The 2021-22 UEFA Champions League season was a captivating journey filled with breathtaking upsets, dramatic comebacks, and a fittingly historic conclusion. This was the 67th season of Europe's premier club football competition and the 30th since its rebranding to the UEFA Champions League. Ultimately, Real Madrid lifted their record-extending 14th European Cup, defeating Liverpool in a final that was as dramatic as the entire campaign leading up to it.
The season kicked off with the group stage, which ran from September 14, 2021, to December 9, 2021. A total of 32 teams vied for the 16 knockout stage berths, with Sheriff Tiraspol making their debut appearance, becoming the first team from Moldova to reach this stage.
The Knockout Stage: A Gauntlet of Miracles
The knockout phase began on February 15, 2022, and culminated on May 28, 2022, at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France. This stage was characterized by a series of astonishing comebacks, most notably by eventual champions Real Madrid.
Real Madrid's Unbelievable Comebacks
Real Madrid's path to the final was nothing short of miraculous. In the Round of 16, they faced Paris Saint-Germain. After losing the first leg 1-0, they were trailing 2-0 on aggregate in the second leg. However, a stunning 17-minute hat-trick from Karim Benzema in the second half secured their progression.
The quarter-finals saw Real Madrid face defending champions Chelsea. Los Blancos won the first leg 3-1, but Chelsea fought back to lead 3-0 in the second leg, putting them ahead on aggregate. Once again, Real Madrid staged a comeback, with Rodrygo scoring to force extra time, and Karim Benzema netting the winner to seal a 5-4 aggregate victory.
In the semi-finals, Manchester City took a commanding lead on multiple occasions. Despite being down 5-3 on aggregate with minutes remaining in the second leg, Real Madrid scored two goals in quick succession through Rodrygo, forcing extra time. Karim Benzema then converted a penalty to complete the incredible turnaround, sending Real Madrid to the final with a 6-5 aggregate win.
Other Knockout Highlights
Other notable knockout ties included Liverpool overcoming Benfica with a 6-4 aggregate score, and Manchester City eliminating Atlético Madrid through a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate win.
The Final: Real Madrid vs. Liverpool
The final was originally scheduled to be held in Saint Petersburg, Russia, but was moved to the Stade de France in Paris due to the war in Ukraine. The match took place on May 28, 2022, between Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Despite Liverpool having more possession and several early chances, Thibaut Courtois made a series of crucial saves to keep Real Madrid level. In the 59th minute, Vinícius Júnior scored the only goal of the game, assisted by Federico Valverde, to give Real Madrid a 1-0 victory. This secured Real Madrid's 14th Champions League title, further cementing their status as the most successful club in the competition's history.
Top Scorers and Key Players
Karim Benzema was the standout performer of the UCL 21/22 season, finishing as the top scorer with 15 goals. Other prominent goalscorers included Robert Lewandowski (13 goals), Sébastien Haller (11 goals), and Mohamed Salah (8 goals).
Key players throughout the tournament included Real Madrid's Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, Vinícius Júnior, and Thibaut Courtois, whose performances were pivotal in their miraculous run.
Season Recap
The 2021-22 UEFA Champions League season was a testament to the unpredictable nature of football, the resilience of champions, and the magic that makes the competition so beloved. Real Madrid's journey, marked by their never-say-die attitude and clutch performances, will be remembered as one of the most legendary campaigns in the history of the tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the UCL 21/22? Real Madrid won the 2021-22 UEFA Champions League, defeating Liverpool 1-0 in the final.
Who was the top scorer in the UCL 21/22 season? Karim Benzema of Real Madrid was the top scorer with 15 goals.
Where was the UCL 21/22 final held? The final was held at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris, France.
What were some of the most memorable matches of the UCL 21/22 season? Real Madrid's comeback victories against PSG, Chelsea, and Manchester City in the knockout stages were particularly memorable, along with the final between Real Madrid and Liverpool.
How many times has Real Madrid won the Champions League? With their 2021-22 victory, Real Madrid secured their 14th Champions League title.
What was unique about the UCL 21/22 season? This season was notable for Real Madrid's extraordinary series of comebacks in the knockout rounds, defying expectations and scripting legendary victories. It was also the first season with three major European club competitions organized by UEFA.
