REAL MADRID: Having won
the very first edition of the cup, they went on to win
it 8 times more. They also continued their dominant home
form and are the leading Spanish side. Last year finished
fourth in Primera liga and played in the Champions league
this season.
STADE DE REIMS: One of
the strongest continental side of their day, Reims managed
to reach one more final in a few years time, again losing
to old nemesis Madrid. Fell on hard times eventually and
currently are languishing in the second level of French
football.
A.C. MILAN: If Madrid
are the kings of Europe, then Milan definitely are the
Crown Princes. Their haul of 6 cups is only second to
Madrid's. Recently have been dominant in Europe and Serie
A too and are the current Italian champions. Strongly
fancied to win a seventh European crown this year.
HIBERNIAN EDINBURGH:
Scottish standard bearers in European competitions, Hibs
have been consistent performers in their league too. Although
they have not been able to compete with the big two from
Glasgow, they can rightly claim to be one of the more
well known and respected of the Scottish hierarchy. After
a relatively low point in the first division, Hibs have
regained their usual position in the top echelon by finishing
third last season.
F.K. PARTIZAN BELGRADE:
Partizan capped off a good initial performance by going
on to play Madrid in the final 10 years later. Although
that was their peak in Europe, domestically they have
remained very strong and have competed ferociously with
rivals Red Star for top dog status. After the breakup
of former Yugoslavia, Partizan have really hit their stride
and are currently the champions in their league.
VOROS LOBOGO: Although
Voros may cause a lot of people now to shake their heads
in non-recognition, back in those days, Hungarian football
was going very strong and Voros being the champions were
considered a very decent side. They subsequently changed
their name back to M.T.K. Hungaria and reached one Cupwinners
Cup final. In recent years have regained their place in
the elites of Hungary.
DJURGAARDENS I.F. : Djurgaardens
were regular performers in the first two decades of European
competitions. Eventually they were eclipsed by other sides
in the Swedish league and slipped away into obscurity.
Had a revival in the last decade and at the start of the
new millennium scaled back former heights by being crowned
champions twice in a row. Finished third last year.
S.K. RAPID VIENNA: Have
played in two European finals, in the Cup-winners cup
and UEFA cup and been regulars in the Champions cup too.
If anyone wants to measure their performances in the Austrian
Bundesliga, consider this fact. Rapids recent 7th place
finish was their worst ever performance in the history
of their existence! Finished 4th last term.
