Champions League winners: Every edition's winner since 1992/93

2004/05 – Liverpool

Liverpool won arguably the most dramatic final ever in 2004/05

Arguably the most dramatic final of any Champions League took place in Istanbul in 2004/05, as Liverpool somehow overcame AC Milan after a penalty shoot-out. The Reds had trailed 3-0 at half-time, but an inspired comeback – with goals from Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso –enabled them to draw level, and goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek eventually saved the decisive penalty from Milan’s star striker Andriy Shevchenko.

The victory was Liverpool’s 5th in the competition, meaning they kept the trophy, with a new one being made ready for the 2005/06 edition. It was Liverpool’s first Champions League win since 1983/84, and was made even more incredible by the fact that they were nearly eliminated in the group stages – before a late Gerrard goal in the final game against Olympiakos sent them through on goal difference.

2005/06 – Barcelona

Ronaldinho helped Barcelona to victory in 2005/06

Barcelona won their first Champions League since the rebranding – and their first since the Johan Cruyff era – in 2005/06, overcoming Arsenal in a final that for a long time, it looked like they would lose. Despite goalkeeper Jens Lehmann becoming the first man to ever be sent off in a Champions League final, Arsenal took the lead through Sol Campbell late in the first half – only for late goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti to win it for Barca.

Fascinatingly, both Arsenal and Barcelona progressed to the final without losing a single game – both sides won their groups comfortably and then defeated some true giants of the European game – Real Madrid, Juventus, Villarreal, Chelsea, Benfica and Milan – to set up their clash. Barca’s win was also the first for a Spanish team since Real Madrid’s victory 5 seasons prior.

2006/07 – AC Milan

Milan took revenge on Liverpool to win the 2006/07 edition

AC Milan won their 7th Champions League and their 3rd since the rebranding by overcoming Liverpool in the 2006/07 final, although the match was far less dramatic than the meeting between the two sides two seasons beforehand. This time it was a relatively comfortable win for the Italian side, as Filippo Inzaghi scored late in both halves of the game and Dirk Kuyt’s 89th-minute goal was no more than a consolation for the Reds.

Outside of the final result, it was an excellent season for English sides in the Champions League, as for the first time the Premier League provided 3 of the 4 semi-finalists; Manchester United were beaten by Milan, and Liverpool overcame the challenge of Chelsea after a penalty shoot-out. It was a precursor of what was to follow in the next season.