Spain savour European pre-eminence

Spain has become the most successful country in European Champion Clubs' Cup history after FC Barcelona triumphed 2-0 in Rome – the 12th final won by representatives from the Liga.

Clear at the top
Prior to the Stadio Olimpico showpiece, England, Italy and Spain had all lifted the trophy eleven times but Barcelona's victory over Manchester United FC took Spain clear at the top. Germany and the Netherlands occupy joint-fourth place on the list with six wins apiece, although Bundesliga clubs have contested 13 finals compared with the Eredivisie's total of eight. Portugal are sixth in the standings with SL Benfica and FC Porto each claiming the trophy twice.

Solitary triumphs
No other nation has collected more than one European Cup, with French sides falling at the final hurdle on five occasions to leave Olympique de Marseille's 1993 coronation as their sole moment of glory. The former Yugoslavia (FK Crvena Zvezda, 1991), Scotland (Celtic FC, 1967) and Romania (FC Steaua Bucureşti, 1986) have welcomed back European champions once; Belgium (Club Brugge KV, 1978), Greece (Panathinaikos FC, 1971) and Sweden (Malmö FF, 1979) lost their only finals.

Madrid masters
Real Madrid CF remain undisputed masters of the competition, however, having been European champions nine times – most recently in 2002 – two more than nearest rivals AC Milan, who were last victorious two years ago. Liverpool FC have five continental crowns, one more than AFC Ajax and FC Bayern München; Barcelona, like United, boast three European Cups in their trophy cabinet.