{"match":{"id":768971,"date":"2025-09-17T19:00:00.000Z","status":"fixture","winner":null,"score_a":0,"score_b":0,"venue_type":"home_away","final_period":"soc_p2s","createdAt":"2025-08-30T15:07:17.600Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-17T01:07:51.563Z","gameweek":1,"attendance":0,"display_name":"2025-09-17 19:00:00 Liverpool FC vs Club Atlético de Madrid","locale":"en","stb_id":"2025-09-17-19-00-00-liverpool-fc-vs-club-atletico-de-madrid","overview":null,"leg":"1/1","result_info":null,"interesting_facts_team_a":null,"interesting_facts_team_b":null,"match_summary":null,"key_quotes":null,"match_statistics":null,"match_timeline":null,"league_standings":null,"head_to_head_analysis":null,"link_buy_ticket":null,"position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0198fb84-b420-7a5e-8162-9b6afcefa1fd","overrides":null,"broadcast_link":null,"after_broadcast_link":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"has_odds":null,"has_h2h":true,"has_overview":null,"has_statistics":false,"has_lineups":false,"has_predictions":null,"interesting_facts_team_a_html":null,"interesting_facts_team_b_html":null,"match_summary_html":null,"key_quotes_html":null,"match_statistics_html":null,"match_timeline_html":null,"league_standings_html":null,"head_to_head_analysis_html":null,"team_a":{"id":49640,"name":"Liverpool FC","short_name":"Liverpool","tla_name":"LIV","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Liverpool Football Club","founded":1892,"colors":"Red,White","nicknames":"The Reds","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:40:06.919Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-16T21:01:57.993Z","website":"https://www.liverpoolfc.com/","address":"Anfield Road","address_city":"Liverpool","address_zip":"L4 OTH","locale":"en","stb_id":"liverpool-fc","tier":1,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## Review of Liverpool FC\n\n**Liverpool** is a professional football club from **England**, founded in **1892**. It is based in **the city of the same name, Liverpool**, in the **northwest of the country**. It is one of the **most successful clubs in Europe**, known for its **passionate fan base**, rich history and **winning traditions**.\n\nThe team has won **England championship 19 times**, became **European champion six times** and has a reputation as a club where **legends are born**.\n\n> \"For millions of fans around the world, Liverpool is not just a club, but a real emotion.\"\n","sporting_achievements":"## Liverpool history\n\nThe club appeared after the **conflict in the ranks of Everton**, when one of the managers decided to create a new team. So, in **1892**, **Liverpool** was born. A few years later, the club became a **notable force** in English football.\n\nThe team won the **first championship** in **1901**, and in the **20s and 30s** it established itself in the elite. However, the **real heyday** came in the **60s and 70s**, when the club was led by such figures as **Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley**.\n\n**During this period**, **Liverpool** became not only the **hegemon of England**, but also one of the **strongest teams in Europe**. In **1977**, the club won the **European Champions Cup** for the first time, and over the next few years added several more titles.\n\n> \"Paisley, by the way, is the only manager to have won this trophy three times.\"\n\n**In the 80s**, **Liverpool** continued to dominate in England, but the **tragedies at the stadiums** – **Geisel and Hillsborough** – left a **deep mark in the history of the club**.\n\n**In 2005**, **Liverpool** once again made the whole world talk about themselves, when in the **Champions League final** they did the impossible – **losing 0:3 after the first half**, equalized and **won on penalties**.\n\n**In 2019** the team conquered Europe again, already with **Jurgen Klopp**. **The following year** **\"Reds\"** became **champions of England** for the first time in **30 years**.\n","club_identity":"## Liverpool stadium\n\nThe home stadium of **Liverpool** is **Anfield**. This is a place where football has not only a sound, but also a **soul**. Built in **1884**, **Enfield** accommodates more than **54 thousand spectators**, and after the new reconstruction the number of seats has increased even more. It is located in the **Enfield** area, near the center of **Liverpool**.\n\n**It's not just an arena** – it's a **sanctuary**. Before the match, the entire stand sings **\"You'll Never Walk Alone\"**, and even non-fans get goosebumps.\n\n> \"Among the famous sectors is the Kop End, the heart of fan support. Here, every match is an event, regardless of the opponent.\"\n\n**They don't just play** football here - they **feel** it here.\n\n## Liverpool achievements\n\n**Liverpool** has one of the **richest trophy collections** in world football:\n\n* **19 times** the team became the **champion of England**, the last time – in **2020**.\n* In the **Champions League**, the club triumphed **six times**: **1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005 and 2019**.\n* Also in the assets of **Liverpool** – **three UEFA Cups** and **four UEFA Super Cups**.\n* In the domestic arena, the club won the **FA Cup eight times** and the **League Cup** as many times.\n* In **2019**, **Liverpool** won the **Club World Cup** for the first time, defeating the Brazilian **\"Flamengo\"**.\n\n> \"Liverpool's achievements are not just numbers, they are stories that the entire football world remembers.\"\n","current_status_and_future":"## Liverpool famous players\n\n**Liverpool** gave the world **dozens of legends**:\n\n1. **Kenny Dalglish** is a symbol of the club in the **70s and 80s**, who was both a **player and a coach**.\n\n2. **Steven Gerrard** – **the heart and soul of Liverpool in the 2000s**, the captain who **never betrayed the team**.\n\n3. **Ian Rush** is **the best goalscorer in the history of the club**, and **John Barnes** is a symbol of **the fight against racism** and talent on the field.\n\n**In recent times**, **Salah, Mane and Firmino** have become **the personification of the club's new era**. Their speed, technique and teamwork made **Liverpool** dangerous for any opponent.\n\n> \"And Virgil van Dijk and Alisson are the ones who stabilized the defense after years of instability.\"\n\n## Liverpool interesting facts\n\n* **Liverpool** is the **only English club** to win the **Champions League** after coming back from a score of **0:3 in the final**. It happened in **2005 in Istanbul** - a match that **forever entered the history of football**.\n\n* **Another interesting fact** – coach **Bill Shankly**, who rebuilt the club in the **60s**, inspired the fans so much that a **monument near the stadium** was erected to him.\n\n* **Another feature of Liverpool** is the unique anthem **\"You'll Never Walk Alone\"**. It is sung before every match, and this tradition has even spread to **other clubs in Europe**.\n\n* Also, **Liverpool** have never lost at home in **European Cups with a crushing score** – even at their worst times.\n\n> \"This is a club that experienced tragedies, emotions, victories and defeats, but always remained itself. And this is the whole essence of Liverpool - it is real.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Liverpool** continues to be one of the **most influential clubs in the world**, combining **rich traditions** with a modern approach to the game. Can the team **repeat the success of the Klopp era**? One thing is certain - the **spirit of Anfield** and the **loyalty of the fans** make **Liverpool** a special place where **dreams come true** and **\"You'll Never Walk Alone\"** remains not just a song, but a **philosophy of life**.\n","stb_internal_id":"0192f730-8963-70fd-b516-65b6c7eaf2c1","overrides":{"name":"Liverpool FC"},"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":false,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

