European Cup and UEFA Champions League History

European Cup And UEFA Champions League History

The history of the European Cup and Champions League is long and remarkable, with fifty years of competition finding winners and losers from all parts of the continent.

Tracing the history of the Champions League back to its beginning, it is possible to pick out periods when specific teams or countries dominated the competition, only to find themselves rapidly superseded by another dominant team or teams. The format of the tournament has also undergone several significant changes throughout the years, with the creation of the group stage in 1991 and the inclusion of the runners-up of domestic leagues in the tournament in 1997 as the some of the most noteworthy examples.

Read more about European Cup And UEFA Champions League History:  1955 To 1960 — "Los Blancos", 1961 To 1966 — Benfica and Milan Rivals' Dominance, 1967 To 1968 — Notable British Successes, 1969 – Milan Again, 1970 To 1973 — Dutch Dominance, 1974 To 1976 — Bayern Munich Victories, 1977 To 1985 — English Dominance and Heysel Disaster, 1986 To 1988 — Steaua, Porto and PSV, 1989 and 1990 — The Return of Milan, 1991 – Red Star, 1992 — Barcelona's First Victory, 1993 — The Birth of The Champions League: Marseille Attain First Title, 1994 To 1996 — Italian Consistency Juventus, 1997 To 2002 — Spanish and German Prominence, Evolution of The Championship Format, Nations By First Entry, Further Reading

Famous quotes containing the words european, cup, champions, league and/or history:

    God grant we may not have a European war thrust upon us, and for such a stupid reason too, no I don’t mean stupid, but to have to go to war on account of tiresome Servia beggars belief.
    Mary (1867–1953)

    There is not enough exercise in this way of life. I try to make up by active gymnastics before I dress when I get up, by walking rapidly in the lower hall and the greenhouse after each meal for perhaps five to ten minutes, and a good hand rubbing before going to bed. I eat moderately; drink one cup of coffee at breakfast and one cup of tea at lunch and no other stimulant. My health is now, and usually, excellent.
    Rutherford Birchard Hayes (1822–1893)

    Myths and legends die hard in America. We love them for the extra dimension they provide, the illusion of near-infinite possibility to erase the narrow confines of most men’s reality. Weird heroes and mould-breaking champions exist as living proof to those who need it that the tyranny of “the rat race” is not yet final.
    Hunter S. Thompson (b. 1939)

    We’re the victims of a disease called social prejudice, my child. These dear ladies of the law and order league are scouring out the dregs of the town. C’mon be a glorified wreck like me.
    Dudley Nichols (1895–1960)

    The best history is but like the art of Rembrandt; it casts a vivid light on certain selected causes, on those which were best and greatest; it leaves all the rest in shadow and unseen.
    Walter Bagehot (1826–1877)