Champions League: 5 Clubs With the Most Semi Final Appearances

Champions League: 5 Clubs With the Most Semi Final Appearances

Fred Kennedy
April 29, 2024 at 9:20 PM
In this article:
UEFA Champions League logo
UEFA UCL
Europe
Real Madrid logo
Real Madrid
Spain
37
Bayern Munich logo
Bayern Munich
Germany
38
FC Barcelona logo
FC Barcelona
Spain
35
Chelsea logo
Chelsea
England
61
Manchester United logo
Manchester United
England
30
  • The Champions League is one of the most prestigious competitions
  • Real Madrid are the most successful club in the tournament's history
  • The La Liga giants have won the elite competition a record 13 times

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The Champions League is one of the most celebrated and decorated competitions in the history of football.

Given its prestigious status, reaching the semi-final stage is considered a monumental achievement, requiring exceptional talent, tactical brilliance, and, sometimes, a dash of luck.

The UEFA Champions League trophy is seen prior to the UEFA Champions League Draw at Salle des Princes. Photo by Valerio Pennicino.
The UEFA Champions League trophy is seen prior to the UEFA Champions League Draw at Salle des Princes. Photo by Valerio Pennicino.
Source: Getty Images

While a number of teams have made it through to this stage of the competition, some have done it more times than others.

Sports Brief takes a look at five clubs that have made the most appearances in the semi-final round of the competition.

5. Manchester United - 7

Despite not being in good form this season, Manchester United are arguably one of the best clubs to have ever participated in the game.

There was a time, especially during the Sir Alex Ferguson era, when United would easily get to the top stages of the UCL. So much so that they even won the Champions League title thrice.

The numbers could be higher now, as the Red Devils have gotten to the semi-finals of the Champions League seven times.

Current United manager, Erik ten Hag, now has the task of putting together a squad that can get further in the competition.

4. Chelsea - 8

From the late '90s to the 2000s, Chelsea have been amongst the few clubs that have participated in top-tier competitions.

Two UCL titles are what the Blues have won in the past 30 years, not to mention that they have gotten to the semi-final stage of the Champions League eight times.

Chelsea had an opportunity to get into the semis last season, but Real Madrid thwarted their dreams in the quarter-finals.

3. Barcelona - 12

One of the best clubs to have participated in the top competitions, tied to the fact that they have had the best coaches in the game.

Barcelona's success has been attributed to the likes of Johan Cruyff, Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi, who have played major roles in ensuring that the Spanish side stands out as one of the fiercest teams in Europe.

With all eyes now on Xavi as he works around to get the team to penetrate the UCL next season, it is important to note that Barcelona has reached the Champions League semi-finals 12 times.

2. Bayern Munich - 13

No one can run away from the fact that Bayern Munich have been one of the finest sides, at least from the German league, to have taken part in the UCL.

That could easily be explained by looking at their stellar form since the late 90s in the Champions League competition.

Munich bagged the UCl title six times but only three came through in the Champions League era, with 2020 being the last time they won the title under the leadership of Hansi Flick.

If only Bayern managed to beat Villarreal in the quarter-finals, they could have added to their stats on the number of times they have gotten into the semis finals of the Champions League.

As cited by UEFA, Bayern are through to their 13th semi-final appearance in the tournament this season.

1. Real Madrid - 17

Real Madrid have just been the best side in the European competition, winning a record 13 times, with seven of the titles coming through in the Champions League era.

Over the past 30 years, the Blancos have reached the UCL semi-finals 17 times.

With their ability to turn around matches, Real Madrid are yet again in the semi-finals this season.

How much City and Arsenal earned in UCL

Earlier, Sports Brief reported on how much Arsenal and Manchester City made from their Champions League campaign this season.

The two Premier League giants were eliminated from the competition on the same night but still made significant fortunes in prize money.

Authors
Fred Kennedy photo
Fred Kennedy
Editor - Europe Team