Review of Liverpool FC

Liverpool is a professional football club from England, founded in 1892. It is based in the city of the same name, Liverpool, in the northwest of the country. It is one of the most successful clubs in Europe, known for its passionate fan base, rich history and winning traditions.

The team has won England championship 19 times, became European champion six times and has a reputation as a club where legends are born.

\n
\"For millions of fans around the world, Liverpool is not just a club, but a real emotion.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

Liverpool history

The club appeared after the conflict in the ranks of Everton, when one of the managers decided to create a new team. So, in 1892, Liverpool was born. A few years later, the club became a notable force in English football.

The team won the first championship in 1901, and in the 20s and 30s it established itself in the elite. However, the real heyday came in the 60s and 70s, when the club was led by such figures as Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley.

During this period, Liverpool became not only the hegemon of England, but also one of the strongest teams in Europe. In 1977, the club won the European Champions Cup for the first time, and over the next few years added several more titles.

\n
\"Paisley, by the way, is the only manager to have won this trophy three times.\"
\n

In the 80s, Liverpool continued to dominate in England, but the tragedies at the stadiums – Geisel and Hillsborough – left a deep mark in the history of the club.

In 2005, Liverpool once again made the whole world talk about themselves, when in the Champions League final they did the impossible – losing 0:3 after the first half, equalized and won on penalties.

In 2019 the team conquered Europe again, already with Jurgen Klopp. The following year \"Reds\" became champions of England for the first time in 30 years.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Liverpool stadium

The home stadium of Liverpool is Anfield. This is a place where football has not only a sound, but also a soul. Built in 1884, Enfield accommodates more than 54 thousand spectators, and after the new reconstruction the number of seats has increased even more. It is located in the Enfield area, near the center of Liverpool.

It's not just an arena – it's a sanctuary. Before the match, the entire stand sings \"You'll Never Walk Alone\", and even non-fans get goosebumps.

\n
\"Among the famous sectors is the Kop End, the heart of fan support. Here, every match is an event, regardless of the opponent.\"
\n

They don't just play football here - they feel it here.

Liverpool achievements

Liverpool has one of the richest trophy collections in world football:

19 times the team became the champion of England, the last time – in 2020.
In the Champions League, the club triumphed six times: 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005 and 2019.
Also in the assets of Liverpool – three UEFA Cups and four UEFA Super Cups.
In the domestic arena, the club won the FA Cup eight times and the League Cup as many times.
In 2019, Liverpool won the Club World Cup for the first time, defeating the Brazilian \"Flamengo\".

\n
\"Liverpool's achievements are not just numbers, they are stories that the entire football world remembers.\"
\n

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Liverpool famous players

Liverpool gave the world dozens of legends:

Kenny Dalglish is a symbol of the club in the 70s and 80s, who was both a player and a coach.
\n
Steven Gerrard – the heart and soul of Liverpool in the 2000s, the captain who never betrayed the team.
\n
Ian Rush is the best goalscorer in the history of the club, and John Barnes is a symbol of the fight against racism and talent on the field.
\n

In recent times, Salah, Mane and Firmino have become the personification of the club's new era. Their speed, technique and teamwork made Liverpool dangerous for any opponent.

\n
\"And Virgil van Dijk and Alisson are the ones who stabilized the defense after years of instability.\"
\n

Liverpool interesting facts

Liverpool is the only English club to win the Champions League after coming back from a score of 0:3 in the final. It happened in 2005 in Istanbul - a match that forever entered the history of football.
\n
Another interesting fact – coach Bill Shankly, who rebuilt the club in the 60s, inspired the fans so much that a monument near the stadium was erected to him.
\n
Another feature of Liverpool is the unique anthem \"You'll Never Walk Alone\". It is sung before every match, and this tradition has even spread to other clubs in Europe.
\n
Also, Liverpool have never lost at home in European Cups with a crushing score – even at their worst times.
\n

