Fretre Ranking all the high-pitched teams
Football

Unveiling the Fretre: Ranking the Top High-Pitched Teams!

12 Min Read

Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as the European champion by clinching the 2024-25 Champions League final with an impressive 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, marking their first time lifting the trophy.

Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, this young squad controlled the match, showcasing a relentless offense that overwhelmed Inter, who struggled to respond, leading to the largest win recorded in a European Cup final.

Gone are the days when PSG featured stars like Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé; now, the team boasts a fresh roster filled with promising young talent. The Nerazzurri were left stunned from the start, as PSG celebrated their victory amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the Allianz Arena.

The Champions League trophy, valued at over 2 billion euros, not only caps off a successful domestic season for the Parisians but also concludes an ambitious football project that has evolved over the past decade.

PSG secured the Ligue 1 title in early April and followed that by winning the Coupe de France earlier this month, joining Barcelona and Bayern Munich as the only clubs to achieve such a feat twice.

Since the inception of the European Cup in 1955, 11 clubs have achieved this prestigious honor, with over half of them winning since 2000. Notably, only four teams lifted the trophy during the last 45 years of the 20th century, while six have triumphed since 2000, including three in the five years between 2000 and the 2012-13 season.

PSG has been the latest club to join this illustrious list, following Manchester City, which won the European treble last season after defeating Inter in the 2022-23 Champions League final. Interestingly, both Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique are now among only two coaches to secure European titles at two different clubs (Barca and City; and Barca and PSG).

This article takes a look back at the past 11 European Cup Treble victories and ranks them to identify the greatest among them.

Editor’s Note: This piece has been updated since its original publication on June 7, 2023.

PSV Eindhoven, renowned for its success in the 70s and 80s, has a trophy cabinet filled with domestic and continental honors, including multiple Eredivisie titles and the UEFA Cup. However, it wasn’t until young coach Gus Hiddink took the helm in 1987-88 that the Dutch side began to realize its European ambitions.

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With a nine-point lead in the league and a 3-2 win over Roda JC in the cup final courtesy of a goal from Soren Rabie, European glory followed as PSV became the first Dutch team to conquer the continent in 15 years. Hiddink’s disciplined squad, featuring young defender Ronald Koeman, achieved this remarkable feat without dazzling flair.

PSV’s journey included navigating to a goalless draw against Bordeaux in the quarter-finals, a semi-final 1-1 against Real Madrid decided by away goals, and a penalty shootout win in the final against Stuttgart. Remarkably, the team only won three of their nine matches in the tournament but relied on penalties and away goals to ultimately secure their triumph.

10. Inter Milan (2009-10)

When Inter faced off in their last Champions League final, they became the sixth club to achieve a treble of League, Cup, and European honors. Under José Mourinho, Inter cultivated a winning mentality bolstered by a rock-solid defense and formidable attacking talent, cementing their dominance in Serie A.

The Nerazzurri also claimed the Coppa Italia in a typically efficient manner, with one-goal victories in every round leading them to glory.

In the Champions League, they advanced from a tough group featuring Chelsea, CSKA Moscow, and the defending champions Barcelona after defeating the latter twice. Despite losing their final to Inter, Bayern’s attempts to reclaim European glory ended in disappointment.

Ultimately, Inter’s resilience and tenacity earned them their first European Cup since 1965, marking a proud moment in the club’s history.

9. Ajax (1971-72)

Despite concerns that the long-tenured coach, Linus Michaels, might signify the end of a golden era, the 1971-72 Ajax team (under Stephen Kobax) proved otherwise by achieving even greater success than their illustrious predecessors.

They relied on the prowess of stars like Johan Cruyff and Johan Neeskens, losing just one match throughout the season to clinch the Eredivisie title. Their European campaign was equally impressive, winning all six matches, which included notable victories over teams like Dynamo Dresden and Arsenal, culminating in a 2-0 triumph over Inter Milan in the final, with Cruyff scoring both goals.

