{"match":{"id":768831,"date":"2025-10-21T19:00:00.000Z","status":"fixture","winner":null,"score_a":0,"score_b":0,"venue_type":"home_away","final_period":"soc_p2s","createdAt":"2025-08-30T14:58:00.521Z","updatedAt":"2025-10-01T02:16:36.047Z","gameweek":3,"attendance":0,"display_name":"2025-10-21 19:00:00 Newcastle United FC vs Sport Lisboa e Benfica","locale":"en","stb_id":"2025-10-21-19-00-00-newcastle-united-fc-vs-sport-lisboa-e-benfica","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":"0198fb7c-354a-7f58-923d-b73f7bc30e9f","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":true,"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":49643,"name":"Newcastle United FC","short_name":"Newcastle","tla_name":"NEW","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Newcastle United Football Club ","founded":1881,"colors":"Black,White","nicknames":"The Magpies,The Toon,Geordies","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:40:09.360Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T11:07:31.383Z","website":"http://www.nufc.co.uk","address":"Sports Direct Arena","address_city":"Newcastle upon Tyne","address_zip":"NE1 4ST","locale":"en","stb_id":"newcastle-united-fc","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## What you need to know about Newcastle football team\n\n**Newcastle United** is not just a football club, but **part of the life of the north of England**. It appeared in **1892** in the city of **Newcastle-upon-Tyne** and has since become a **symbol of the region** where football is more than a game.\n\nThe team is often called **\"magpies\"** - because of the **black and white uniform**. The club has a **rich history**: **four championships, three FA Cups**, and also **a huge army of fans**, for whom this team is like a family.\n\n> \"Even in trophyless years, Newcastle retain a recognizable style, character and a frenetic stadium where every match is an explosion of emotion.\"\n","sporting_achievements":"\nThe beginning of **Newcastle** is connected with the **unification of two local clubs** — **East End and West End**. It was a classic story of a city looking for **one team** that everyone could root for. In **1892** it appeared — and immediately became **a part of local culture**.\n\n**At the beginning of the 20th century** **Newcastle** was very strong: the team won the **Championship of England in 1905, 1907 and 1909**. Then it was a **machine** — attacking, fast, aggressive.\n\n**After the Second World War** came new victories — the **FA Cups of 1951, 1952 and 1955** were especially memorable. In those years, **Newcastle** became famous not only for its trophies, but also for its **style of play** — **spectacular and open**.\n\n**But later the successes** came to naught. In the **70-80s**, the club struggled for survival, often changing coaches.\n\n> \"But things exploded in the 90s. Kevin Keegan built a brilliant team that almost won the championship in 1996.\"\n\n**Only a few points left.** That's when **Alan Shearer** joined the club, the goalscorer who said no to **Manchester United** and chose **hometown**.\n\n**In the 2000s** **Newcastle** played erratically, was relegated, returned. **Change came in 2021** when the club was bought by **new owners from Saudi Arabia**. With money and new ambitions, the team once again became **a threat to any opponent**.\n\n**Return to the Champions League**, **League Cup final** — and all this in less than two years. This is a **new chapter** that is just beginning.\n","club_identity":"## Newcastle Stadium: where they play\n\n**St James Park** is the **heart of Newcastle**. The stadium, which **rises above the city**, became part of its silhouette. It can be seen from different areas, and it literally stands in the **center of life**.\n\n**Built** at the end of the **XIX century**, it now holds more than **52 thousand spectators**. But it's not the number that's important — it's how **those stands** sound. It's not just a buzz, it's a **buzz** that keeps the team running even with their last breath.\n\n> \"The atmosphere at St. James Park is unique. You don't need shows or pyrotechnics. When the fans start singing, when the wave goes through the stadium, that's the real energy of football.\"\n\n**It is particularly interesting** that this stadium is one of the **few in England** that has remained in the **very center of the city**, almost unchanged since its founding.\n\n## Newcastle achievements\n\n* **Newcastle** won the **England championship four times** — in **1905, 1907, 1909 and 1927**. It was the **golden generation** that made the club formidable.\n\n* The **FA Cup** was lifted by the team **three times** — in **1910, 1951 and 1955**.\n\n* There is another victory that not everyone knows about: in **1969**, **Newcastle** won the **Fairs Cup**, which was later transformed into the **UEFA Cup**.\n\n* In the **21st century** there were no trophies, but the club **played twice in the finals** of national cups — and each time the fans did not disappear, but on the contrary, became **even closer**.\n\n> \"Newcastle are among the favorites again today. Everyone is waiting for another big title.\"\n\n**And considering** how quickly the team changes, this is no longer a fantasy, but a **real scenario** for the upcoming season.\n","current_status_and_future":"## Newcastle famous players: are there legends\n\n**Alan Shearer** is **Newcastle's top name**. He is a **local boy** who became a hero. His **206 goals** is a **club record**. His style — **straightforwardness, impact, presence in the box** — became a standard for attackers. But besides him, there were many bright players.\n\n* **Peter Beardsley** is technical and clever, creating moments that audiences **remember for decades**.\n\n* **David Batty** is a tough defender, **a true warrior**.\n\n**In new times** the team is led forward by such as **Bruno Guimarães, Callum Wilson, Trippier**. Each of them has already become a **part of a new story**.\n\n> \"And in general, Newcastle have always had players who did not play for the salary, but for the chevron on the chest.\"\n\n## Newcastle interesting facts\n\n**Newcastle fans** is a separate topic. **They don't cheat.** A team can be relegated, lose a run of ten matches - but **St James Park** will still be full. Even in the cold, fans stand in **T-shirts**, sometimes **without clothes on the upper part of the body**.\n\n> \"It's not madness, it's a show of love for the club.\"\n\n* **One of Newcastle's records** is **consistent home support**. Even in the **Championship** the stadium was filled almost to capacity.\n\n* **It is also interesting** that **the color of the uniform** — **black and white** — appeared as early as **1894** and still has not changed.\n\n* And the **club anthem** - **\"Blaydon Races\"** - sounds as if it is not sung by the tribune, but by the **city**.\n\n> \"Newcastle is a club where traditions are respected, where fans live football, and every match is a celebration for the whole city.\"\n\n**It's worth noting** that **Newcastle United** is undergoing a **genuine renaissance**, combining **rich traditions** with new ambitions and resources. Will the team be able to return to the **glory of the early 20th century**? One thing is certain - the **spirit of St. James Park** and the **loyalty of the Toons** (as the fans call themselves) make **Newcastle** a special place where **football remains a religion** and the club is **a part of the soul of every city dweller**.\n","stb_internal_id":"0192f730-927c-7b47-8969-0ec66f6eb1b4","overrides":{"name":"Newcastle United FC"},"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":"