\n
\"This is a club that experienced tragedies, emotions, victories and defeats, but always remained itself. And this is the whole essence of Liverpool - it is real.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Liverpool continues to be one of the most influential clubs in the world, combining rich traditions with a modern approach to the game. Can the team repeat the success of the Klopp era? One thing is certain - the spirit of Anfield and the loyalty of the fans make Liverpool a special place where dreams come true and \"You'll Never Walk Alone\" remains not just a song, but a philosophy of life.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/462_42678a768c.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/large_avif_462_42678a768c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/large_webp_462_42678a768c.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/small_avif_462_42678a768c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/small_webp_462_42678a768c.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/medium_avif_462_42678a768c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/121/medium_webp_462_42678a768c.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}},"team_b":{"id":50447,"name":"Club Atlético de Madrid","short_name":"Atletico","tla_name":"ATM","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Club Atlético de Madrid","founded":1903,"colors":"Red,White,Blue","nicknames":"Los Colchoneros,Los Rojiblancos,Los Indios","createdAt":"2024-11-05T10:37:02.924Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T23:25:44.695Z","website":"http://www.clubatleticodemadrid.com","address":"Paseo Virgen del Puerto, 67","address_city":"Madrid","address_zip":"28005","locale":"en","stb_id":"club-atletico-de-madrid","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## \"Atletico Madrid\": what is known about the club\n\n**\"Atletico Madrid\"** is a professional football club from the **capital of Spain**, founded in **1903**. This is the **third-ranked team in the country**, which has always been **in the shadow of \"Real\"**, but has repeatedly proven that it can **fight on an equal footing with the giants**.\n\n> \"Atletico Madrid is a team that proves that character and will can be stronger than any talent.\"","sporting_achievements":"## History of \"Atletico Madrid\"\n\nThe club was founded in **1903** by **students** who were fond of football and saw the **future** in it. At first, it was an **affiliate of Athletic Bilbao**, but later became **independent** and turned into a force to be reckoned with**.\n\n**The first golden period** — **1940s and 1950s**. The club **won La Liga twice** and became one of the **leading teams in Spain**. In the **1970s**, the team won several more **championship titles** and even reached the **European Champions Cup final**.\n\n**But the real breakthrough** happened in the **XXI century**, when in **2011** the team was headed by **Diego Simeone**. Under his leadership, the club **won La Liga twice**, **went to the final of the Champions League** and became **the main competitor** of **Barcelona and Real Madrid**.\n\n> \"Simeone has turned Atlético into a fighting machine that never gives up.\"","club_identity":"## Stadium \"Atletico Madrid\"\n\nThe club's home arena is **Civitas Metropolitano**, one of the **most modern stadiums in Europe**. Opened in **2017** after reconstruction, it accommodates more than **68 thousand spectators**.\n\n**Before that, the club played** at the legendary **Vicente Calderon**, which was one of the **most atmospheric stadiums in Spain**. But over time, it had to be replaced by a **new arena** that meets all **modern requirements**.\n\n> \"\"Metropolitano\" has become a real fortress of \"Atletico\". The team rarely loses here, and the support of the fans creates an atmosphere that scares opponents.\"\n\n## Achievements of \"Atletico Madrid\"\n\nThe club boasts a **solid collection of trophies**:\n\n* **Champion of Spain (11 times)** — **last title** in the **2020/21** season.\n* **Cup of Spain (10 times)** — the club repeatedly beat the **strongest rivals** in the national cup.\n* **Europa League (3 times)** — **2010, 2012, 2018**.\n* **UEFA Super Cup (3 times)** — always beat the **Champions League winners**.\n* **Champions League finalist (3 times)** — **1974, 2014, 2016**.","current_status_and_future":"## Famous players of \"Atletico Madrid\"\n\nMany **legendary football players** played for the club and left their **mark in history**:\n\n1. **Fernando Torres** — **symbol of the club**, fan favorite.\n\n2. **Diego Simeone** — first **the leader on the field**, and then **the most successful coach of the club**.\n\n3. **Sergio Aguero** is a striker who scored at **the most important moments**.\n\n4. **Diego Forlan** is the owner of the **Golden Boot**, one of the **best forwards in La Liga**.\n\n5. **Jan Oblak** is one of the **best goalkeepers in the world**, a **real wall** in the goal.\n\n## Interesting facts about \"Atletico Madrid\"\n\n* **The club experienced the most dramatic finals** of the **Champions League** — **losing twice to Real Madrid** in the **last minutes**.\n\n* **Simeone** — **record holder** — has been working with the club for more than **10 years** and is **the main creator** of its success.\n\n* **One of the most hated rivals** **\"Barcelona\" and \"Real\"** - matches against these teams are always **on principle**.\n\n* **Red and white stripes** is a **branded uniform** that has become a **symbol of struggle** and indomitability.\n\n* **\"Indians\"** is the **nickname of fans** who are famous for their **devotion** and **passion**.\n\n> \"Atletico Madrid reminds us that real strength is not in the beauty of the game, but in the ability to fight until the last second.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Atlético Madrid** remains a **unique phenomenon** in world football, proving that **tactical discipline** and **collective spirit** can **overcome individual talent**. Can the club **continue its successful era** under the leadership of **Simeone**? One thing can be said for sure - **the spirit of \"Metropolitano\"** and **philosophy of struggle** make **\"Atletico\"** a special place where **every match** is **war** and **every victory** is won with **sweat and blood**. This is a club that **proves** that **the most important thing** in football is **never giving up** and **fighting until the last breath**.","stb_internal_id":"0192fbe6-3709-75d7-9d70-31b6068f9765","overrides":{"name":"Club Atlético de Madrid","short_name":"Atleti"},"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

\"Atletico Madrid\": what is known about the club

\"Atletico Madrid\" is a professional football club from the capital of Spain, founded in 1903. This is the third-ranked team in the country, which has always been in the shadow of \"Real\", but has repeatedly proven that it can fight on an equal footing with the giants.

