Real Madrid's Champions League Fixtures 2021-22: A Thrilling Run
Hey guys! Let's dive into the exciting journey of Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2021-22. This was a season filled with drama, incredible comebacks, and, ultimately, glory for Los Blancos. We'll break down each fixture, highlighting key moments and analyzing how Real Madrid navigated their way to their 14th Champions League title. Whether you're a die-hard Madridista or just a football enthusiast, this recap will surely bring back some thrilling memories. So, buckle up and letâs relive the magic!
Group Stage: Navigating the Early Hurdles
Real Madrid's Champions League campaign in 2021-22 kicked off in Group D, alongside Inter Milan, Sheriff Tiraspol, and Shakhtar Donetsk. On paper, it seemed like a manageable group, but as we all know, the Champions League is never short of surprises. Let's take a closer look at each match:
Matchday 1: Inter Milan vs. Real Madrid
Date: September 15, 2021 Location: San Siro, Milan Result: Inter Milan 0-1 Real Madrid
Real Madrid started their UCL journey with a hard-fought victory against Inter Milan at the San Siro. The match was a tactical battle, with both teams showcasing their defensive prowess. The deadlock was finally broken in the 89th minute when Rodrygo scored the decisive goal, securing a crucial away win for Los Blancos. This victory set a positive tone for their campaign and gave them an early advantage in the group.
Matchday 2: Real Madrid vs. Sheriff Tiraspol
Date: September 28, 2021 Location: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid Result: Real Madrid 1-2 Sheriff Tiraspol
This match was undoubtedly one of the biggest shocks of the group stage. Sheriff Tiraspol, the champions of Moldova, pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. Despite Real Madrid dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Sheriff were clinical on the counter-attack. Jasurbek Yakhshiboev gave Sheriff the lead, and after Karim Benzema equalized from the penalty spot, Sebastien Thill scored a late winner to secure a historic victory for the visitors. This defeat was a wake-up call for Real Madrid, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Champions League.
Matchday 3: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Real Madrid
Date: October 19, 2021 Location: NSK Olimpiyskiy, Kyiv Result: Shakhtar Donetsk 0-5 Real Madrid
After the shocking defeat against Sheriff, Real Madrid responded emphatically with a dominant performance against Shakhtar Donetsk in Kyiv. VinĂcius JĂșnior was the star of the show, scoring two brilliant goals and providing an assist. Serhiy Kryvtsov's own goal added to Shakhtar's woes, while Rodrygo and Karim Benzema also found the net. This resounding victory not only boosted Real Madrid's confidence but also improved their position in the group standings. The attacking display was a sign of things to come, showcasing the potential of Real Madrid's forward line.
Matchday 4: Real Madrid vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
Date: November 3, 2021 Location: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid Result: Real Madrid 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
In the return fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk, Real Madrid secured another victory, although this time it was a more hard-fought affair. Karim Benzema scored both goals for Real Madrid, reaching the milestone of 1,000 career games. Shakhtar Donetsk, however, proved to be resilient and scored a goal through Fernando, making the final stages of the match tense. Despite the pressure, Real Madrid held on to secure the three points, moving closer to securing a spot in the knockout stages. Benzema's goals were crucial in maintaining Real Madrid's momentum in the group.
Matchday 5: Sheriff Tiraspol vs. Real Madrid
Date: November 24, 2021 Location: Sheriff Stadium, Tiraspol Result: Sheriff Tiraspol 0-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid avenged their earlier defeat against Sheriff Tiraspol with a comfortable 3-0 victory in Moldova. David Alaba opened the scoring with a deflected free-kick, while Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema added further goals to seal the win. This victory ensured that Real Madrid qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League. The performance was a professional one, demonstrating Real Madrid's ability to bounce back from setbacks and deliver when it mattered most.
Matchday 6: Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan
Date: December 7, 2021 Location: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid Result: Real Madrid 2-0 Inter Milan
In the final group stage match, Real Madrid faced Inter Milan in a battle for the top spot in Group D. Toni Kroos scored a stunning long-range goal to give Real Madrid the lead, and Marco Asensio added a second with a brilliant curler. Inter Milan's NicolĂČ Barella was sent off, further denting their hopes of a comeback. This victory ensured that Real Madrid finished top of their group, giving them a favorable draw in the round of 16. The match was a statement of intent, showcasing Real Madrid's dominance in the group.
