Real Madrid's Champions League Fixtures 2021-22: A Thrilling Run
Hey guys! Let's dive into the thrilling journey of Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2021-22. It was a season filled with drama, comebacks, and unforgettable moments. We'll break down each fixture, highlight key performances, and relive the excitement. So, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster ride through Madrid's quest for their 14th Champions League title!
Group Stage: Dominance and Early Statements
Real Madrid's Champions League campaign in the 2021-22 season began in Group D, where they were drawn alongside Inter Milan, Shakhtar Donetsk, and Sheriff Tiraspol. Many expected Real Madrid to comfortably top the group, but as we know, the Champions League always has surprises in store. Let's dissect each match:
Matchday 1: Inter Milan vs. Real Madrid
The opening match saw Real Madrid travel to the San Siro to face Inter Milan. This was a highly anticipated clash between two European giants. The game was tightly contested, with both sides creating opportunities. However, it was a late goal from Rodrygo that secured a 1-0 victory for Los Blancos. This win set a positive tone for their Champions League journey. The tactical setup employed by then-manager Carlo Ancelotti focused on a solid defensive structure and quick transitions, which proved effective in stifling Inter's attacking threats. Key players like Casemiro, Kroos, and ModriÄ controlled the midfield, dictating the tempo of the game and providing crucial support to the defense. Upfront, VinĂcius JĂșnior showcased his blistering pace and dribbling skills, constantly threatening the Inter backline. Despite Inter's best efforts to find an equalizer, Real Madrid's disciplined defense held firm, ensuring a valuable three points on the road. This victory not only boosted their confidence but also sent a clear message to their rivals that they were serious contenders for the title.
Matchday 2: Real Madrid vs. Sheriff Tiraspol
In what was arguably the biggest shock of the group stage, Real Madrid suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to debutants Sheriff Tiraspol. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, Real Madrid couldn't break down Sheriff's resilient defense. Sheriff took the lead with a goal from Jasurbek Yakhshiboev, and although Karim Benzema equalized from the penalty spot, Sheriff's Sebastien Thill scored a stunning late winner to stun the Bernabéu. This defeat was a wake-up call for Real Madrid, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the Champions League. The loss exposed vulnerabilities in Real Madrid's defense and highlighted their struggles to convert dominance into goals. Ancelotti faced criticism for his team selection and tactical approach, with many questioning his decision to underestimate the underdog. The defeat served as a stark reminder that no team can be taken for granted in the Champions League, and it forced Real Madrid to reassess their strategy for the remaining group stage matches. The players themselves admitted that they were caught off guard by Sheriff's determination and tactical discipline, emphasizing the need to approach every game with the same level of intensity and focus.
Matchday 3: Shakhtar Donetsk vs. Real Madrid
Looking to bounce back from the defeat to Sheriff, Real Madrid traveled to Ukraine to face Shakhtar Donetsk. This time, they delivered a dominant performance, securing a 5-0 victory. VinĂcius JĂșnior was the star of the show, scoring two brilliant goals. An own goal from Serhiy Kryvtsov, along with goals from Rodrygo and Karim Benzema, completed the rout. This win put Real Madrid back on track in the group. The match against Shakhtar Donetsk was a turning point for Real Madrid, as it demonstrated their ability to respond to setbacks and perform under pressure. VinĂcius JĂșnior's outstanding performance showcased his immense potential and established him as a key player in Real Madrid's attacking lineup. The team's improved defensive organization and clinical finishing were also notable, indicating that they had learned from their previous mistakes. Ancelotti's tactical adjustments, including a more aggressive pressing strategy and improved coordination between the midfield and attack, paid dividends as Real Madrid controlled the game from start to finish. The victory not only restored their confidence but also sent a message to their rivals that they were still a force to be reckoned with in the Champions League.
