The UEFA Champions League, widely regarded as the pinnacle of European club football, consistently delivers electrifying matches, dramatic moments, and unforgettable triumphs.
The past five seasons have been no exception, showcasing the dominance of footballing giants and the emergence of new champions.
At the time of writing, the latest Champions League winner odds see Manchester City leading the pack at 4/1, followed closely by Bayern Munich at 5/1, Real Madrid at 6/1, Paris Saint-Germain at 8/1, and Liverpool at 10/1.
These odds highlight the fierce competition among Europe’s elite clubs vying for the ultimate glory. In this article, we look back at the last five Champions League winners and their memorable finals to get us all ready for this year’s final in May.
2023/2024 Season: Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund
In the UEFA Champions League final, Real Madrid secured their 15th European title with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.
The match was marked by goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior, who showcased exceptional skill to seal the win. This triumph further solidified Real Madrid’s dominance in European football, extending their record as the club with the most Champions League titles.
Despite a valiant effort, Borussia Dortmund were unable to break through Real Madrid’s defence, highlighting the Spanish club’s tactical prowess and experience on the grand stage.
2022/2023 Season: Manchester City vs. Inter Milan
This Champions League final saw Manchester City triumph over Inter Milan 1-0, claiming their first-ever European title.
Played at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, City dominated possession but struggled to break down a resilient Inter defence. The game’s only goal came in the 68th minute, with Rodri scoring a brilliant strike from outside the box, controlling a pass from Kevin De Bruyne before firing past Inter goalkeeper André Onana.
Despite late pressure from Inter, City held firm to secure the win, completing a historic treble after already clinching the Premier League and FA Cup titles. The victory was a crowning achievement for manager Pep Guardiola, who had led the team to European glory after years of near-misses in the competition.
2021/2022 Season: Real Madrid vs. Liverpool
In the 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League final, Real Madrid defeated Liverpool 1-0, securing their 14th European title.
The match at the Stade de France in Paris was a tale of resilience and heroics. Liverpool dominated possession and created numerous chances, but they were thwarted by an incredible performance from Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who made several key saves to keep his team in the game.
The only goal of the match came in the 59th minute when Vinícius Júnior latched onto a ball from Federico Valverde, calmly finishing past Liverpool’s Alisson Becker. Despite late pressure from the Reds, Madrid held on to claim the trophy.
2020/2021 Season: Chelsea vs. Manchester City
This final saw Chelsea secure their second European title with a 1-0 win over Manchester City. The match, played at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, was a tactical masterclass by Chelsea’s manager, Thomas Tuchel.
City were heavy favourites heading into the game but struggled to break down a disciplined Chelsea defence. The only goal of the match came in the 42nd minute when Kai Havertz raced through on goal after a brilliant ball over the top from Mason Mount. Havertz rounded City goalkeeper Ederson and slotted the ball into the empty net.
Despite some City pressure in the second half, Chelsea’s defensive solidity and counter-attacking play saw them clinch a deserved victory, with goalkeeper Édouard Mendy making crucial saves to preserve the lead.
2019/2020 Season: Bayern Munich vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Bayern Munich triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 to win their sixth European title in Lisbon. It was a tense and thrilling encounter between two attacking powerhouses.
PSG created several good chances, with Neymar and Kylian Mbappé coming close, but Bayern’s defence and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer stood firm.
The decisive moment came in the 59th minute, when Bayern’s Kingsley Coman met a cross from Joshua Kimmich with a clinical header, beating PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Despite intense pressure from PSG in the final stages, Bayern held their ground to seal the victory.
The win capped off a remarkable season for Bayern, who had been dominant in both domestic and European competitions, underlining their status as the continent’s top club.
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