Champions League

Nine goals in one game: why Barcelona-Benfica became one of the best games in Champions League history

It was an exciting match in which Barcelona came from behind to win at the last minute

By Luis Antonio Zamora

It was an exciting match in which Barcelona came from behind to win at the last minute
It was an exciting match in which Barcelona came from behind to win at the last minute
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It was an exciting match in which Barcelona came from behind to win at the last minute. Barcelona's 5-4 win over Benfica in Portugal on Tuesday for Matchday 7 of the Champions League league stage is historic, as it is the first 5-4 victory (away or at home) in ALL Champions League history.

Historic Champions League Thrashings: The Biggest Wins in European Football History

The UEFA Champions League has witnessed some of the most memorable and electrifying moments in football history. Among the competition's most unforgettable matches are those that have seen one team dominate another with a truly staggering scoreline. From incredible comebacks to one-sided demolitions, these historic thrashings have become part of Champions League lore. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most jaw-dropping scorelines in the history of Europe's elite club competition, showcasing the sheer dominance of the victors.

1. Barcelona 7-1 Bayer Leverkusen (2012)

One of the most iconic scorelines in Champions League history came during the round of 16 in the 2011-2012 season, when Barcelona obliterated Bayer Leverkusen 7-1 at the Camp Nou. After a 3-1 victory in Germany, few expected such a comprehensive thrashing, but the Catalan giants showed their true class, particularly with a hat-trick from the brilliant Lionel Messi.

The match was a showcase of Barcelona's attacking brilliance and fluid football under Pep Guardiola. Messi's performance, in particular, stood out as he became the first player to score five goals in a single Champions League match, a record that would remain unchallenged for years. The 7-1 victory remains one of the greatest displays of football ever seen in the competition and exemplifies the attacking prowess of one of the best teams in history.

2. Real Madrid 8-0 Malmo (2015)

Real Madrid’s 8-0 demolition of Swedish side Malmo in the 2015-2016 group stage was an incredible statement of intent. With Cristiano Ronaldo in unstoppable form, scoring four goals, the Madridistas demonstrated their dominance in front of their home crowd at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The match saw Real Madrid break numerous records, including becoming the first team in Champions League history to score eight goals in a match. Ronaldo's superb performance was the highlight, but it was a complete team effort, with goals from Karim Benzema, Mateo Kovačić, and others. Real Madrid's ruthless efficiency in front of goal left Malmo with no answers, ensuring that this game is remembered as one of the most impressive goal-scoring exhibitions in the competition.

3. Bayern Munich 8-2 Barcelona (2020)

Perhaps the most shocking and brutal thrashing in recent Champions League history came during the 2020 quarter-finals, when Bayern Munich dismantled Barcelona 8-2 in a stunning display of offensive power. This match, played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, became an instant classic for all the wrong reasons for Barcelona fans.

Bayern Munich’s relentless attacking play saw them storm to a 4-1 lead at halftime, with goals from Thomas Müller, Ivan Perišić, Serge Gnabry, and a brace from the ever-dangerous Robert Lewandowski. Barcelona, meanwhile, were left exposed at the back, with their aging defense unable to cope with Bayern’s lightning-fast counters and clinical finishing. The game ended in an 8-2 rout, marking Barcelona’s heaviest defeat in Champions League history. It also signaled the end of an era for the Catalan giants, as the match served as a harsh reminder of their declining fortunes on the European stage.

4. AS Roma 3-0 Chelsea (2004)

In a more modest thrashing, AS Roma's 3-0 victory over Chelsea in the 2004-2005 Champions League group stage sent shockwaves through the footballing world. While Chelsea was a team on the rise under manager José Mourinho, Roma were underdogs, having been overlooked by many experts. The game at the Stadio Olimpico, however, proved to be a memorable one for the Serie A side.

Roma's performance was brilliant, as they capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive mistakes and clinical finishing. A standout goal came from midfielder Francesco Totti, whose stunning long-range effort helped seal the win. Chelsea, despite dominating possession, failed to break down Roma’s defense, and the result served as a reminder of how dangerous the Italian side could be when on top of their game.

5. Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona (2019)

While not a complete thrashing in terms of scoreline, Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Barcelona in the 2018-2019 semi-finals is one of the most iconic comebacks in Champions League history. Having lost 3-0 at Camp Nou in the first leg, many considered Barcelona to be favorites to progress to the final. But in one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in football, Liverpool completed a sensational comeback at Anfield.

With the help of goals from Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum, Liverpool leveled the aggregate score, but it was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner kick that led to Origi’s second goal, which sealed the comeback. The match has gone down in history not only for the astonishing result but also for the sheer emotion and drama of the occasion. Liverpool’s 4-0 win will forever be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Champions League history, even though the scoreline was not as extreme as others in this list.

6. Bayern Munich 7-0 Shakhtar Donetsk (2015)

Bayern Munich’s 7-0 demolition of Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2014-2015 round of 16 remains one of the most commanding performances in recent years. The German giants were in devastating form, winning 7-0 on aggregate after a commanding 3-0 victory in Ukraine and a further 4-0 thrashing at home.

Bayern’s ruthless display saw them display fluid attacking football, with goals coming from a variety of sources, including Arjen Robben, Thomas Müller, and Mario Götze. The match showed just how dangerous Bayern could be when they were on top of their game, as they overwhelmed Shakhtar Donetsk with ease, ultimately booking their spot in the quarter-finals with one of the biggest aggregate scorelines in Champions League history.

7. Manchester City 6-3 RB Leipzig (2022)

In a thrilling and high-scoring encounter, Manchester City triumphed over RB Leipzig 6-3 in the 2021-2022 group stage. The match was an incredible showcase of attacking football from both teams, with Manchester City ultimately coming out on top.

Goals from Riyad Mahrez, Jack Grealish, and the ever-present Erling Haaland helped City to a dominant victory. Haaland, in particular, was in scintillating form, scoring twice and asserting his authority as one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe. The match was a reminder of Manchester City’s attacking strength, especially with the addition of Haaland, who was proving to be an immediate success in his first season at the club.

Conclusion

The UEFA Champions League has provided football fans with some of the most extraordinary and thrilling matches in the sport's history. The teams that have inflicted historic thrashings on their opponents in the competition have left an indelible mark on the tournament. Whether it’s a one-sided demolition or a dramatic comeback, these unforgettable scorelines have become part of the Champions League’s rich legacy. As the competition continues to evolve, it’s likely that we will see even more record-breaking victories in the years to come.


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