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May 31 2023, 16:26 · The Stats Zone

Man City look set to win their first UCL: A look back at previous maiden UCL triumphs

Man City look set to win their first UCL: A look back at previous maiden UCL triumphs
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Pep Guardiola's Manchester City could finally win their first ever UEFA Champions League title this season. They will face Inter Milan in Istanbul, as they bid to become the first new winners of the competition in over a decade.

City's domestic domination

City have dominated England domestically in recent years, finishing first in five of the past six league campaigns, and their domination is not expected to end any time soon. According to outright Premier League betting markets, they are again the favourites to defend their crown next season at odds of -188. In addition, Premier League tips suggest that City will win their fourth title in a row in convincing fashion, with Newcastle United one of the teams seen as challengers. Pep Guardiola's level of control over the English domestic game is unrivalled in modern times, their legacy is written, but the UCL title has continually evaded them.

There are many huge clubs that have consistently been excellent domestically yet have struggled to achieve major European honours. Teams like Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also yet to win the UCL alongside City. It is always a significant moment when a fresh club joins the elite in winning the European Cup. City look set to make it happen this June, but what teams have already completed the feat in the 21st century?

Chelsea's first UCL in Munich

The competition has been heavily dominated by a select group of teams over the years. Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool amongst others have continually claimed victories on the grandest stage of Europe. The last time a team fractured the European elite and claimed their first honour was Chelsea in 2012.

Chelsea reached the final in Munich against the odds, after defeating FC Barcelona over two legs. Chelsea had a squad heavily depleted by injuries, but an immense defensive display helped them ease past the Catalans.

The London side were again huge underdogs heading into the final, as they faced a strong Bayern Munich side in their home stadium. The Allianz Arena certainly gave Bayern the upper hand, but they struggled to break Chelsea's resilience. The breakthrough eventually came a few minutes from time through Thomas Muller. However, Didier Drogba netted a swift reply from a corner kick.

The game headed all of the way to a penalty shootout. Bastian Schweinsteiger missed the decisive kick, which handed Chelsea their first ever victory in Europe's most prestigious club competition.

Jose Mourinho's Porto miracle

Jose Mourinho first made a name for himself in management by guiding FC Porto to a remarkable UCL victory in 2004. They dispatched Manchester United, Olympique Lyon, and Deportivo La Coruna en route to the final.

In the final, they faced AS Monaco who boasted the free-scoring Fernando Morientes on loan from Real Madrid. Porto not only achieved victory on the occasion but also recorded a clean sheet. Their triumph was dominant and emphatic. On a night when a fresh European winner was guaranteed, Mourinho's Porto claimed the honours.

New winners of the UCL are a rarity in football; they tend to come around roughly once a decade. City's time may have finally come for them to join a list of huge European clubs that have a major honour to their name. The job must be finished in Istanbul, but the footballing world is expecting Guardiola's side to deliver.

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