Bayern Munich is certainly the most decorated German teams in Europe and by far the one with the most Champions League titles. For them, missing out the European top flight competition would be a disgrace. The atmosphere in Allianz Arena, Munich with 75,000 fans has always been intimidating for their oppositions for any of the UCL games.
Plenty of world class figures have been apart of Bayern’s long lasting history in Champions League. They are not only the ones on the pitch such as Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Uli Hoenes, Oliver Kahn, Steffan Effenberg, Bixente Lizarazu, Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Phillip Lahm, Manuel Neuer, Robert Lewandowski, Jerome Boateng, Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry but also the key men at the side of the pitch. Udo Lattek, Ottmar Hizfield, Juup Heynckes and Hans Flick are the notable names who have been in charge of the winning squads from 1970s, early 2000s and 2010s plus lifted the trophy during their reign.
Top Achievements
Die Roeten have reached the finals quite frequently, especially since 1980s. They progressed to the summit eleven times, with six of which ended in a victory. The mid 1970s were their first golden era when Franz Beckenbauer and Co won the titles from 1974 to 1976 by beating Atletico Madrid, Leeds United and St.Etienne. After several failed attempts, Bayern clinched the silverware again in 2001 under Ottmar Hizfield. They won over Valencia on penalties. In the following twelve years, they secured their fifth in all German final in Wembley. Lastly, it was in 2020 in the final behind closed doors, Hans Flick guided them for their sixth victory over PSG.
Meanwhile, their failed attempts were in 1982, 1987, 1999, 2010 and 2013. Their first unsuccessful final was in the early 1980s when Aston Villa crushed them 1-0, then Porto did it six years later by 2-1. In the next decade, they suffered a dramatic loss against Manchester United and even more shocking one in 2013 while facing off Chelsea at their home turf. The 2010 final loss in between was quite expected.
Iconic Moments in the Champions League
Bayern have had their ups and downs in Champions League. They surely have some unforgettable moments, both in positive and negative ones. The best memories for Die Roeten have spread in several decades. Their first final in 1974 was definitely one of them as the game had to be decided through a replay. The initial match against Atletico Madrid ended in a stalemate. Fortunately, Udo Lattek’s men had much improved form and hammered Los Rojiblancos 4-0 two days later.
Their second iconic moment came in 2013 final when they finally gained redemption for their humiliating defeat at home in the previous season. Bayern beat Dortmund 2-1 through Mario Madzukic’s goal and Arjen Robben’s winning goal after Ilkay Gundogan’s equaliser. Another great moment was not exactly at the final but at a quarter final instead in 2019/20 season. Hans Flick’s men romped over another favourite, Barcelona 8-2.
Meanwhile, there are two most heartbreaking moments for Die Roeten. The first one was absolutely 2012 final. They were the favourite and became the host as the final match was stage in Allianz Arena but lost to Chelsea. The second one dramatic too as they were beaten by two late goals of Manchester United in 1999 final.