\n
\"Atletico Madrid is a team that proves that character and will can be stronger than any talent.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

History of \"Atletico Madrid\"

The club was founded in 1903 by students who were fond of football and saw the future in it. At first, it was an affiliate of Athletic Bilbao, but later became independent and turned into a force to be reckoned with**.

The first golden period — 1940s and 1950s. The club won La Liga twice and became one of the leading teams in Spain. In the 1970s, the team won several more championship titles and even reached the European Champions Cup final.

But the real breakthrough happened in the XXI century, when in 2011 the team was headed by Diego Simeone. Under his leadership, the club won La Liga twice, went to the final of the Champions League and became the main competitor of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

\n
\"Simeone has turned Atlético into a fighting machine that never gives up.\"
\n

\n","club_identity_html":"

Stadium \"Atletico Madrid\"

The club's home arena is Civitas Metropolitano, one of the most modern stadiums in Europe. Opened in 2017 after reconstruction, it accommodates more than 68 thousand spectators.

Before that, the club played at the legendary Vicente Calderon, which was one of the most atmospheric stadiums in Spain. But over time, it had to be replaced by a new arena that meets all modern requirements.

\n
\"\"Metropolitano\" has become a real fortress of \"Atletico\". The team rarely loses here, and the support of the fans creates an atmosphere that scares opponents.\"
\n

Achievements of \"Atletico Madrid\"

The club boasts a solid collection of trophies:

Champion of Spain (11 times) — last title in the 2020/21 season.
Cup of Spain (10 times) — the club repeatedly beat the strongest rivals in the national cup.
Europa League (3 times) — 2010, 2012, 2018.
UEFA Super Cup (3 times) — always beat the Champions League winners.
Champions League finalist (3 times) — 1974, 2014, 2016.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Famous players of \"Atletico Madrid\"

Many legendary football players played for the club and left their mark in history:

Fernando Torres — symbol of the club, fan favorite.
\n
Diego Simeone — first the leader on the field, and then the most successful coach of the club.
\n
Sergio Aguero is a striker who scored at the most important moments.
\n
Diego Forlan is the owner of the Golden Boot, one of the best forwards in La Liga.
\n
Jan Oblak is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, a real wall in the goal.
\n

Interesting facts about \"Atletico Madrid\"

The club experienced the most dramatic finals of the Champions League — losing twice to Real Madrid in the last minutes.
\n
Simeone — record holder — has been working with the club for more than 10 years and is the main creator of its success.
\n
One of the most hated rivals \"Barcelona\" and \"Real\" - matches against these teams are always on principle.
\n
Red and white stripes is a branded uniform that has become a symbol of struggle and indomitability.
\n
\"Indians\" is the nickname of fans who are famous for their devotion and passion.
\n

