Inter Milan, one of Italy’s most storied football clubs, boasts a rich history filled with domestic and international triumphs. When it comes to the prestigious UEFA Champions League (formerly known as the European Cup), a key question arises: Cuantas Champions tiene el Inter? (How many Champions Leagues does Inter have?). The answer is three.
Inter’s Champions League victories are spread across different eras, each marking a significant period in the club’s history. Their first triumph came during the “Grande Inter” era of the 1960s. Helenio Herrera, a legendary manager known for his “catenaccio” tactics, led the team to back-to-back European Cup titles.
1964: Inter’s inaugural Champions League victory arrived in 1964. They defeated the mighty Real Madrid 3-1 in the final, held in Vienna. Sandro Mazzola, one of the club’s iconic players, scored two goals, etching his name into Inter’s folklore.
1965: The following year, Inter successfully defended their title. Playing at their home ground, the San Siro, they overcame Portuguese giants Benfica 1-0. Jair da Costa scored the decisive goal, securing Inter’s second consecutive European crown.
Following this golden age, Inter endured a long wait for their next Champions League trophy. Decades passed with near misses and disappointments. The club experienced periods of domestic success, but the European title remained elusive.
2010: The drought finally ended in 2010, under the guidance of José Mourinho. This Inter side, featuring stars like Samuel Eto’o, Diego Milito, Wesley Sneijder, and Javier Zanetti, embarked on a memorable Champions League campaign. They navigated a challenging group stage and then overcame Chelsea, CSKA Moscow, and Barcelona in the knockout rounds.
The 2010 final, held in Madrid, saw Inter face Bayern Munich. Diego Milito delivered a masterful performance, scoring both goals in a 2-0 victory. This triumph marked Inter’s third Champions League title and completed a historic treble, as they also won the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia that season.
While Inter has not added to their Champions League tally since 2010, they remain a prominent force in European football. The club consistently aims to compete at the highest level, and their fans eagerly await the day they can celebrate a fourth Champions League title. The three victories already secured, however, are a testament to Inter’s rich history and their place among Europe’s elite football clubs.