The two sides entering the Metropolitano Stadium on June 1 can legitimately be pinned up against some of the great European sides witnessed during the competition’s rich history.
Ahead of this blockbuster encounter between Tottenham and Liverpool we’re running a series on Europe’s elite competition called the ‘Best Ever…’ and on this occasion we’re examining the greatest kits to have graced the tournament.
Trimming the list down to five is an enormously tricky task and any one of the five picked hold claim to top spot.
But here is our look at the five best European Cup/Champions League kits.
1. BORUSSIA DORTMUND (1996/97)
It takes something extraordinary to outshine a perfect 30-yard lob in a Champions League final, but BVB’s illuminous winning kit from the 1996/97 edition did just that.
With a vibrant flash of yellow stolen from a highlighter pen that was contrasted perfectly by black trim and shorts, manufacturers Nike came up with a modern classic.
It’s mixture of vibrancy and durability reflected the winning qualities of Ottmar Hitzfeld’s men.
The iconic vector logo of German insurance company Die Continentale also brought the whole design together. Substitute Lars Ricken’s delicate first-time strike versus holders Juventus has been etched into football history. So has the outfit he did it in.
2. AJAX (1971/72)
Johan Cruyff in 1971/72
Simple, but delightfully effective. This description works for Ajax’s emblematic shirt, with red stripe and white arms, plus the distinguished technicians that wore it.
Johan Neeskens, Piet Keizer, Arie Haan, Ruud Krol, Johnny Rep and, of course, Johan Cruyff all donned the jersey during the glorious period from 1971-73 in which Ajax claimed three-successive European Cups.
The jersey they wore, Total Voetbal philosophy they followed and players that featured all earned hallowed spots in the sport’s annals.
All linked together to create a motif, that stands for footballing purity. A special mention must also be made for the all-red ensemble that was used against the black and white of Juventus in 1972/73’s last of the trio of successes.
3. SAMPDORIA (1991/92)
Gianluca Vialli and Roberto Mancini
Sampdoria have been virtual strangers to the Champions League. They, however, left an indelible impression during 1991/92’s only full campaign in Europe’s premier club tournament (they exited in 2010/11’s play-offs).
As is custom in Italy, La Samp’s nickname details their celebrated kit. I Blucerchiati (The Blue hooped) describes an unique shirt, featuring a base colour of blue plus white, red and black hoops.
The 1991/92 vintage by Asics was also made more alluring by the stylish Edoardo Raffinerie Garrone (ERG) sponsorship emblazoned on it. A team defined by the attacking might of Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli, plus heroics of Gianluca Pagliuca in goal, roared all the way to the final.
There (in a white away kit), only an extra-time free-kick from prolific Barcelona defender Ronald Koeman could deny the then Serie A-holders the grandest trophy of all.
4. BENFICA (1961/62)
The Benfica team in 1961 (Photo Credit: www.slbenfica.pt)
The television archives do not do justice to the striking kit worn by the commanding Benfica outfit that swept to success in 1961/62. A 5-3 final pulverising of – then – five-time champions Real Madrid featured a two-goal haul from forward Eusebio that beckoned the coming of an all-time great.
Able support was provided by the likes of fellow attacker Aguas and the versatile Domiciano Cavem. Most images of this side are dulled by the black-and-white pictures of the age.
They also detract from the deep red of the Benfica shirt, plus the prominent and oversized pure-white collar that made their outfit so memorable.
5. ROMA (2001/02)
Francesco Totti in 2001
Roma’s participation in the 2001/02 Champions League did not last further than the second group stage (a precursor to the current round of 16). Memories of their enchanting kit, however, have lasted much longer.
Their ensemble was part of Kappa’s quintessential collection at the turn of the Millennium. Skin tight and made of fabric that resembled a surfer’s wet suit, they heralded the end of the baggy shirts that preceded them. The Italian manufacturer sponsored a number of teams, but special alchemy was at play when it came to Roma.
The Giallorossi’s purple red shirt with a gold collar is resplendent of the Eternal City’s deep history – and it never looked better than in 2001/02.
It also helped that ceaseless Brazil right-back Cafu, suave Italy defender Christian Panucci, club legend Francesco Totti and Argentina predator Gabriel Batistuta looked like classical statues on display at the Vatican Museum.