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8. Paris Saint-Germain (2024-25)

While PSG has long dominated domestically, their Champions League quest has been elusive. After winning 11 of their last 13 league titles and capturing eight of the last 11 Coupe de France finals, they finally laid claim to the coveted trophy.

The team’s path through the Champions League was dramatic, displaying resilience as they navigated past elite clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and others. In the final, they overwhelmed Inter Milan, racing to a swift 2-0 lead and continuing to secure a landmark victory.

7. Bayern Munich (2012-13)

Bayern Munich rebounded impressively from consecutive Bundesliga losses, demonstrating resilience under their coach Jupp Heynckes. The team finished the season succumbing to just two losses, dominating the league with a record point total and scoring impressive goals over their opponents.

In the Champions League, Bayern conquered formidable foes, including Barcelona, on their path to victory. Their hard-fought win against Borussia Dortmund in the final, achieved through a late goal, marked their first European Cup title.

Manchester United’s remarkable season during 1998-99 encapsulated the essence of dramatic football, culminating in their Champions League triumph after a thrilling comeback in the final.

While their league and cup victories were significant, the drama of their European campaign defined their legacy. Concluding the season with a 2-0 win over Newcastle in the finals, they met Bayern in an intensified head-to-head, where they snatched a last-minute victory.

Oliver Kahn, a formidable presence in goal, could not prevent two quick goals in stoppage time from securing the title for United, solidifying their place in football lore.

5. Celtic (1966-67)

Few teams showcased dominance like Celtic’s legendary “Lisbon Lions” squad, securing five prestigious titles in the 1966-67 season.

With an astounding record of 196 goals scored, Celtic navigated to victories in the Scottish Division 1, Scottish Cup, League Cup, Glasgow Cup, and finally, the European Cup, becoming the first British team to achieve this historic treble.

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This remarkable feat was characterized by fierce competitions and memorable matches, including a final victory over Inter Milan in Lisbon that cemented their football legacy.

4. Manchester City (2022-23)

Manchester City experienced a rocky start in the 2022-23 season but rallied to finish strong, showcasing their championship pedigree. After navigating through tough losses, they rebounded to claim the Premier League title and finish the season on a high note with a successful FA Cup run.

The team dominated in the Champions League, culminating in a tense final where Rodri secured their first European Cup victory, joining a select group in the footballing elite.

3. Barcelona (2008-09)

Barcelona transformed from an exciting squad filled with emerging talent to a refined powerhouse under manager Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2009. The team integrated iconic players from La Masia alongside marquee signings, thriving in a remarkable league campaign and securing the Copa del Rey.

In their Champions League journey, they defeated formidable opponents, culminating in a masterclass performance in the final against Manchester United which saw Messi shine brightly, leading them to their first high note in Spanish football history.

2. Bayern Munich (2019-20)

Bayern Munich’s 2019-20 campaign kicked off with some initial hiccups until Hansi Flick’s management led the team to unprecedented success. Featuring a stellar performance from Robert Lewandowski, Bayern systemically dismantled their competition and ultimately claimed the UEFA Champions League title with a decisive win against PSG.

1. Barcelona (2014-15)

Between fantastic triumphs, Barcelona evolved into a well-oiled machine, highlighted by the dynamic trident of Messi, Suárez, and Neymar. Under Luis Enrique’s leadership, they surged through La Liga, clinching remarkable wins while solidifying their reputation in Europe by achieving their second Champions League title within a six-year span.

Ultimately, the thrilling football displayed by these teams reflects the ever-evolving nature of soccer. PSG’s recent triumph signifies not only a new chapter for the club but also a shift that could redefine competitive dynamics in European football.

Fan Take: This win for PSG not only breaks their Champions League curse but also sets a precedent for other elite clubs with ambitious projects. As they transition to new talent, fans can expect fresh rivalries and enhanced competition in European leagues, making the sport even more exciting.

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