\n
\"Atletico Madrid reminds us that real strength is not in the beauty of the game, but in the ability to fight until the last second.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Atlético Madrid remains a unique phenomenon in world football, proving that tactical discipline and collective spirit can overcome individual talent. Can the club continue its successful era under the leadership of Simeone? One thing can be said for sure - the spirit of \"Metropolitano\" and philosophy of struggle make \"Atletico\" a special place where every match is war and every victory is won with sweat and blood. This is a club that proves that the most important thing in football is never giving up and fighting until the last breath.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/727_2bf8d835b8.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_727_2bf8d835b8.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_727_2bf8d835b8.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_727_2bf8d835b8.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_727_2bf8d835b8.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_727_2bf8d835b8.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_727_2bf8d835b8.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}}},"league":{"id":580,"name":"UEFA Champions League","gender":"male","type":"club","format":"international_cup","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:42:08.837Z","updatedAt":"2025-07-18T01:08:59.658Z","stb_id":"uefa-champions-league","position":null,"locale":"en","description":"# UEFA Champions League\n\n## Introduction\n\nThe **UEFA Champions League** stands as the premier club football competition across Europe, organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). This prestigious tournament represents the highest level of continental club football, bringing together the most successful teams from various European domestic leagues. The UEFA Champions League football competition has established itself as the ultimate prize for European clubs, with matches regularly attracting hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. UEFA Champions League statistics demonstrate its unparalleled popularity, with the competition being broadcast in over 200 countries, making it a truly global sporting phenomenon.\n\n## History\n\nThe UEFA Champions League history dates back to 1955 when it was initially established as the European Cup. The UEFA Champions League creation was inspired by the South American Championship of Champions and was proposed by French sports journalist Gabriel Hanot. The inaugural tournament took place during the 1955-56 season, with \"Real Madrid\" claiming the first title, beginning their remarkable dynasty in the competition.\n\nThe UEFA Champions League development has seen several significant transformations over the decades. Between 1955 and 1992, the tournament operated as a straightforward knockout competition exclusively featuring domestic league champions. A landmark moment came in 1992 when the tournament was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League, introducing the group stage format that became its hallmark. Further expansions occurred between 1997 and 1999, allowing runners-up from stronger leagues to participate, followed by additional changes permitting third and fourth-placed teams from top leagues to enter the competition.\n\n## Competition Format\n\nThe UEFA Champions League format has continuously evolved to enhance competitiveness and spectator appeal. Until recently, the tournament featured qualifying rounds leading to a 32-team group stage, where participants were divided into eight groups of four teams each. The UEFA Champions League rules dictated that teams play home and away matches against each group opponent, with the top two finishers advancing to the knockout phase.\n\nThe UEFA Champions League tournament then proceeded through the round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, all contested over two-legged ties, before culminating in a single-match final at a pre-selected neutral venue. Points were awarded on the traditional system: three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss.\n\nA significant transformation is set for the 2024-25 season, with UEFA introducing a 36-team \"Swiss model\" league phase to replace the traditional group stage. Under this new system, each team will play eight matches against different opponents, adding greater variety to the competition's early stages.\n\n## Famous Teams\n\nThe UEFA Champions League teams feature the continent's most prestigious football clubs, with several establishing remarkable legacies in the competition. \"Real Madrid\" stands as the undisputed king of European football, having secured an unprecedented 14 UEFA Champions League titles. Their dominance spans both the competition's early years—winning the first five tournaments from 1956 to 1960—and recent history, with four triumphs between 2014 and 2018.