UEFA: THE MECCA OF EUROPEAN CLUB FOOTBALL COMPETITION RETURNS TONIGHT – ADDY KENNEDY EDEM
The UEFA Champions League, which began as the European Cup and was first played in the 1992-1993 season, is a premier football competition. It has grown from an initial 8 clubs to 32, not including the qualification stage, and is unmatched in popularity among club competitions worldwide.
The tournament begins with 32 teams divided into 8 groups. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stage. Major leagues such as the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga are allocated up to 4 slots in the main draw. Champions and runners-up from other top European countries also participate in the Champions League.
Real Madrid, the Spanish giants, were the inaugural winners of the European Cup in 1955, now known as the Champions League. They have gone on to win it 14 times, making them the most successful team in the competition. AC Milan of Italy follows with 7 titles.
In total, there have been 23 different Champions League winners. Manchester City became the sixth English club to win the title after their triumph in the 2022-2023 season.
The reigning champions begin their title defense at home later tonight when they host Red star Belgrade. Could Guardiola’s men make it a brace of champions league titles?
Credit – Addy Kennedy Edem, Radio Tamale
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