What you need to know about Newcastle football team

Newcastle United is not just a football club, but part of the life of the north of England. It appeared in 1892 in the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and has since become a symbol of the region where football is more than a game.

The team is often called \"magpies\" - because of the black and white uniform. The club has a rich history: four championships, three FA Cups, and also a huge army of fans, for whom this team is like a family.

\n
\"Even in trophyless years, Newcastle retain a recognizable style, character and a frenetic stadium where every match is an explosion of emotion.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

The beginning of Newcastle is connected with the unification of two local clubs — East End and West End. It was a classic story of a city looking for one team that everyone could root for. In 1892 it appeared — and immediately became a part of local culture.

At the beginning of the 20th century Newcastle was very strong: the team won the Championship of England in 1905, 1907 and 1909. Then it was a machine — attacking, fast, aggressive.

After the Second World War came new victories — the FA Cups of 1951, 1952 and 1955 were especially memorable. In those years, Newcastle became famous not only for its trophies, but also for its style of play — spectacular and open.

But later the successes came to naught. In the 70-80s, the club struggled for survival, often changing coaches.

\n
\"But things exploded in the 90s. Kevin Keegan built a brilliant team that almost won the championship in 1996.\"
\n

Only a few points left. That's when Alan Shearer joined the club, the goalscorer who said no to Manchester United and chose hometown.

In the 2000s Newcastle played erratically, was relegated, returned. Change came in 2021 when the club was bought by new owners from Saudi Arabia. With money and new ambitions, the team once again became a threat to any opponent.

Return to the Champions League, League Cup final — and all this in less than two years. This is a new chapter that is just beginning.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Newcastle Stadium: where they play

St James Park is the heart of Newcastle. The stadium, which rises above the city, became part of its silhouette. It can be seen from different areas, and it literally stands in the center of life.

