The UEFA Champions League, initially called the European Cup, was inaugurated in the 1955-1956 season. Real Madrid marked this inaugural period by dominating the competition spectacularly. Under the guidance of coach José Villalonga and with legends such as Alfredo Di Stéfano and Ferenc Puskás, the Madrid club won the first five editions of the competition (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960).

These early victories established Real Madrid as the dominant force in European football. The club particularly shone in the 1960 final, where it beat Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3 in Glasgow, a match often regarded as one of the greatest spectacles in football history.

After these initial successes, Real Madrid experienced a period of relative drought in the UEFA Champions League, despite some national and international successes. It took until 1998 for the club to return to European glory. Under the management of Jupp Heynckes, Real Madrid won its seventh title by defeating Juventus 1-0, thanks to a goal by Predrag Mijatović.

This success marked the beginning of a new golden era for the club. In 2000, under Vicente del Bosque, Real Madrid triumphed again, this time against Valencia with a 3-0 scoreline. Two years later, in 2002, the club won its ninth title, notably thanks to a famous volley by Zinédine Zidane in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

The 2010s saw Real Madrid reassert its supremacy in the UEFA Champions League in spectacular fashion. With players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Luka Modrić, and under the leadership of various coaches including Zinédine Zidane, the club won four titles in five years (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018).

The 2014 victory, under Carlo Ancelotti, was particularly memorable. Real Madrid won "La Décima" (its tenth title) by beating Atlético Madrid 4-1 in extra time. This victory was followed by three consecutive titles under Zidane, an unprecedented achievement in the modern era of the UEFA Champions League.

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Real Madrid's successes in the UEFA Champions League are not only the result of brilliant strategies and effective tactics but also of exceptional individual performances. Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, became the top scorer in UEFA Champions League history during his time at Real Madrid, scoring decisive goals at every stage of the competition.

In addition to Ronaldo's exploits, players like Karim Benzema, Marcelo, and Toni Kroos have also played crucial roles in the club's triumphs. Real Madrid is known for its ability to surpass itself in crucial moments, often referred to as the "UEFA Champions League mentality."

The 2023-2024 season has once again seen Real Madrid demonstrate its resilience and ability to shine on the European stage. After a series of thrilling group stage matches and impressive victories against teams like Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, Real Madrid qualified for its 18th UEFA Champions League final. They will face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, another promising chapter in their legendary history.

The 2024 UEFA Champions League final will be broadcast live on several television channels. In Spain, fans can watch the match on Antena 3 and stream it via the channel's platform​ (Antena3)​. In the UK, the final will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, with a streaming option via the Discovery+ app​. In Germany, ZDF will broadcast the match live, also offering coverage via ZDFmediathek​​.

In Madrid, several fan zones will be set up to allow supporters to experience the atmosphere of the final. Giant screens will be placed in iconic locations in the city, such as Plaza Mayor and Santiago Bernabéu, allowing fans to gather and celebrate this special occasion together.

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The history of Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League is a saga of success, resilience, and grandeur. From its triumphant beginnings in the 1950s to its recent successes, the club has always been at the forefront of European football. Each victory has been built on a legacy of passion, talent, and determination. As Real Madrid prepares for another final, fans and critics around the world eagerly await to see if the club can add another title to its impressive record.

With a total of 14 UEFA Champions League titles, Real Madrid remains the benchmark for European success, and its legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers and football enthusiasts.

Will Real Madrid win again?