The UEFA Champions League is an annual football club competition played between the European national league champions and other top clubs from Europe. At the time it was called the European Champion Clubs' Cup (though commonly known as the "European Cup").

The finals of the 1974 European Cup was played at Heysel Stadium, Brussels, Belgium

The 1973-74 tournament final was the only time a replay has been held for the final (now penalties are used). The first meeting between Atlético de Madrid and Bayern Munich on May 15 finished in 1-1. The replay game two days later was won by Bayern 4-0.