The champions league, also known as the UEFA Champions League, is one of the world's largest and most prestigious football competitions. The UEFA, i.e., the Union of European Football Association, organizes it annually. It together brings down all the best clubs across Europe to find out the ultimate champion. Different national league champions participate in this, and this makes the champions league favorite among football fans from all around the world.

History Of the Champions League

In the year 1955, the UEFA Champions League was founded. It was founded as the European Champions Clubs' Cup (Coupe des Clubs Champions Européens). Initially, it was the competition for each European country's champion clubs. In the league's first season, 16 clubs from all across Europe participated, and Real Madrid came up as the champions. Gradually, over the years, it became much more popular and later became a major event in the football calendar by the 1990s.

Later, in the year 1992, the name of the league was changed and was renamed to the UEFA Champions League. Also, the format of the league was also changed, and group stages were included in it. As more clubs got to participate, the competition became more inclusive. Today, the UEFA Champions League is so prominent that it has become one of the selected and most-watched sporting events around the globe. 

Format Of The Champions League

Over the years, the basic structure of the league has been the same. The only thing that has changed is the format of the league. The league does the commencement of the competition through the qualifying round. In this round, the teams from the smaller countries battle out to make a chance on the group stage. The group stage consists of 32 teams, further dividing it into eight teams of four members. And each team plays 6 games, i.e., 3 at home and 3 away. 

They select the top 2 teams from each group heading toward the knockout stage. Finally comes the final round that they organize in May. And the winner who wins the match gets the crown of the champion of the UEFA Champions League. 

Winning Teams Of the Champions League

The most successful and biggest clubs from all around the world win the league. In the history of the competition, Real Madrid is one of the most success-gaining clubs. The club has won the title of UEFA Champions League 14 times. 

Following it, the club AC Milan got the title 7 times, Bayern Munich and Liverpool got 6. There are several other notable winners, including the names of Juventus, Barcelona, and Manchester United clubs. 

Top Goal Scorers Of The Champions League

Several best goal scorers of the champions league have given moments of magic and left their fans in awe. Christiano Ronaldo is the all-time top goal scorer of the league and has scored 140 goals in his name. Following him, Lionel Messi scores 129 goals, Robert Lewandowski scores 91 goals, and Karim Benzema scores 89 goals.

Other than the above one, there are several other notable strikers also. Other strikers include Raul, Thomas Muller, Thierry Henry, and Eusebio.

Conclusion

No one can deny that the Champions League is one of the most interesting competitions, and there is no other competition like it. The competition is full of drama, excitement, and memorable moments. Because of this, the fans of the league always want to attend every single game of the league. Stream your favorite matches on SoccerLive.