UEFA Champions League

Lore & Background

Real Madrid participated in the first European Cup in the 1955–56 season. They won the inaugural final against Stade de Reims 4–3, coming from behind with goals from Alfredo Di Stéfano, Marquitos, and two from Héctor Rial. Real Madrid then won the next four finals (1957, 1958, 1959, 1960), achieving five consecutive titles, a record that still stands. Their 1960 final victory over Eintracht Frankfurt 7–3 holds the record for most goals in a final, with four goals by Ferenc Puskás and a hat-trick by Alfredo Di Stéfano. Real Madrid's reign ended in the 1960–61 season when Barcelona dethroned them in the first round.

In Their Own Story

The roar of the Santiago Bernabéu was deafening as the referee blew the final whistle in Paris. Rain slicked the turf at the Stade de France, but the players in white kits were dancing in a delirium that defied the cold night air. It was 2014, and after years of heartbreak, the tenth star had finally been sewn onto their crest. As Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the trophy above his head, the stadium erupted into a sea of white scarves waving in unison, a visual testament to three generations of fans who believed that when it mattered most, Real Madrid would always find a way.

Reader's Guide

Real Madrid is the most successful club in the competition's history, with 15 titles. The club's period of dominance in the 1950s is associated with players such as Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás.

Did You Know?

• Real Madrid won the first five editions of the European Cup (1955–56 to 1959–60), a record that still stands.
• The 1960 final between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt holds the record for the most goals scored in a final (7–3).
• Alfredo Di Stéfano scored a hat-trick in the 1960 final, and Ferenc Puskás scored four goals in the same match.