The Champions League that almost was not -- the one played against a backdrop of fear and insecurity (but also solidarity and self-scrutiny) -- ended with the European Cup trophy returning where it has been before. Bayern Munich's 1-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain marks the German club's sixth time as champions of Europe, pulling them even with Liverpool, one behind Milan (and six behind Real Madrid).
The "big count" matters, because for most of Europe's elite, domestic titles feel mundane to the point that they become noteworthy only when they are not delivered to the doorstep every spring.