UEFA Champions League Final Run (2020)

Lore & Background

Introduced in 1955 as the European Champion Clubs' Cup, it was initially a straight knockout tournament open only to domestic league champions. The competition took its current name in 1992, adding a round-robin group stage in 1991 and allowing multiple entrants from certain countries since the 1997–98 season. Spanish clubs have the most victories (20 wins), followed by England (15 wins), Italy (12 wins), Germany (8 wins), Netherlands (6 wins), Portugal (4 wins) and France (3 wins). Real Madrid is the most successful club, having won it 15 times.

In Their Own Story

The rain in Lisbon felt heavier than usual that August night. Inside the Estádio da Luz, the roar of the traveling Parisian fans was a distant echo against the weight of history pressing down on the pitch. Neymar stood near the center circle, his eyes fixed on the Bayern Munich badge, while Kylian Mbappé paced anxiously, sensing that this moment would define an era. When Coman's header found the net, the stadium seemed to hold its breath for a split second before PSG players collapsed to their knees in despair. Yet, as the final whistle blew, there was no shame in defeat, only the quiet realization that they had finally arrived where few French clubs ever dared to dream.

Reader's Guide

The Champions League begins in early July with three qualifying rounds and a play-off round, all played over two legs. The seven surviving teams enter the league phase, joining 29 teams qualified in advance. The 36 teams each play eight opponents, four home and four away. The 24 highest-ranked teams proceed to the knockout phase that culminates with the final match in late May or early June.

Did You Know?

• The first European Cup match took place on 4 September 1955, ending in a 3–3 draw between Sporting CP and Partizan.
• Real Madrid won the first five editions of the European Cup, a record that still stands.
• Only one club has won all of their matches in a single tournament en route to victory: Bayern Munich in the 2019–20 season.
• Paris Saint-Germain are the current European champions, having beaten Arsenal on penalties in the 2026 final for their second consecutive title.