4 teams which came close to retaining their UEFA Champions League trophy

The UEFA Champions League or European Cup as it was known before 1992 has produced a string of meritorious winners dating back to it's introduction in 1955. Its early years have seen clubs dominate the winners list; most notably Real Madrid from 1956 to 1960. However, subsequently after the annual continential football competition changed its name to the former, no team has ever successfully defended their European crown. In the wake of 2013 European Champions Bayern Munich's exit in the semi-final of the 2013/2014 campaign, we take a look at teams that came within touching distance of reclaiming Championship status.

#1 1995 - AC Milan

The stage was set in OAKA Spiros Louis, Athens for the 1994 UEFA Champions League Final. AC Milan against Barcelona. On paper it would have portrayed two colossal teams locked in a European fistfight. However in reality, it was a heavily one-sided affair with Milan crowned champions after a 4-0 rout courtesy of a Daniele Masaro brace and goals from Dejan Savievi and Marcel Desailly.

Fastfoward a year from their victory and Milan found themselves in the final once again. This time, against Dutch side Ajax Amsterdam at Vienna. Milan saw their dreams crushed when Ajax striker Patrick Kluivert scored the game's solitary goal in the 84th minute. His goal ensued that the trophy was Holland bound.