The Champions League has taken place every year since 1956, when it was originally named the European Cup. While the end result is always the same — a winner crowned club champion of Europe — the Champions League format has evolved over the years. 

Since 1956, 21 different clubs have lifted the big-eared trophy symbolizing the top of the club football game, but no two paths have been exactly the same. 

Chelsea thrashed Brighton & Hove Albion 3-0 on Wednesday, momentarily moving the squad up a spot in the Premier League.

The Blues were merciless to Brighton keeper Matt Ryan as three goals were scored in the right corner.

Brighton started well, limiting Chelsea’s touches while playing aggressive. 

However, things turned fast for the 15th-placed English team.

After compiling a record of 14 wins, two draws and only three defeats with the caretaker label, Ole Gunnar Solskjær has now been confirmed as Manchester United’s permanent manager on a three-year deal.

Solskjær has overseen a dramatic reversal of form in United’s Premier League campaign. After just seven wins in 17 games under José Mourinho and with a top four finish looking impossible, Solskjær has recorded 10 wins in 13 EPL games to bring the Red Devils up to fifth, only two points back from Arsenal with eight matches remaining.

The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinal second legs were held across Europe today, and the field has now been trimmed to four after some truly captivating matches between the continent’s biggest clubs.

After defeating Norwegian side LSK Kvinner 3-0 in the first leg, Barcelona took care of business in Lillestrøm by opening the scoring in the seventh minute to doom any hopes of a Kvinner comeback. Barca has advanced to the semis in two of the last three seasons, but the club has never made it to the final. 

It’s been 14 years since Liverpool defeated AC Milan in one of the most memorable Champions League finals of all time. While the years have gotten on, the men who took the field in that remarkable match can still ball, as evidenced by the Liverpool vs AC Milan Legends highlights from their charity match at Anfield on Saturday.

The list for the Champions League top scorers of all time stretches from players who played in the European Cup (first held during the 1955-56 season) to its current branding as the Champions League (renamed as such in 1992). The competition is now synonymous with the active footballing behemoths known as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and for good reason.

A few weeks ago, Chelsea was hit with a transfer ban for illegally dealing with underage players in its academy system and third party ownership. Now, a Manchester City transfer ban could be instituted for two windows (one year), according to reports.

The away goals rule has been on the minds of soccer fans all around the world this season, especially in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. UEFA is considering getting rid of the tie-breaking system.