\n\nOther UEFA Champions League clubs with illustrious histories include \"AC Milan\" with seven titles, while both \"Liverpool\" and \"Bayern Munich\" have claimed six championships each. \"Barcelona\" follows closely with five titles to their name. The competition has fostered iconic rivalries, such as the \"El Clásico\" battles between \"Real Madrid\" and \"Barcelona\" on the European stage, and the intense encounters between English giants \"Liverpool\" and \"Chelsea\".\n\nIn terms of national supremacy, Spanish UEFA Champions League winners have been the most successful, followed by clubs from England, Italy, and Germany, underlining the strength of these countries' domestic leagues.\n\n## Statistics and Records\n\nUEFA Champions League records showcase extraordinary achievements throughout the competition's history. \"Real Madrid\" holds the record for most titles (14) and final appearances (17). The Spanish giants also achieved the remarkable feat of winning five consecutive tournaments between 1956 and 1960, a record unlikely to be broken.\n\nAmong individual UEFA Champions League statistics, Cristiano Ronaldo leads as the all-time top scorer with 140 goals, followed by Lionel Messi with 129. Ronaldo also holds the record for most goals in a single season, netting 17 during the 2013-14 campaign with \"Real Madrid\".\n\nUEFA Champions League players have set numerous impressive benchmarks. Francisco Gento of \"Real Madrid\" holds the record for most winners' medals by an individual player with six. Meanwhile, Iker Casillas has made the most appearances in the competition with 177 matches.\n\nThe highest-scoring final occurred in 1960 when \"Real Madrid\" defeated \"Eintracht Frankfurt\" 7-3, while the largest margin of victory in a knockout match was achieved by \"Liverpool\" in 2007, defeating \"Besiktas\" 8-0.\n\n## Current State\n\nThe UEFA Champions League season continues to evolve, with the competition maintaining its status as the pinnacle of club football. The current format features 32 teams, though this will expand to 36 for the 2024-25 season under the new \"Swiss model\" league phase. The UEFA Champions League today reflects increasing dominance by clubs from the wealthiest leagues, particularly those from England, Spain, Germany, and Italy.\n\nUEFA Champions League overview in recent years shows growing financial disparities between participating teams, with clubs from the \"Big Five\" leagues (England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France) generally outperforming teams from smaller football nations. The competition provides substantial financial benefits to participating clubs, with prize money, broadcasting revenues, and commercial opportunities creating a powerful economic incentive.\n\nThe UEFA has implemented several recent changes, including the abolition of the away goals rule in 2021, aiming to maintain competitive balance and spectator interest in the tournament.\n\n## Interesting Facts\n\nUEFA Champions League facts reveal numerous fascinating aspects of this storied competition. The tournament's anthem, composed by Tony Britten in 1992 based on Handel's \"Zadok the Priest,\" has become one of the most recognizable pieces of sports music worldwide.\n\nUEFA Champions League interesting moments include \"Liverpool's\" miraculous comeback in the 2005 final, when they recovered from a 3-0 halftime deficit against \"AC Milan\" to eventually win on penalties in what became known as the \"Miracle of Istanbul.\" Similarly, \"Manchester United's\" last-minute victory against \"Bayern Munich\" in 1999, securing a treble of major trophies, remains one of football's most dramatic finishes.\n\nUEFA Champions League stories feature remarkable achievements like Celtic's 1967 victory with a team composed entirely of players born within 30 miles of Celtic Park, earning them the nickname \"Lisbon Lions.\" The competition has also witnessed underdog triumphs, such as \"Porto's\" unexpected victory under José Mourinho in 2004 and \"Chelsea's\" against-the-odds success in 2012.\n\nThe prestigious \"big ears\" trophy stands 73.5 cm tall, weighs 7.5 kg, and is one of the most coveted prizes in world sport, symbolizing the ultimate achievement in European club football.","active":true,"short_code":"UEFA CL","category":1,"top_position":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192f732-6707-71ba-9776-ac0cd8e4a571","overrides":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":true,"inactive":null,"description_html":"

