverpool 1-0. Despite a strong showing from Jurgen Klopp’s side, it was Vinícius Júnior’s brilliant goal that proved to be the difference-maker. Real Madrid’s consistency and ability to thrive on the big stage, led by Carlo Ancelotti, was evident once again, cementing their status as the most successful club in UCL history.
4. 2021: Manchester City vs. Chelsea (0-1) (Estádio do Dragão)
Chelsea’s tactical brilliance under Thomas Tuchel shone through in the 2021 final, where they defeated Manchester City 1-0. A first-half goal from Kai Havertz, following a beautiful pass from Mason Mount, was enough to secure Chelsea’s second Champions League title. City struggled to break down Chelsea’s defense, and Tuchel’s game plan proved to be the winning formula.
5. 2020: Bayern Munich vs. Paris Saint-Germain (1-0) (Estádio da Luz)
The 2020 final saw Bayern Munich crowned champions after a tense 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain. Kingsley Coman scored the only goal of the match, and it was a final defined by relentless pressure from both teams. The victory marked Bayern’s sixth UCL title and capped off a dominant season under Hansi Flick.
6. 2019: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Liverpool (0-2) (Wanda Metropolitano)
Liverpool triumphed over Tottenham in the 2019 UCL final, claiming a 2-0 victory. Mohamed Salah’s early penalty and Divock Origi’s late strike secured Liverpool’s sixth European crown. This final was particularly emotional for the Reds, who had endured heartbreak in the 2018 final. Jurgen Klopp’s side finally got their hands on the trophy they so dearly coveted.
7. 2018: Real Madrid vs. Liverpool (3-1) (NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium)
In 2018, Real Madrid made history by winning their third consecutive Champions League title. The final against Liverpool was packed with drama, with goals from Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale. However, the match will be remembered for the errors made by Liverpool’s goalkeeper Loris Karius and Bale’s sensational overhead kick. Real Madrid’s ability to capitalize on key moments was the difference in a match full of twists and turns.
8. 2017: Juventus vs. Real Madrid (1-4) (Millennium Stadium)
The 2017 final saw Cristiano Ronaldo continue his UCL legacy with a dominant performance. Real Madrid defeated Juventus 4-1, with Ronaldo scoring twice in the final. This victory marked Real Madrid’s 12th European Cup title, cementing their place as the most successful club in UCL history. Juventus, despite their best efforts, couldn’t match the clinical precision of Zinedine Zidane’s side.
9. 2016: Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid (1-1, 3-5 on penalties) (San Siro stadium)
In one of the most dramatic finals in recent history, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid fought to a 1-1 draw after extra time, with penalties ultimately deciding the winner. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up in the shootout, and Real Madrid triumphed 5-3 on penalties. The match was a tense, tactical affair, and Atletico’s heartbreak was compounded by their failure to secure their first-ever UCL trophy.
10. 2015: Juventus vs. Barcelona (1-3) (Olympiastadion)
The 2015 final saw Barcelona crowned champions after a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Juventus. Goals from Ivan Rakitić, Luis Suárez, and Neymar were enough to see off the Italian side. Barcelona’s attacking trio of Messi, Neymar, and Suárez was on full display, and the victory further solidified their status as one of the greatest club sides in football history.
