UCL: Best ever Champions League finals

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 Let's explore some of the best Champions League and European Cup finals.

There have been some truly memorable encounters in the final of the competition since it started in the 1950s.

Best ever UCL finals

Real Madrid 4 - 3 Stade de Reims: 1956

A football match that you have probably never heard of. This was actually the first final of the European Cup. Real Madrid triumphed in what would prove to be the first of five consecutive title in the competition.

On this night, the Spanish giants came back from behind to win 4–3. This was thanks to goals from Alfredo Di Stéfano and Marquitos, as well as two goals from Héctor Rial.

Benfica 1 - 4 Manchester United: 1968

A memorable night where Man United became the first English side to win Europe's premier competition. 

Manchester United vs Benfica - 1968 - Cover Page

United took the lead from Bobby Charlton's header eight minutes into the second half. Jaime Graça's 79th-minute equaliser meant the match went into extra time. United scored three times in seven minutes in the first extra time period. The first of these was a solo goal from George Best, followed by a header from Brian Kidd. Charlton scored his second in the 99th minute.

Ajax 1-0 AC Milan: 1995

Ajax were the last Dutch side to win the Champions League. This was arguably not best final but it became iconic for many football fans across Europe as it contained one of Europe's greatest young teams.

Ajax had an average age of around 23 and were unbeaten in the Dutch league all season. They won the Champions League final against AC Milan thanks to a late goal from teenage substitute Patrick Kluivert. Most of the side became household names over the years. 

Click here to read more Ajax news and stories

Manchester United 2 - 1 Bayern Munich: 1999

Manchester United went into the game having won the league and cup double and were chasing a historic treble. Their quest for glory in Europe's premier competition had been the focus point of United's development since they qualified in 1993. There were some memorable encounters along the route to the final, including an incredible comeback against Juventus.

In the final itself, they trailed for 85 minutes following Mario Basler's early goal. However, they won thanks to two stoppage-time goals from substitutes. What a night.

Read more: UCL Classics: Man United v Bayern Munich 1999 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com) 

Liverpool v AC Milan: 2005

A match known as the Miracle of Istanbul by Liverpool fans. Enough said. Click here to watch the highlights of the match: ISTANBUL 05: Liverpool 3-3 Milan | HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GREATEST EVER FINAL - YouTube

One Liverpool fan told us: "The best night of my life."

Manchester United v Chelsea: 2008

The first final to contain two English sides. United, who had just been crowned Premier League champions, started the game well and went 1-0 up. Chelsea recovered and equalised through Frank Lampard. It went to penalties and the drama continued. Chelsea had the chance to win through John Terry but he hit the post. The Red Devils eventually won after Anelka had his strike saved by Edwin van der Sar.

Lauren, a Chelsea fan, told us: "I still can't believe we didn't win it that year. We were so very close. The luck just wasn't with us. Still feel for JT and Anelka even now,

Juventus 1-3 Barcelona: 2015

A superb Barcelona performance against Juventus in their most recent Champions League win. Ivan Rakitic put Barca ahead after a fine passing move before Alvaro Morata scrambled home an equaliser.

Luis Suarez then put the Nou Camp side back in front after Gianluigi Buffon failed to hold Lionel Messi's shot. With the last kick of the match Neymar and sealed the treble in Luis Enrique's first season in charge. Hard to believe this was last success in the competition.

Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool: 2018

The night where Real Madrid became the first team since Bayern Munich in 1974–76 to win three consecutive UEFA Champions Leagues or European Cups. On the night, two goalkeeping mistakes and a stunning strike from Gareth Bale cost Liverpool the match. The Anfield side would return to the final within 12 months. 

Watch the highlights of the match in the video below: Real Madrid vs Liverpool (3-1) | Bale Bicycle Kick Stunner | 2018 Champions League Final Highlights - YouTube

You can find more Champions League news here: UCL and UEL (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

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