Matchday 4: Real Madrid vs. Shakhtar Donetsk
The return fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk at the Bernabéu saw Real Madrid secure a 2-1 victory. Karim Benzema scored both goals for Los Blancos, ensuring another three points. Alan Patrick scored for Shakhtar, but it wasn't enough to prevent a Real Madrid win. This victory further solidified their position in the group. Benzema's brace in the match against Shakhtar Donetsk underscored his importance to Real Madrid's success. His clinical finishing and leadership on the field were instrumental in securing the victory. The match was more closely contested than the previous encounter, with Shakhtar Donetsk putting up a spirited fight. However, Real Madrid's experience and tactical discipline ultimately proved to be the difference. Ancelotti praised his team's resilience and ability to grind out results, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus and composure in difficult situations. The victory further solidified Real Madrid's position in the group and increased their chances of advancing to the knockout stages. Benzema's performance, in particular, was a testament to his enduring quality and his ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Matchday 5: Sheriff Tiraspol vs. Real Madrid
Real Madrid traveled to Moldova to face Sheriff Tiraspol in the penultimate group stage match. This time, they were determined to avoid another upset. They secured a comfortable 3-0 victory, with goals from David Alaba, Toni Kroos, and Karim Benzema. This win ensured Real Madrid's qualification for the knockout stages. The victory against Sheriff Tiraspol in Moldova was a comprehensive performance that showcased Real Madrid's dominance and control. The team's solid defensive structure, combined with their clinical finishing, ensured a comfortable win. Alaba's goal from a free-kick was a highlight of the match, demonstrating his versatility and set-piece ability. Kroos's composed finish and Benzema's poacher's goal further highlighted Real Madrid's attacking prowess. Ancelotti emphasized the importance of maintaining their focus and intensity throughout the match, ensuring that they did not underestimate their opponents. The victory secured Real Madrid's qualification for the knockout stages and allowed them to approach the final group stage match with confidence. The players celebrated the win as a testament to their hard work and determination, recognizing the importance of maintaining their momentum as they progressed further in the competition.
Matchday 6: Real Madrid vs. Inter Milan
The final group stage match saw Real Madrid host Inter Milan at the Bernabéu. Real Madrid secured a 2-0 victory, with goals from Toni Kroos and Marco Asensio. This win confirmed Real Madrid as group winners. The victory against Inter Milan in the final group stage match was a statement of intent from Real Madrid, confirming their status as group winners and sending a message to their rivals. The team's dominant performance showcased their tactical flexibility and their ability to adapt to different opponents. Kroos's stunning long-range goal was a highlight of the match, demonstrating his technical ability and vision. Asensio's late goal further sealed the victory, capping off a comprehensive performance. Ancelotti praised his team's consistency and their ability to perform at a high level throughout the group stage. The victory not only secured their place in the knockout stages but also boosted their confidence as they prepared for the challenges ahead. The players celebrated their success as a team, recognizing the importance of their collective effort and their unwavering commitment to achieving their goals.
Knockout Stage: The Comeback Kings
Real Madrid's knockout stage journey in the 2021-22 Champions League was nothing short of legendary. They faced a series of challenging opponents and produced some of the most memorable comebacks in the competition's history. Let's relive those epic nights:
Round of 16: PSG vs. Real Madrid
In the Round of 16, Real Madrid faced Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The first leg in Paris saw PSG win 1-0, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a late goal. The second leg at the Bernabéu was a thriller. Mbappé scored again to put PSG 2-0 up on aggregate. However, a stunning 17-minute hat-trick from Karim Benzema turned the tie on its head, securing a 3-1 victory for Real Madrid and a 3-2 aggregate win. This comeback was a testament to Real Madrid's never-say-die attitude. The comeback against PSG was a defining moment in Real Madrid's Champions League campaign, showcasing their resilience, determination, and ability to perform under pressure. Benzema's hat-trick was a masterclass in finishing and leadership, inspiring his team to overcome a seemingly insurmountable deficit. The tactical adjustments made by Ancelotti at halftime, including a more aggressive pressing strategy and increased support for Benzema in the attacking third, proved to be crucial in turning the tide of the match. The Bernabéu erupted in celebration as Real Madrid completed one of the most memorable comebacks in Champions League history, sending a clear message to their rivals that they were a force to be reckoned with. The players embraced the victory as a testament to their unwavering belief in themselves and their ability to achieve the impossible.
