Bayern Munich 2001

Coach: Ottmar Hitzfeld

Ottmar Hitzfeld's Bayern Munich won a tense, low-scoring 2001 Champions League final against Valencia on penalties after a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes, with goalkeeper Oliver Kahn — arguably at the peak of his powers and widely regarded as the finest goalkeeper of his generation — saving the decisive spot-kick to end a 25-year wait for the club's fourth European Cup. Stefan Effenberg captained the side from midfield, with Mehmet Scholl and Giovane Élber providing attacking impetus and a defence built around Samuel Kuffour helping the team grind out results throughout a knockout run that was rarely spectacular but consistently effective. The final itself, played at San Siro in Milan, was settled after Valencia's Mauricio Pellegrino missed the decisive penalty, sparking wild celebrations for a Bayern side seeking redemption after the trauma of throwing away a stoppage-time lead against Manchester United in the 1999 final. This squad represented the culmination of Hitzfeld's rebuilding project since taking charge in 1998, and the win re-established Bayern among Europe's true elite.