The last five winners of the Champions League

The UEFA Champions League, the pinnacle of European club football, has witnessed some thrilling encounters and historic victories over the past five years. Each final has brought its own narrative in the Champions League betting markets, with clubs etching their names into football history.

Here, we take a look at the last five winners of the Champions League and the stories behind their triumphs.

2023: Manchester City

Manchester City’s journey to their first Champions League title culminated in a tightly contested final against Inter Milan. The match, held at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium, was a tactical battle with both teams showcasing their defensive solidity.

Rodri’s second half goal made the difference, securing a 1-0 victory for Pep Guardiola’s side. This victory marked a significant achievement for City, finally capturing the coveted trophy after years of near misses, establishing themselves among Europe’s elite.

2022: Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s love affair with the Champions League continued as they claimed their 14th title in 2022. The final, played at the Stade de France in Paris, saw them face Liverpool, a team they had defeated in the 2018 final.

A solitary goal from Vinícius Júnior in the second half was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for the Spaniards. The win also demonstrated the experience and tactical nous of manager Carlo Ancelotti, who became the first manager to win the Champions League four times.

2021: Chelsea

Chelsea’s triumph in 2021 was a testament to their resurgence under Thomas Tuchel. Taking over from Blues legend Frank Lampard mid-season, Tuchel transformed the team, leading them to a showdown against Manchester City in Porto.

A single goal decided the final, with Kai Havertz scoring just before halftime. Chelsea’s disciplined defensive performance ensured a 1-0 victory, giving them their second Champions League title and denying City their first.

2020: Bayern Munich

The 2020 Champions League final, held at a later date of August behind closed doors in Lisbon due to the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Bayern Munich take on Paris Saint-Germain. Bayern, under the guidance of Hansi Flick, were the dominant force throughout the tournament.

Former PSG winger Kingsley Coman’s header in the second half was the match-winner, securing a 1-0 victory. This triumph was Bayern’s sixth European Cup, completing a remarkable treble in which they also won the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal.

2019: Liverpool

Liverpool’s 2019 victory was a redemption story after their heart-breaking loss in the 2018 final. Facing Tottenham Hotspur at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid, Liverpool took an early lead through a Mohamed Salah penalty.

Divock Origi’s late strike sealed a 2-0 win, giving Liverpool their sixth Champions League title. Jürgen Klopp’s men demonstrated resilience and determination, bouncing back from previous disappointments to reclaim their place at the top of European football.

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From Manchester City’s long-awaited triumph 12 months ago to Real Madrid’s continued dominance, each winner has left a lasting mark on the competition’s rich history.

As football fans eagerly await the next chapter as Real return to a final and face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, the legacy of these champions serves as a reminder of the passion and drama that defines the UEFA Champions League.