Quarter-Final: Chelsea vs. Real Madrid
The quarter-final pitted Real Madrid against Chelsea, the defending champions. The first leg at Stamford Bridge saw Real Madrid win 3-1, with another Karim Benzema hat-trick. The second leg at the Bernabéu was another classic. Chelsea fought back to win 3-1, taking the tie to extra time. However, Rodrygo scored a crucial goal to level the aggregate score, and then Karim Benzema scored again to secure a 5-4 aggregate win for Real Madrid. This tie was a rollercoaster of emotions. The quarter-final tie against Chelsea was another epic chapter in Real Madrid's Champions League journey, showcasing their ability to overcome adversity and emerge victorious in the face of intense pressure. Benzema's hat-trick in the first leg at Stamford Bridge demonstrated his exceptional goal-scoring ability and his importance to Real Madrid's attacking lineup. However, Chelsea's spirited comeback in the second leg at the Bernabéu tested Real Madrid's resolve, pushing them to the brink of elimination. Rodrygo's crucial goal in extra time leveled the aggregate score and injected new life into Real Madrid's attack. Benzema's decisive goal then sealed the victory, sending Real Madrid through to the semi-finals. The match was a testament to the quality and competitiveness of the Champions League, with both teams displaying incredible skill, determination, and tactical acumen. Real Madrid's ability to weather the storm and emerge victorious highlighted their experience and mental fortitude.
Semi-Final: Manchester City vs. Real Madrid
The semi-final against Manchester City was arguably the greatest tie of the entire competition. The first leg at the Etihad Stadium saw Manchester City win 4-3 in a thrilling encounter. Kevin De Bruyne, Gabriel Jesus, Phil Foden, and Bernardo Silva scored for City, while Karim Benzema scored two and VinĂcius JĂșnior scored one for Real Madrid. The second leg at the BernabĂ©u was even more dramatic. City led 1-0 through Riyad Mahrez, putting them 5-3 up on aggregate. However, Rodrygo scored two goals in quick succession to level the tie, and then Karim Benzema scored a penalty in extra time to secure a 6-5 aggregate win for Real Madrid. This comeback was simply unbelievable. The semi-final tie against Manchester City was a breathtaking spectacle of football, showcasing the attacking brilliance and tactical ingenuity of both teams. The first leg at the Etihad Stadium was a goal-fest, with both sides trading blows in a thrilling encounter. Benzema's two goals and VinĂcius JĂșnior's stunning strike kept Real Madrid within touching distance, setting the stage for a dramatic second leg at the BernabĂ©u. City's lead through Mahrez appeared to have sealed their place in the final, but Rodrygo's two late goals sparked an incredible comeback, sending the match to extra time. Benzema's decisive penalty then completed the turnaround, securing a remarkable victory for Real Madrid. The match was a testament to the enduring magic of the Champions League, with its unpredictable twists and turns, its moments of individual brilliance, and its capacity to inspire and captivate audiences around the world. Real Madrid's victory was a triumph of resilience, determination, and belief, cementing their status as the comeback kings of Europe.
Final: Liverpool vs. Real Madrid
The final saw Real Madrid face Liverpool in a repeat of the 2018 final. This time, Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory, with VinĂcius JĂșnior scoring the only goal of the game. Thibaut Courtois put on a man-of-the-match performance, making numerous saves to deny Liverpool's attacking threats. This win secured Real Madrid's 14th Champions League title. Real Madrid's victory over Liverpool in the Champions League final was a triumph of tactical discipline, defensive resilience, and clinical finishing. VinĂcius JĂșnior's decisive goal was a moment of brilliance, showcasing his pace, skill, and composure under pressure. However, the true hero of the match was Courtois, whose outstanding goalkeeping performance kept Liverpool at bay and ensured that Real Madrid maintained their lead. Ancelotti's tactical plan focused on stifling Liverpool's attacking threats and exploiting their defensive vulnerabilities, and his players executed it to perfection. The victory secured Real Madrid's 14th Champions League title, further cementing their status as the most successful club in the competition's history. The players celebrated their triumph with passion and pride, recognizing the magnitude of their achievement and the significance of their victory for the club and its fans. The win was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in their ability to achieve their goals.
Conclusion
Real Madrid's UCL fixtures in the 2021-22 season provided fans with a rollercoaster of emotions. From shocking defeats to unbelievable comebacks, it was a campaign that will be remembered for years to come. Karim Benzema's exceptional performances and Thibaut Courtois's heroic saves were crucial to their success. In the end, Los Blancos lifted their 14th Champions League title, solidifying their status as the kings of Europe. What a ride it was! So guys, that's a wrap on Real Madrid's unforgettable Champions League journey in 2021-22. Hope you enjoyed the recap!
