Munich is set to host the Champions League final for the fifth time, with the Allianz Arena being the venue for the second time. Tomorrow night (Saturday, at 21 p.m.), Paris Saint-Germain will face off against Inter in the heart of Bavaria.

The previous four battles in Munich have etched unforgettable memories, with one common theme: each time, a new champion was crowned—a team yet to conquer Europe.

It all began at the iconic “Olympic Stadium” in 1979 with Nottingham Forest’s fairytale win, followed by titles for Olympique Marseille and Borussia Dortmund at the same venue, culminating with Chelsea’s triumph at the “Allianz Arena.”

This history may not bode well for Inter, a three-time champion, as they prepare to battle against Paris Saint-Germain, who are still chasing their inaugural European title.

Traditions are meant to be challenged; the “unruly” will likely have surprises in store for the final, while the “saints” have their own strategies, continuing the saga of Munich’s legendary victors.

The night the Claw Masters achieved immortality

Nottingham Forest remains a club with more European championships than domestic titles, having claimed their first success in the Champions Cup 46 years ago in Munich.

It was an unforgettable era marked by legendary coach Brian Clough, culminating in a final against Malmo.

A single goal from the renowned forward Trevor Francis secured the victory for the “Foresters.”

A city that holds little happiness for Italy’s giants

Munich waited another 14 years to host two of Europe’s elite clubs again. In 1993, Marseille and Milan took to the “Olympic Stadium” pitch.

This time, just one goal—scored by Bosil Boly, a defender representing the team from Provence—was enough. Olympique triumphed over Fabio Capello’s squad, becoming the first, and still only, French team to win the European crown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDPMDmOOtec

In 1997, the same stadium hosted the final once again, featuring another prominent Italian team. Unfortunately for them, Munich wasn’t forgiving.

Borussia Dortmund bested Juventus 3-1, with two goals from Karl-Heinz Riedl and a spectacular lob from Lars Ricken. A stunning strike from Alessandro Del Piero wasn’t enough for the “Bianconeri.”

The night when Munich wept

Then, Munich, this time in its new state-of-the-art “Allianz Arena,” welcomed its local club—Bayern—to the final.

The 2012 final saw Chelsea as the rival, and everything seemed poised for a home victory, especially when Thomas Muller struck in the 83rd minute.

However, just moments later, Didier Drogba equalized, leading the match into extra time and eventually a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Roberto di Matteo’s team maintained composure, and the “eared cup” made its way to London for the first time in history.

Now, anticipation builds for the fifth showdown in Munich—will PSG uphold the tradition, or will Inter seize their fourth European title?

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