21. Real Madrid: 2001/02
Few Champions League winners have possessed the raw talent of Real Madrid’s 2001/02 vintage. The group that had beaten all contenders two years earlier had been topped up with the additions of Luis Figo, Zidane and Claude Makelele.
Their particular talents combined with Raul, Carlos, Hierro and Casillas to form a team equally capable of scoring in bunches and keeping the door shut at the back. A fluid attacking lineup clicked into gear early, scoring three or more goals five times during two stages of group matches. Real were even better during the knockout phase.
Del Bosque’s platoon of star names eliminated holders Bayern 3-2 on aggregate. It meant a semi-final tilt against bitter rivals Barcelona. Zidane produced a masterclass in a 2-0 win at the Camp Nou before Hierro and the defense held firm back at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The final was notable for Zidane’s iconic winner.
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Yet even a strike this sweet wouldn’t have been enough had it not been for the standout display from Casillas between the sticks. His contributions underlined the steel that went with the silk in this exceptional team. Only better collective seasons and the ability to win in Europe for longer put others ahead of 2002’s champions.