Having lifted the UEFA Cup the previous season, FC Porto entered the 2003-04 campaign ready to test themselves against Europe’s elite. Under José Mourinho, a disciplined and fiercely determined side progressed through a demanding Champions League campaign, with players such as Deco, Maniche, Ricardo Carvalho and captain Jorge Costa all playing central roles.

Porto’s defining moment came in the last 16 against Manchester United. Facing elimination at Old Trafford, a dramatic late goal sent the Portuguese champions through and gave the team the belief that an even greater achievement was possible. Lyon and Deportivo La Coruña were overcome next, securing a place in the Final against AS Monaco in Gelsenkirchen.

Carlos Alberto opened the scoring before goals from Deco and Dmitri Alenichev completed an emphatic 3-0 victory. Seventeen years after their first European Cup triumph, Porto were champions of Europe once again, completing one of the most memorable campaigns in the club’s history.