Borussia Dortmund is one of the most storied football clubs in Germany, known for their passionate fanbase and a strong history in domestic and international competitions.
A key highlight in their history is their performance in the UEFA Champions League, Europe's premier club football tournament.
Dortmund's Champions League Triumph
The 1996/97 Season: A Historic Victory
Borussia Dortmund's only Champions League title came in the 1996/97 season. This victory is etched in the memories of the fans and is a significant part of the club's legacy. Under the management of Ottmar Hitzfeld, Dortmund overcame the odds to lift the prestigious trophy.
In the final held in Munich, Dortmund faced the formidable Juventus, who were the defending champions. Despite being underdogs, Dortmund delivered a memorable performance.
Karl-Heinz Riedle scored twice in the first half, giving Dortmund a commanding lead. Juventus managed to pull one back through Alessandro Del Piero, but a stunning goal by Lars Ricken, just 16 seconds after coming off the bench, sealed a 3-1 victory for Dortmund.
This triumph made Dortmund the third Bundesliga team to win the Champions League, following in the footsteps of Bayern Munich and Hamburg.
Journey to the Final
Dortmund's path to the 1997 final was impressive.
They finished second in Group B behind Atletico Madrid but excelled in the knockout stages. They defeated French side Auxerre in the quarterfinals and secured home and away victories against Manchester United in the semifinals, setting up their final showdown with Juventus.
Subsequent Champions League Campaigns
Near Misses and Consistent Performances
Since their 1997 triumph, Borussia Dortmund has consistently participated in the Champions League, often advancing to the later stages of the competition.
The 2012/13 Season: Runners-Up
One of their most notable campaigns post-1997 was the 2012/13 season under the management of Jürgen Klopp.
Dortmund reached the final, showcasing a dynamic and exciting style of play. In the final at Wembley Stadium, they faced their arch-rivals Bayern Munich.
Despite a spirited performance, Dortmund lost 2-1, with Arjen Robben scoring the decisive goal for Bayern in the closing minutes.
Recent Performances
In the past decade, Dortmund has qualified for the Champions League in nine out of ten seasons, highlighting their consistency in the biggest club competition in the world.
They have reached the knockout stages multiple times, with notable performances including a quarterfinal appearance in the 2020/21 season where they were eliminated by Manchester City.
Dortmund's Overall Champions League Record
Dortmund's involvement in European competitions dates back to the early years of the European Cup.
They first competed in the 1956/57 season and reached the semifinals in 1963/64.
After a long absence, they returned to the competition in the 1990s, coinciding with the reformation of the Champions League.
Here’s a snapshot of their Champions League record:
1956/57: First Round
1963/64: Semifinals
1995/96: Quarterfinals
1996/97: Winners
1997/98: Semifinals
2012/13: Runners-Up
2020/21: Quarterfinals
FAQ
How many times has Borussia Dortmund won the Champions League? Borussia Dortmund has won the Champions League once. Their sole victory came in the 1996/97 season when they defeated Juventus 3-1 in the final.
When did Borussia Dortmund win their only Champions League title? Dortmund won their only Champions League title on May 28, 1997.
Who was Borussia Dortmund's manager during their 1996/97 Champions League win? Ottmar Hitzfeld was the manager of Borussia Dortmund when they won the Champions League in the 1996/97 season.
Which team did Borussia Dortmund defeat in the 1997 Champions League final? Borussia Dortmund defeated Juventus 3-1 in the final of the 1996/97 Champions League.
Who scored the goals for Borussia Dortmund in the 1997 Champions League final? Karl-Heinz Riedle scored two goals, and Lars Ricken scored the third goal for Borussia Dortmund in the 1997 Champions League final.
Has Borussia Dortmund reached the Champions League final more than once? Yes, Borussia Dortmund has reached the Champions League final twice. They won in 1997 and were runners-up in 2013.
Who did Borussia Dortmund face in the 2013 Champions League final? Borussia Dortmund faced Bayern Munich in the 2013 Champions League final and lost 2-1.
How has Borussia Dortmund performed in recent Champions League seasons? In recent years, Borussia Dortmund has consistently qualified for the Champions League. They have reached the knockout stages multiple times, including a quarterfinal appearance in the 2020/21 season where they were eliminated by Manchester City.
What is Borussia Dortmund's best performance in the Champions League since their 1997 win? Since their 1997 win, Borussia Dortmund's best performance was in the 2012/13 season when they reached the final but lost to Bayern Munich.
How many times has Borussia Dortmund reached the semifinals of the Champions League? Borussia Dortmund has reached the semifinals of the Champions League four times: in 1963/64, 1996/97, 1997/98, and 2012/13.
Who scored the fastest substitute goal in a Champions League final, and for which team? Lars Ricken scored the fastest substitute goal in a Champions League final for Borussia Dortmund in 1997, just 16 seconds after coming onto the pitch.
Which other Bundesliga teams have won the Champions League? Apart from Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Hamburg are the other Bundesliga teams that have won the Champions League.
When did Borussia Dortmund first participate in the European Cup? Borussia Dortmund first participated in the European Cup in the 1956/57 season.
How did Borussia Dortmund perform in their first Champions League season after the competition was rebranded in 1992? In the first Champions League season after the competition was rebranded in 1992, Borussia Dortmund reached the quarterfinals in the 1995/96 season.
Who were the key players for Borussia Dortmund in their 1997 Champions League win? Key players for Borussia Dortmund in their 1997 Champions League win included Karl-Heinz Riedle, Lars Ricken, Matthias Sammer, and goalkeeper Stefan Klos.
Dortmund 
