Paris Saint Germain’s 5-0 victory over Inter Milan is a continuation of Allianz Arena’s legacy of producing a first time winner every time it hosts the UEFA Champions League final.
This legacy dates back to 1979 European Cup final hosted at the then Olympiastradion, two teams who had never won the competition-Nottingham Forest of England and Malmo FF of Sweden. Trevor Francis headed in John Robertson’s cross in the first half of the extra time after full time had ended goalless. Nottingham Forests thus won their first European title.
Fourteen years later, the European Cup final returned to Munich with Marseille up against AC Milan. While Marseille were chasing their first European title, AC Milan were going for their fifth title. Basile Boli scored the only goal in the 44th minute as Marseille claimed their first European title.
In 1997 another first time winner emerged when German side Borussia Dortmund defeated Juventus 3-1 in Munich. The Italians were already two-time champions, so it was not surprising that the Germans won their first title. Karl-Heinz Riedle put the German side in front in the 29th minute with a low shot from inside the six yard box. Before the break, Riedle made it two when he headed in Andreas Moller’s corner kick.
Borussia Dortmund won their first Champions League title in Munich.
In the second half, Juventus’ hit man, Alessandro Del Piero came in as a substitute and pulled one back with a back-heel after a cross from the left channel by Alen Boksic to keep Juventus’ hope of a comeback alive.
In the 71st minute, 20 year-old Lars Ricken sealed the victory for Dortmund.
In the Champions League era in 2012, Chelsea took on home side, Bayern Munich, who had won the competition four times. The home side out played Chelsea but failed to convert their chances until the 83rd minute, when Thomas Muller headed Toni Kroos’ cross down, the ball bounced over Petre Cech in goal for Chelsea, hit the crossbar and entered into the net. With two minutes to the final whistle, Chelsea won their first corner of the game, which was taken by Juan Mata. Didier Drogba’s powerful header went past Manuel Neuer for Chelsea’s equalizer. Extra time ended with no goals and Chelsea had to play another penalty shootout in a Champions League final after they lost on penalties in the 2008 final to Manchester United.
Didier Drogba holding the Champions League trophy which Chelsea won for the first time in 2012 in Munich.
Chelsea won on penalties despite Juan Mata missing Chelsea’s first penalty kick.
Congratulations to PSG, the latest champions of the UEFA Champions League. Next season’s Champions League final will hold on May 30, 2026 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary.
We are looking forward to when next the Champions League final will return to Munich and the club that will be emerging champions for the first time.
