Galatasaray 4th 

©TM/IMAGO

The second legs of the Champions League semi-finals are upon us with both ties delicately poised. Arsenal welcome Atlético Madrid to the Emirates tonight before PSG travel to face Bayern Munich in one of the most anticipated games in years.The Champions League remains the most coveted trophy in club football and all four sides will be confident of being crowned as kings of Europe.

Since the European Cup was established in 1955, Real Madrid have won the competition more times than any other club with 15 titles to their name – the European Cup was renamed the Champions League in 1992. PSG are aiming to defend their title after winning it for the first time last season but they face a major test against the all-conquering Bayern. Interestingly, tonight’s clash between Arsenal and Atletico brings together two sides aiming to end an unwanted record.

Which clubs have played most Champions League games without winning the trophy?

Arsenal have played the most games in the Champions League without ever winning the most prestigious trophy in club football. The North London club have played 211 games in the competition and they famously reached the final in 2006, but lost to Barcelona. Atlético have lost in two finals across the last decade under Diego Simeone to arch rivals Real Madrid.

As the graphic above illustrates, Dynamo Kyiv rank third on 186 games. Galatasaray are the most decorated club in Türkiye but they’ve never won the biggest European trophy with Olympiacos completing the top five. Lyon, Rangers and Bayer Leverkusen all feature in the top ten.