Knockout Stage: The Road to Glory
After topping their group, Real Madrid entered the knockout stage with high hopes. What followed was a series of thrilling encounters, filled with dramatic comebacks and unforgettable moments. Let's relive the journey:
Round of 16: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Real Madrid
First Leg: February 15, 2022 (Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 Real Madrid) Second Leg: March 9, 2022 (Real Madrid 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain)
The round of 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain was a true test of Real Madrid's mettle. In the first leg in Paris, Kylian Mbappé scored a late winner to give PSG a 1-0 advantage. The second leg at the Bernabéu was nothing short of a classic. Mbappé extended PSG's lead, putting Real Madrid in a precarious position. However, Karim Benzema produced a stunning hat-trick in just 17 minutes to turn the tie on its head and send Real Madrid through to the quarter-finals. This comeback was a testament to Real Madrid's never-say-die attitude and Benzema's incredible goal-scoring prowess. The atmosphere at the Bernabéu was electric, creating a night that will be remembered for years to come.
Quarter-Final: Chelsea vs. Real Madrid
First Leg: April 6, 2022 (Chelsea 1-3 Real Madrid) Second Leg: April 12, 2022 (Real Madrid 2-3 Chelsea AET)
In the quarter-finals, Real Madrid faced the defending champions, Chelsea. In the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Karim Benzema once again stole the show, scoring another hat-trick to give Real Madrid a 3-1 victory. The second leg at the Bernabéu was a rollercoaster ride. Chelsea mounted a remarkable comeback, taking a 3-0 lead and putting themselves ahead on aggregate. However, Rodrygo scored a late goal to level the tie and force extra time. In extra time, Karim Benzema scored again, securing Real Madrid's place in the semi-finals. This tie was a classic example of the Champions League's unpredictability and Real Madrid's resilience.
Semi-Final: Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
First Leg: April 26, 2022 (Manchester City 4-3 Real Madrid) Second Leg: May 4, 2022 (Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City AET)
The semi-final clash against Manchester City was arguably the most thrilling tie of the entire competition. The first leg at the Etihad Stadium was an absolute goal fest, with Manchester City winning 4-3. Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva scored for City, while Karim Benzema scored twice and VinĂcius JĂșnior added another for Real Madrid. The second leg at the BernabĂ©u was even more dramatic. Riyad Mahrez scored to extend City's lead, seemingly putting the tie beyond Real Madrid's reach. However, Rodrygo scored two goals in quick succession in the dying minutes to level the tie and force extra time. In extra time, Karim Benzema scored a penalty to complete another incredible comeback and send Real Madrid to the final. The atmosphere at the BernabĂ©u was unbelievable, as the Madridistas witnessed another historic night.
Final: Real Madrid vs. Liverpool
Date: May 28, 2022 Location: Stade de France, Saint-Denis Result: Real Madrid 1-0 Liverpool
The final against Liverpool at the Stade de France was the culmination of Real Madrid's incredible Champions League journey. The match was a tight and tense affair, with both teams creating chances. However, it was VinĂcius JĂșnior who scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute, securing Real Madrid's 14th Champions League title. Thibaut Courtois put in a man-of-the-match performance, making numerous crucial saves to deny Liverpool's potent attack. The victory was a testament to Real Madrid's experience, resilience, and ability to perform on the biggest stage. The celebrations that followed were euphoric, as Real Madrid cemented their status as the kings of Europe.
Real Madrid's Champions League 2021-22 campaign was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with incredible comebacks, stunning goals, and unforgettable moments. From the shock defeat against Sheriff Tiraspol to the dramatic victories against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City, Real Madrid showcased their never-say-die attitude and their ability to rise to the occasion. Karim Benzema was undoubtedly the star of the show, scoring crucial goals and leading the team with his exceptional performances. VinĂcius JĂșnior also played a vital role, providing creativity and flair in attack. And let's not forget Thibaut Courtois, whose outstanding goalkeeping was instrumental in Real Madrid's success. In the end, it was a season to remember for all Madridistas, as Real Madrid once again proved why they are the kings of the Champions League. What a ride, right?
