1956 (Real Madrid 4-3 Stade de Reims) Real Madrid's maiden Europe Cup title came on the competition's inaugural season, which was marked by a memorable thrilling finale that saw the Spanish giants come back from behind twice to beat Stade de Reims 4-3 at the Parc des Princes in France. After the French side took a two-goal cushion inside the opening 10 minutes, Spain legend Alfredo Di Stefano and Argentine's Hector Rial made sure Real were not to enter the dressing rooms trailing to their opponents. But Reims restored their advantage after the break before Marquitos and Rial overturned the deficit to give Real their first-ever continental triumph. ## 1957 (Real Madrid 2-0 Fiorentina) Playing at their home stadium, Real Madrid proved they were not ready to lose the prestigious title in front of their fans, defeating Fiorentina 2-0 courtesy of a second-half Di Stefano penalty and a goal from star winger Francisco Gento. The match, however, was not free from controversy – with the hosts awarded a dubious spot kick after Mateos, who was initially flagged for offside by the linesman, was tripped outside the area, only for the referee to point to the spot. ## 1958 (Real Madrid 3-2 AC Milan) Meeting an Italian opponent for the second straight year in the Europe Cup's final, Real Madrid had to wait till extra time to snatch a 3-2 victory over AC Milan at Heysel Stadium in Brussels. After Milan's Juan Schiaffino's second-half opener was cancelled out by the great Di Stefano, the Italians were once again in front through Ernesto Grillo before Rial leveled for Real to take the game to extra time. For the second season running, Gento was key in helping his side secure a consecutive Europe Cup triumph, hitting the all-important goal in added time. 1959 (Real Madrid 2-0 Stade de Reims) Despite having an opportunity to avenge their title loss at the hands of Real three years ago, Stade de Reims were made certain they never stood a real chance against the Spanish powerhouses after slumping to a 2-0 defeat in Stuttgart. Following a first minute goal by Spain international Enrique Mateos, Di Stefano was still on target in the competition's final for the fourth successive season, finding the net early in the second half. The win ensured Real's continental domination as they claimed all Europe Cup titles since the tournament's inauguration just four years earlier. ## 1960 (Real Madrid 7-3 Eintracht Frankfurt) A 10-goal thriller saw Real Madrid clinch their fifth European Cup in a row with a record 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at Glasgow's Hampden Park. Real's seven goals were scored by Di Stefano (three) and another legendary figure in Ferenc Puskas (four), with the duo among only three players to bag a hat-trick in the finals of the European competition's history. ## 1966 (Real Madrid 2-1 Partizan) After finishing runners-up twice since last winning the title in 1960, Real Madrid were once again back on the winning podium with a 2-1 comeback win over Yugoslavia's Partisan in Brussels. Real, who overcame reigning champions Internazionale in the semis, were one goal behind just 10 minutes into the second half before Spain internationals Amancio Amaro and Fernando Serena scored each to seal a record sixth title for their side. 1998 (Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus) Aside from winning their first Champions League accolade in 32 years, the 1998 title's significance also arose from the fact that Real Madrid managed a trophy from under the noses of Juventus – who were featuring in the final for the third year running. A 1-0 victory over the Italian giants, who boasted France star Zinedine Zidane among their ranks, was enough for Real, thanks to a second-half goal from Yugoslavian striker Predrag Mejatovic in Amsterdam. ## 2000 (Real Madrid 3-0 Valencia) It was the first time in the Champions League history that two sides from the same country face off in the competition's final, with Real Madrid pitted against Valencia at Stade de France. Despite the rivalry between the Spanish heavyweights, Real did not struggle much to beat their local opponents - coasting to a 3-0 victory at the time. Goals from Fernando Morientes, Steve McManaman and a remarkable one-on-one effort by goal machine Raul secured Real a convincing victory and earned them their eighth trophy. ## 2002 (Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern Leverkusen) The 2002 Champions League final will always be remembered for Zidane's stunning winning goal; a superlative left-footed volley which helped Real Madrid beat a resilient Bayern Leverkusen side 2-1 in Glasgow. A star-studded Real featuring the likes of Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo and Fernando Hierro took the lead after just eight minutes through a Raul strike, before the goal was cancelled out by a header from Brazil defender Lucio five minutes later. But Zidane came at the stroke of halftime to lash home a memorable first-time effort from the edge of the area to win the game and cap a remarkable campaign for the Los Merengues. ## (For more sports news and updates,followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand on Facebook atAhramOnlineSports.) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/102008.aspx
