UCL History Smiles On Arsenal: 7 Clubs That Won At Second Attempt

The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League final took place between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal on May 30 in Budapest, Hungary. PSG aimed to retain their title while Arsenal sought their first Champions League victory.

In their only previous final, Arsenal faced Barcelona at Stade de France on May 17, 2006, and lost 2-1. Despite a strong start with Sol Campbell’s goal, the team struggled after goalkeeper Jens Lehmann received a red card in the 18th minute. Manuel Almunia replaced Lehmann, and Arsenal sacrificed midfielder Robert Pires for the change. Barcelona rallied with goals from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti to clinch the trophy.

Though PSG were the favorites for the season’s final, Arsenal drew hope from clubs that secured the Champions League title during their second appearance. The article recounted seven clubs that achieved this feat.

AC Milan
AC Milan’s first finals appearance was during the 1957-1958 season when they lost 3-2 to Real Madrid. They returned in the 1962-1963 season and defeated Benfica 2-1, becoming the first Italian club to win the title. Milan added six more titles in 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003, and 2007, ranking them second in total victories behind Real Madrid.

AJAX
Ajax Amsterdam made their inaugural final appearance in the 1968-1969 season but lost 4-1 to AC Milan. Following this, Feyenoord won the title in 1970, becoming the first Eredivisie club to do so. Ajax returned in the 1970-1971 season, winning 2-0 against Panathinaikos and establishing their legacy with four titles overall by 1995.

HAMBURGER SV
Hamburger SV reached the final for the first time in the 1979-1980 season, losing 1-0 to Nottingham Forest, who were also the defending champions. In the 1982-1983 season, Hamburger SV faced Juventus in their second final and won 1-0, claiming their first Champions League title.

As history shows, Arsenal may find inspiration in the stories of these clubs as they approach their crucial match against PSG.