The UEFA Champions League, the most prestigious club competition in European football, returns for the 2024/25 season with a brand-new format that promises to elevate excitement, give more teams a chance of winning, and add extra unpredictability to football betting this term.
The traditional group stage has been replaced by the innovative Swiss-style format, which will now see 36 participating teams, four more than in previous years, placed in a league table and playing eight matches against different opponents.
As the 2024/25 Champions League season gets underway, English sides are once again among the favourites to lift the coveted trophy, continuing their recent dominance on the European stage throughout the last few years.
In this article, we take a closer look at the English sides that have tasted European glory, both across the Champions League and the European Cup, as it was formerly known.
Liverpool – Six titles
Since their first title in 1977, Liverpool have been synonymous with European success. With six Champions League titles to their name, they are the most successful English club in the competition’s history.
Their most recent triumph came in 2019, when they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Madrid, also reaching the final in 2021/22 but falling short to Real Madrid after a 1-0 defeat in Paris.
Under Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool were a formidable force, combining relentless pressing with clinical finishing. It will be interesting to see how new manager Arne Slot performs as the Reds return to Europe’s elite competition this season.
Manchester United – Three titles
Manchester United’s illustrious history in the Champions League includes three titles, with their most famous victory coming in 1999 when they secured the treble in dramatic fashion, scoring two late goals to beat Bayern Munich in the final.
United’s most recent triumph came in 2008, under Sir Alex Ferguson, in a tense penalty shootout against Chelsea. Although they reached two more before 2011, they were beaten in both by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in some of the most breath-taking displays of possession football the club game has ever seen.
Chelsea – Two titles
Chelsea has etched their name in Champions League history with two titles, both coming somewhat against the odds. The Blues were taken over by Roman Abramovic in 2003 but would have to wait almost a decade for continental success – beating Bayern Munich in their own backyard on penalties in a smash-and-grab trip to Bavaria.
Nine years later, they would pick up a second crown, even with a transfer ban. Thomas Tuchel outfought Guardiola in Portugal as his side nicked a 1-0 win over Manchester City, their most recent Champions League success.
Nottingham Forest – Two titles
Nottingham Forest may not be a current Premier League powerhouse, but their history in European football is nothing short of legendary.
Under the guidance of Brian Clough, Forest won back-to-back titles in 1979 and 1980, a remarkable achievement for a club of their size. Though they haven’t featured in the competition for decades, Forest’s legacy as a two-time winner remains a proud chapter in English football history.
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Though separated by decades, both Manchester City and Aston Villa have each lifted the Champions League trophy once, etching their names into European football history.
City finally broke their Champions League curse in 2023, lifting the trophy after years of near misses. Guardiola’s side will be eager to chase a second title in what could be his final season, making them one of the favourites once again.
Aston Villa’s sole European Cup triumph came in 1982 when they defeated Bayern Munich 1-0 in Rotterdam. They return to the Champions League this season for the first time since 1992 after coming fourth in the Premier League under Unai Emery.