UEFA Champions League

Introduction

The UEFA Champions League stands as the premier club football competition across Europe, organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). This prestigious tournament represents the highest level of continental club football, bringing together the most successful teams from various European domestic leagues. The UEFA Champions League football competition has established itself as the ultimate prize for European clubs, with matches regularly attracting hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. UEFA Champions League statistics demonstrate its unparalleled popularity, with the competition being broadcast in over 200 countries, making it a truly global sporting phenomenon.

History

The UEFA Champions League history dates back to 1955 when it was initially established as the European Cup. The UEFA Champions League creation was inspired by the South American Championship of Champions and was proposed by French sports journalist Gabriel Hanot. The inaugural tournament took place during the 1955-56 season, with \"Real Madrid\" claiming the first title, beginning their remarkable dynasty in the competition.

The UEFA Champions League development has seen several significant transformations over the decades. Between 1955 and 1992, the tournament operated as a straightforward knockout competition exclusively featuring domestic league champions. A landmark moment came in 1992 when the tournament was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League, introducing the group stage format that became its hallmark. Further expansions occurred between 1997 and 1999, allowing runners-up from stronger leagues to participate, followed by additional changes permitting third and fourth-placed teams from top leagues to enter the competition.

Competition Format

The UEFA Champions League format has continuously evolved to enhance competitiveness and spectator appeal. Until recently, the tournament featured qualifying rounds leading to a 32-team group stage, where participants were divided into eight groups of four teams each. The UEFA Champions League rules dictated that teams play home and away matches against each group opponent, with the top two finishers advancing to the knockout phase.

The UEFA Champions League tournament then proceeded through the round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, all contested over two-legged ties, before culminating in a single-match final at a pre-selected neutral venue. Points were awarded on the traditional system: three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss.

A significant transformation is set for the 2024-25 season, with UEFA introducing a 36-team \"Swiss model\" league phase to replace the traditional group stage. Under this new system, each team will play eight matches against different opponents, adding greater variety to the competition's early stages.

