Manchester City and Real Madrid finished their UEFA Champions League group stage campaigns with a perfect 18 out of 18 points and head into the last 16 in great form. The two sides have won the previous two editions of the tournament and will hope to be victorious in the competition again this season.
1. AC Milan (1992/93)
In the inaugural Champions League group stage, AC Milan set the standard. Marco van Basten’s brilliance and Fabio Capello’s tactics powered them to six wins, including a 4-0 triumph over IFK Göteborg. Despite falling short in the final against Marseille, Milan’s flawless group stage performance remains iconic.
2. Paris Saint-Germain (1994/95)
Led by Luis Fernandez, Paris Saint-Germain dazzled in 1994/95. George Weah’s heroics, including a crucial goal against Bayern München, propelled PSG to six victories. Although they stumbled in the semi-finals against AC Milan, their group stage dominance left a lasting impression.
3. Spartak Moskva (1995/96)
Spartak Moskva’s 1995/96 campaign showcased Russian resilience. With a record 11-point winning margin, Spartak dominated, only to be halted by Nantes in the quarter-finals. Oleg Romantsev’s side left a mark as a force to be reckoned with.
4. Barcelona (2002/03)
Under Louis van Gaal, Barcelona’s golden boys of 2002/03 set a Champions League record with nine straight victories. Their attacking prowess, highlighted by a 3-2 win against Club Brugge, saw them top the group convincingly. Despite a quarter-final exit, Barça’s group stage exploits were unforgettable.
5. Real Madrid (2011/12)
José Mourinho’s Real Madrid in 2011/12 cruised through the group stage with a perfect record. With a potent attack and a solid defense, they set the stage for a memorable campaign. Despite bowing out in the semifinals, their group stage dominance remains etched in history.
6. Real Madrid (2014/15)
Inspired by the legendary BBC front three of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlo Ancelotti’s men stormed through the group stage once again and chalked up a record ten successive Champions League wins before dropping a leg to Schalke in the Last 16. Juventus were the side to topple the holders, with Madrid-born Alvaro Morata netting twice in the semi-finals to send Los Blancos crashing out.
7. Bayern München (2019/20)
Bayern München’s 2019/20 campaign was a spectacle of goal-scoring brilliance. Robert Lewandowski’s record-breaking performances, including a stunning 7-2 win against Tottenham Hotspur, paved the way for Bayern to lift the trophy after winning all six group games.
8. Bayern München (2021/22)
Bayern München’s 2021/22 Champions League was another showcase under Julian Nagelsmann. They dominated with a flawless record, including a 3-0 win against Barcelona and Lewandowski’s hat-trick in a 5-2 victory over Benfica. The campaign culminated in a 2-1 triumph against Dynamo Kyiv. This excellence continued into the following season under Nagelsmann’s guidance, reinforcing Bayern’s reputation as footballing juggernauts.
9. Ajax (2021/22)
Ajax’s Sébastien Haller stole the spotlight in 2021/22 with ten goals in the group stage. The Dutch side’s attacking prowess and Haller’s remarkable debut season in the Champions League propelled them to a perfect record. Their journey, reminiscent of their golden era, left fans in awe.
10. Liverpool (2021/22)
In 2021/22, Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool asserted their quality from the outset. Overcoming formidable opponents, including Atlético de Madrid and AC Milan, Liverpool finished with a record-equalling 11-point margin. Their attacking prowess and defensive resilience signaled a team ready for glory.
11. Bayern München (2022/23)
Bayern München continued their dominance with a third consecutive perfect group stage in 2022/23. Julian Nagelsmann’s men navigated a challenging group, including a convincing win over Barcelona. Bayern’s consistency and ability to top challenging groups showcased their elite status.
12. Real Madrid (2023/24):
In the current season, Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid faced challenges but emerged with a perfect record. Dramatic victories, including a late winner against Union Berlin, showcased their tenacity. With a mix of experience and emerging talent, Real Madrid sets the stage for another thrilling Champions League campaign.
13. Manchester City (2023/24):
This year, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City joined the elite group with a flawless group stage. Their consistency, even with a rotated squad, showcased the team’s depth. Erling Haaland’s goals and a collective team effort propelled City towards back-to-back Champions League triumphs.
