How have the 5 teams with perfect Champions League group-stage campaigns fared in the knockout round?

#3 Spartak Moscow (1995-96): Lost 2-4 on aggregate to Nantes in the quarterfinals

In only the fourth edition of the revamped European Cup, called the Champions League since 1992-93, Spartak Moscow produced the third perfect group-stage campaign in the competition.

The Russian team beat each of Legia Warsaw, Rosenborg and Blackburn Rovers twice in the group-stage to romp into the quarterfinals, where they locked horns with French side Nantes.

Spartak's inability to score in a 0-2 first leg defeat away from home came back to haunt them. A 2-2 draw in the return leg at home eliminated the Russian capital team from contention, courtesy a 2-4 aggregate defeat.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Musab Abid