Famous Teams

The UEFA Champions League teams feature the continent's most prestigious football clubs, with several establishing remarkable legacies in the competition. \"Real Madrid\" stands as the undisputed king of European football, having secured an unprecedented 14 UEFA Champions League titles. Their dominance spans both the competition's early years—winning the first five tournaments from 1956 to 1960—and recent history, with four triumphs between 2014 and 2018.

Other UEFA Champions League clubs with illustrious histories include \"AC Milan\" with seven titles, while both \"Liverpool\" and \"Bayern Munich\" have claimed six championships each. \"Barcelona\" follows closely with five titles to their name. The competition has fostered iconic rivalries, such as the \"El Clásico\" battles between \"Real Madrid\" and \"Barcelona\" on the European stage, and the intense encounters between English giants \"Liverpool\" and \"Chelsea\".

In terms of national supremacy, Spanish UEFA Champions League winners have been the most successful, followed by clubs from England, Italy, and Germany, underlining the strength of these countries' domestic leagues.

Statistics and Records

UEFA Champions League records showcase extraordinary achievements throughout the competition's history. \"Real Madrid\" holds the record for most titles (14) and final appearances (17). The Spanish giants also achieved the remarkable feat of winning five consecutive tournaments between 1956 and 1960, a record unlikely to be broken.

Among individual UEFA Champions League statistics, Cristiano Ronaldo leads as the all-time top scorer with 140 goals, followed by Lionel Messi with 129. Ronaldo also holds the record for most goals in a single season, netting 17 during the 2013-14 campaign with \"Real Madrid\".

UEFA Champions League players have set numerous impressive benchmarks. Francisco Gento of \"Real Madrid\" holds the record for most winners' medals by an individual player with six. Meanwhile, Iker Casillas has made the most appearances in the competition with 177 matches.

The highest-scoring final occurred in 1960 when \"Real Madrid\" defeated \"Eintracht Frankfurt\" 7-3, while the largest margin of victory in a knockout match was achieved by \"Liverpool\" in 2007, defeating \"Besiktas\" 8-0.

Current State

The UEFA Champions League season continues to evolve, with the competition maintaining its status as the pinnacle of club football. The current format features 32 teams, though this will expand to 36 for the 2024-25 season under the new \"Swiss model\" league phase. The UEFA Champions League today reflects increasing dominance by clubs from the wealthiest leagues, particularly those from England, Spain, Germany, and Italy.

UEFA Champions League overview in recent years shows growing financial disparities between participating teams, with clubs from the \"Big Five\" leagues (England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France) generally outperforming teams from smaller football nations. The competition provides substantial financial benefits to participating clubs, with prize money, broadcasting revenues, and commercial opportunities creating a powerful economic incentive.

The UEFA has implemented several recent changes, including the abolition of the away goals rule in 2021, aiming to maintain competitive balance and spectator interest in the tournament.

Interesting Facts

UEFA Champions League facts reveal numerous fascinating aspects of this storied competition. The tournament's anthem, composed by Tony Britten in 1992 based on Handel's \"Zadok the Priest,\" has become one of the most recognizable pieces of sports music worldwide.

UEFA Champions League interesting moments include \"Liverpool's\" miraculous comeback in the 2005 final, when they recovered from a 3-0 halftime deficit against \"AC Milan\" to eventually win on penalties in what became known as the \"Miracle of Istanbul.\" Similarly, \"Manchester United's\" last-minute victory against \"Bayern Munich\" in 1999, securing a treble of major trophies, remains one of football's most dramatic finishes.

UEFA Champions League stories feature remarkable achievements like Celtic's 1967 victory with a team composed entirely of players born within 30 miles of Celtic Park, earning them the nickname \"Lisbon Lions.\" The competition has also witnessed underdog triumphs, such as \"Porto's\" unexpected victory under José Mourinho in 2004 and \"Chelsea's\" against-the-odds success in 2012.

The prestigious \"big ears\" trophy stands 73.5 cm tall, weighs 7.5 kg, and is one of the most coveted prizes in world sport, symbolizing the ultimate achievement in European club football.

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Conor Gallagher: Profile