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Their UEFA Champions League football legacy is built on attacking, youth and tactical innovation. They are one of the most important clubs in Champions League history.

• Titles: 4 (1971, 1972, 1973, 1995)

• Key Players: Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Clarence Seedorf, Edwin van der Sar

• Managerial Greats: Rinus Michels, Louis van Gaal

• Memorable Moments: The hat-trick of titles from 1971 to 1973 and the youthful brilliance of the 1995 team.

Also see: How Real Madrid Changed the World of Football

5. FC Barcelona (5 Times)

FC Barcelona have 5 Champions League titles and that is because of their commitment to an attacking and possession based style of play, also known as tiki-taka. Their first European Cup win in 1992 under Johan Cruyff was the foundation for all the success that followed. Late 2000s and early 2010s was the golden era for the club with titles in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015.

Under Pep Guardiola’s management, 2008/09 and 2010/11 were the most exceptional seasons. The team’s emphasis on youth development with players like Messi, Xavi and Iniesta and strategic signings created a team that was fluid and creative.

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2014/15 was the last time they won the title under Luis Enrique and the MSN trio (Messi, Suárez and Neymar) made Barcelona’s legacy in European football unbeatable.

• Titles: 5 (1992, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2015)

• Key Players: Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Ronald Koeman

• Managerial Greats: Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique

• Memorable Moments: The maiden victory in 1992 under Johan Cruyff, the treble-winning seasons in 2009 and 2015, and the brilliant final in 2011 against Manchester United.

4. Bayern Munich (6 Times)

As the most successful club of Germany, Bayern Munich has won the Champions League six times. Their initial period of success was marked by the mid-1970s, including 3 titles from 1974 to 1976. An epochal era was led by legends Franz Beckenbauer (FB), Gerd Müller (GM) and Sepp Maier (SMTH), who, with their influence, secured Bayern's place on the European arena.

The Bavarian hegemons enjoyed a revival in the 21st century, winning the competition in 2001, 2013, and again in the 2019/20 season. The 2019/20 season was unique as the record of Bayern's team was absolute, they won all the games to claim the title. 

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Their 1-0 defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in the final, played out behind closed doors as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrated tactical control and the width of talent. Notable team contributors to the team’s success include Philip Lahm, Robert Lewandoski and Frank Ribery.

• Titles: 6 (1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013, 2020)

• Key Players: Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Philipp Lahm, Robert Lewandowski

• Managerial Greats: Udo Lattek, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Jupp Heynckes

• Memorable Moments: The hat-trick of titles from 1974 to 1976, the dramatic last-minute victory in 2013, and their unbeaten run to the title in 2020.

3. Liverpool (6 Times)

The six titles-won by Liverpool mark an illustrious history during the Champions League, with their last in 2019. European success for the Reds kicked off in the 1970s and '80s, the golden years, during which they obtained 4 titles (1977, 1978, 1981, and 1984). Shaped under the management of Bob Paisley, who later was assisted by Joe Fagan, Liverpool's glory was born out of a perfectly knitted team spirit and tactical skill.

The 2004/05 season witnessed one of the most dramatic UEFA Champions League finals in football history. Liverpool came back from 3-0 down against AC Milan to equalize and win the match via a penalty shootout. This match has come to be known as the "Miracle of Istanbul," encapsulating the resilience and fighting spirit of the club.

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The year 2019 saw the last European triumph for Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp, when they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the final, a match that displayed tactical brilliance and high-intensity play. They also hold the record for having the most Champions League trophies won by a Premier League club.

• Titles: 6 (1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005, 2019)

• Key Players: Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard, Mohamed Salah, Ian Rush

• Managerial Greats: Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Jürgen Klopp

• Memorable Moments: The back-to-back titles in 1977 and 1978, the "Miracle of Istanbul" in 2005, and the 2019 triumph under Jürgen Klopp.

2. AC Millan (7 Times)

AC Milan is the second highest ranking Champions League winner and one of the most successful clubs in the history of the competition, having secured seven titles. Their European journey started with victories in 1963 and 1969, under the strategic skill of Nereo Rocco and the prowess of players like Gianni Rivera. The late 1980s and early 1990s, when they won two consecutive titles in 1989 and 1990 under Arrigo Sacchi, represented their finest hour.

A tight defense was complemented by the attacking talents of the Dutch combination: Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit, and Frank Rijkaard. It was this distance that finally saw them claim their last Champions League title in 2007, in the days of Brazilian playmaker, Ricardo KaKa, finally taking retribution for losing to Liverpool in the final in 2005.

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It saw the emergence of true champions: Paolo Maldini, synonymous with the success of Milan for outstanding leadership and defensive ability. The long path of the club in European competitions encompassed a fair concoction of tactical Inverness and unfading hunger for excellence. 

• Titles: 7 (1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, 2007)

• Key Players: Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Marco van Basten, Andriy Shevchenko

• Managerial Greats: Nereo Rocco, Arrigo Sacchi, Carlo Ancelotti

• Memorable Moments: The dominant performances in 1989 and 1990, and their remarkable comeback against Liverpool in 2007.

1. Real Madrid (15 Times) 

Most of the players would love to play for Real Madrid. The question is, why? Such titles in the UEFA Champions League have never been achieved by any other club. They have a record 15 titles to their name. Their dominance dates back to the early years of the tournament when they won five consecutive titles from 1956 to 1960. 

Players like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás were legendary during this time, and much of Real Madrid's European supremacy stemmed from their contributions. Years of dedication to excellence have turned Real Madrid into the club that adapts and evolves, remaining a fearsome force in European football.