Built at the end of the XIX century, it now holds more than 52 thousand spectators. But it's not the number that's important — it's how those stands sound. It's not just a buzz, it's a buzz that keeps the team running even with their last breath.

\n
\"The atmosphere at St. James Park is unique. You don't need shows or pyrotechnics. When the fans start singing, when the wave goes through the stadium, that's the real energy of football.\"
\n

It is particularly interesting that this stadium is one of the few in England that has remained in the very center of the city, almost unchanged since its founding.

Newcastle achievements

Newcastle won the England championship four times — in 1905, 1907, 1909 and 1927. It was the golden generation that made the club formidable.
\n
The FA Cup was lifted by the team three times — in 1910, 1951 and 1955.
\n
There is another victory that not everyone knows about: in 1969, Newcastle won the Fairs Cup, which was later transformed into the UEFA Cup.
\n
In the 21st century there were no trophies, but the club played twice in the finals of national cups — and each time the fans did not disappear, but on the contrary, became even closer.
\n

\n
\"Newcastle are among the favorites again today. Everyone is waiting for another big title.\"
\n

And considering how quickly the team changes, this is no longer a fantasy, but a real scenario for the upcoming season.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Newcastle famous players: are there legends

Alan Shearer is Newcastle's top name. He is a local boy who became a hero. His 206 goals is a club record. His style — straightforwardness, impact, presence in the box — became a standard for attackers. But besides him, there were many bright players.

Peter Beardsley is technical and clever, creating moments that audiences remember for decades.
\n
David Batty is a tough defender, a true warrior.
\n

In new times the team is led forward by such as Bruno Guimarães, Callum Wilson, Trippier. Each of them has already become a part of a new story.

\n
\"And in general, Newcastle have always had players who did not play for the salary, but for the chevron on the chest.\"
\n

Newcastle interesting facts

Newcastle fans is a separate topic. They don't cheat. A team can be relegated, lose a run of ten matches - but St James Park will still be full. Even in the cold, fans stand in T-shirts, sometimes without clothes on the upper part of the body.

\n
\"It's not madness, it's a show of love for the club.\"
\n

One of Newcastle's records is consistent home support. Even in the Championship the stadium was filled almost to capacity.
\n
It is also interesting that the color of the uniform — black and white — appeared as early as 1894 and still has not changed.
\n
And the club anthem - \"Blaydon Races\" - sounds as if it is not sung by the tribune, but by the city.
\n

\n
\"Newcastle is a club where traditions are respected, where fans live football, and every match is a celebration for the whole city.\"
\n

It's worth noting that Newcastle United is undergoing a genuine renaissance, combining rich traditions with new ambitions and resources. Will the team be able to return to the glory of the early 20th century? One thing is certain - the spirit of St. James Park and the loyalty of the Toons (as the fans call themselves) make Newcastle a special place where football remains a religion and the club is a part of the soul of every city dweller.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/466_9ecf18016c.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_466_9ecf18016c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_466_9ecf18016c.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_466_9ecf18016c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_466_9ecf18016c.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_466_9ecf18016c.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_466_9ecf18016c.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}}},"team_b":{"id":51093,"name":"Sport Lisboa e Benfica","short_name":"SL Benfica","tla_name":"SLB","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Sport Lisboa e Benfica","founded":1904,"colors":"Red,White","nicknames":"Águias","createdAt":"2024-11-05T16:10:13.222Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-12T22:32:16.487Z","website":"http://www.slbenfica.pt","address":"Av. General Norton de Matos 1500, Apartado Nº 4100","address_city":"Lisboa","address_zip":"1501-805","locale":"en","stb_id":"sport-lisboa-e-benfica","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":null,"sporting_achievements":null,"club_identity":null,"current_status_and_future":null,"stb_internal_id":"0192fd17-3f0e-7fca-812a-fd09227de412","overrides":{"name":"Sport Lisboa e Benfica"},"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":"","sporting_achievements_html":"","club_identity_html":"","current_status_and_future_html":"","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/1548_49463b2a76.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_1548_49463b2a76.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_1548_49463b2a76.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_1548_49463b2a76.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_1548_49463b2a76.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_1548_49463b2a76.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_1548_49463b2a76.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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Vangelis Pavlidis: Profile