The 5 Most Successful Football Clubs in Europe — beragampengetahuan – Beragampengetahuan

In the ‘70s, Benfica continued to strive domestically, winning six Primeira Liga titles and two Taca de Portugal titles.

In Europe, Benfica only managed to reach the semi-finals, beaten by Ajax and Johan Cruyff, one of the greatest left-footed players of all-time.

Portugal’s rich footballing heritage was cemented in 2016 when Portugal won the 2016 European Championships.

Back From the Brink

After financial troubles in the ‘80s due to poor financial management, things didn’t get any easier for Benfica in the ‘90s.

After decades of success, Benfica struggled domestically and in Europe.

It wasn’t until the 2003-04 season that Benfica would win their first trophy since the 1995-96 season. The season after this, Benfica won their first league title since 1994.

More success would follow from 2003-04, as Benfica looked to regain its dominance in Portugal.

4. FC Barcelona (87 trophies)

• Many great footballers have played for Barcelona, including Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona

• 26 La Liga titles

• Lionel Messi played for the club for 21 years

Competing with Spanish rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona is a dominant force in Spain – and they have enjoyed spells of dominance in European competitions.

Barca has:

• 26 La Liga titles

• A record 31 Copa del Ray titles

• A record 12 Supercopa de Espana titles

• Five European Cups/UEFA Champion Leagues

• A record four UEFA Cup Winners’ Cups

• A record five UEFA Super Cups

• Three FIFA Club World Cups

Johan Cruyff and Diego Maradona at Barca

Cruyff arrived from Ajax for a then-record fee of £920,000. In his first season, Cruyff helped Barca win their first league title in 14 years. The win included an impressive 5-0 victory away at Real Madrid.

After Cruyff departed, Barca looked to replace their star man with another star name. In 1982, they did just that by signing Diego Maradona for a world record fee of £5 million.

His time at Barca was short, but Maradona picked up a Copa del Ray and Spanish Super Cup medal. Cruyff returned as manager in 1988, leading to a spell of dominance for the Spanish giants.

Players such as Hristo Stoichkov, Pep Guardiola, Eusebio, Ronald Koeman and Michael Laudrup were all part of Cruyff’s dream team era.

Cruyff saw Barca win 11 trophies under his management, including four consecutive La Liga titles.

Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta

Former player Guardiola took over as manager in 2008 and brought with him his tika-taka style that would change the game completely.

Pep inherited a team full of stars such as Ronaldinho, Messi, Iniesta, Xavi and Carlos Puyol. Pep was quick to put his stamp on the team.