The UEFA Champions League or European Cup as it was known before 1992 has produced a string of meritorious winners dating back to it's introduction in 1955. Its early years have seen clubs dominate the winners list; most notably Real Madrid from 1956 to 1960. However, subsequently after the annual continential football competition changed its name to the former, no team has ever successfully defended their European crown. In the wake of 2013 European Champions Bayern Munich's exit in the semi-final of the 2013/2014 campaign, we take a look at teams that came within touching distance of reclaiming Championship status.
#1 1995 - AC Milan
The stage was set in OAKA Spiros Louis, Athens for the 1994 UEFA Champions League Final. AC Milan against Barcelona. On paper it would have portrayed two colossal teams locked in a European fistfight. However in reality, it was a heavily one-sided affair with Milan crowned champions after a 4-0 rout courtesy of a Daniele Masaro brace and goals from Dejan Savievi and Marcel Desailly.
Fastfoward a year from their victory and Milan found themselves in the final once again. This time, against Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam at Vienna. Milan saw their dreams crushed when Ajax striker Patrick Kluivert scored the game's solitary goal in the 84th minute. His goal ensued that the trophy was Holland bound.
#2 1996 - Ajax Amsterdam
After a dramatic 1-0 victory against AC Milan, Ajax proved that their feat was no fluke when they took on Marcello Lippi's Italian heavyweights Juventus in the 1996 final. Location Stadio Olympico, Rome. With the advantage of the final played on home soil, lady luck shone on The Old Lady as Ajax saw their Champions League title hopes cruelly snatched 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 standstill at the end of extra-time.
#3 1997 - Juventus
Juventus continued to get a rub of the green after their enthralling victory against Ajax in 1996. This time their opponents were surprise finalists Borussia Dortmund. The 67,000 crowd at Germany's Olympiastadion were in for astoundment when Dortmund broke the hearts of Juventus fans in a 3-1 victory. A brace from Karlhienz Riedle and a goal from substitute Lars Ricken certified the engravement of the German club's name on the trophy. Alessandro Del Piero's lone goal was not enough to salvage Juventus' chance of defending their European glory.
#4 2009 - Manchester United
The 2008 UEFA Champions League Final saw two English clubs battling for European bragging rights in Moscow for the first time. An early headed goal from Cristiano Ronaldo was canceled out by Chelsea's veteran Frank Lampard just before halftime. Under torrential rain, the match went on to penalties. John Terry steps up. A goal would seal Chelsea's victory but it was not to be. The Chelsea skipper slipped and saw his shot arrowed against the post. Moments later, Van Der Sar's save from Anelka's penalty perched Manchester United on the Champions League throne.
The Red Devils continued their pursuit for Champions League title retention in the 2009 final. This time, against Messi's Barcelona. In the midst of 62,467 at the Stadio Olympico, Manchester United proved meek against the Catalans as Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi put themselves on the scoresheet to finish the match 2-0. United returned to England, with the Champions League trophy eluded from them.
