The Magic of the UEFA Champions League
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For most players and clubs, one of their ultimate dreams is to participate in one of the most competitive tournaments in the world of football - the UEFA Champions League. It is a competition in which only the best teams across Europe have earned their spot through their respective league positioning. It is one of the most watched competitions in football and possibly amongst other sporting competitions, emphasising the high value that this competition possesses.
Once in the competition, everyone dreams of glory and success at the tournament's climax. It is a tournament where shock upsets and thrilling comebacks are unexpected but always occurs. This shows the beauty of the competition as sometimes results are unexpected and the underdogs retain a belief that they can go deep within the tournament. In addition, this competition gives a platform for the upcoming 'stars' of world football from different leagues which are not usually televised to showcase their talent and ability to the other top European clubs as well as the supporters and fans watching. It is a great way for them to pave a path towards a move to some of the top clubs in the future by impressing on one of the biggest sporting stages in the world.
Many of the top European Clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Man City, PSG and etc put European success as a number one priority. Especially the latter two clubs in recent history as they are two clubs yet to taste glory on the Champions League stage. PSG and City are teams that are almost guaranteed a form of domestic success every season with the talented squad they retain/purchase every season. Therefore, many experts and supporters encourage them to have success on the European stage in order for them to be classed as one of the elite football clubs around Europe. The lack of success in the Champions League has hindered their legacy of becoming one of the best football teams around as fans regard the success in the Champions League very highly - almost like World Cup glory.
In the case of Real Madrid, who have won this competition more times (14) than anyone else, with AC Milan second with 7 UCL triumphs, they also prioritise the UCL over their domestic ventures. Especially when La Decima (Real Madrid winning their 10th UCL) became a demand amongst the fans and the higher-ups of the club. It was evident to see that they were willing to put all their eggs in one basket - in this case the UCL in order to achieve that amazing feat which they managed in a dramatic final versus their arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in 2014.
This game was only one of the many dramatic, late-twist scenarios that have occurred in the history of the Champions League. The night in Barcelona for Man Utd in 99, Zidane's volley vs Milan, Istanbul - Liverpool's comeback, Messi's leap in 2009, Pep's prime Barcelona in 2011, Robben last gasp winner in 2013, Ramos equaliser in 90+4, Barcelona 6-1 PSG - the list is almost endless. Those were only some of the greatest moments ever seen in the UCL and show how unique the competition is with the different clubs across Europe all competing with the same intention to win the tournament. That's what makes this competition so special for all generations, its unpredictability and great teams playing each other with a lot on the line - that's the magic of the Champions League.
