With Britain stuck in an apocalyptic state, I have taken the opportunity to reflect upon what has been a typically dramatic and exciting season of football, at all levels. This is the final instalment in a three-part miniseries on the best games of the season so far. This piece, part three, will look at the top ten games of the Champions League 2019/20, up until the enforced break we are currently enduring. These matches have been selected because of their thrill, spectacle and meaningfulness.
If you missed part one, which looked at the top ten Premier League games of the season, you can find that here, while part two, the top ten Championship games of the season, is here.
Let’s get on with the countdown…
10) Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 Olympiacos
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 26th November 2019. Group B Match 5.
We start our countdown in North London with last year’s runners-up Tottenham, who found themselves under new management as Jose Mourinho took charge at home for the first time. Mourinho was furious with his team’s start, as they lacked tempo and intensity and Olympiacos deservedly took the lead through Youssef El-Arabi’s cute curling shot. Spurs nearly levelled through Heung Min-Son but in truth an equaliser would’ve been against the run of play and the Greeks went 0-2 up on 19 minutes through Ruben Semedo tapping in after a corner wasn’t effectively dealt with. Spurs had been terrible up to this point and it didn’t take long for Mourinho to get involved, replacing Eric Dier with Christian Eriksen before the half-hour mark. The home side were perhaps lucky to go in only 1-2 down when Dele Alli tapped in Serge Aurier’s cross in added time of the first half. Spurs were level four minutes into the second half when Serge Aurier’s quick throw – aided by rapid movement from the ballboy – allowed Lucas Moura to cross for the unmarked Harry Kane, who levelled. Eriksen came close with a free-kick before some delicious footwork from Dele Alli set up Aurier to send his rasping volley into the corner and turn the game on its head – Spurs now led 3-2. They put the seal on the game with thirteen minutes to go when Eriksen’s floated free-kick was glanced in by Kane. Spurs had responded well to their nightmare start and qualified for the last 16 with this 4-2 home victory.
9) Dinamo Zagreb 3-3 Shakhtar Donetsk
Stadion Maksimir. 6th November 2019. Group C Match 4.
These two might not be glamorous names but they provide stern opposition for any of the big boys drawn against them, and they played out a terrific group stage encounter in the Croatian capital in November. Shakhtar were in front after less than a quarter of an hour when Junior Moraes’ cross was tucked in by Alan Patrick. The home side levelled things though ten minutes later, Bruno Petkovic heading in from the pinpoint cross of former Cardiff man Kevin Theophile-Catherine. It stayed 1-1 until the 74th minute and could’ve petered out into becoming a tame contest, but it ended up being anything but. The last sixteen minutes saw crazy amounts of drama: first, Zagreb were reduced to ten men when Nikola Moro was sent off for a second bookable offence and shortly afterwards, Marlos was given his marching orders too for a clumsy tackle, making the game ten v ten. With just seven minutes remaining, Zagreb looked to have won the match with a nice finish from Luka Ivanusec after some superb hold-up play by Petkovic. The Croatians extended their lead to 3-1 in the 89th minute, Arijan Ademi sliding in after a nice ball from the now-Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo. Zagreb held their 3-1 lead until the third minute of added time and were in cruise control even when Moraes headed home to make it 3-2. However, a staggering finish to the game occurred when Shakhtar were awarded a penalty after Taison was tripped in the box with just ten seconds of added time left. Substitute Tete converted the penalty and this remarkable game ended 3-3. Four goals and two red cards in the last sixteen minutes.
8) RB Salzburg 6-2 Genk
Red Bull Arena. 17th September 2019. Group E Match 1.
Champions League Group E opened with a breathless encounter in Austria between RB Salzburg and Genk, in which a young star announced himself to the world of football. That man was of course Erling Braut Haaland, who finished coolly underneath the goalkeeper after just two minutes. Genk settled into the game from there and it wasn’t until after the half-hour mark that Salzburg doubled their lead, Takumi Minamino sending a long ball up field, before Hwang Hee-Chan had too much strength for the defender and presented Haaland with a one-on-one. This special talent wasn’t going to waste the opportunity and found the bottom corner with ease. Hwang turned from provider to scorer a matter of moments later, latching onto a perfect through ball from Zlatko Junozovic and prodding home a classy finish to make it 3-0. The Belgians didn’t wave the white flag though and had a goal back before half-time, Jhon Lucumi with a crashing finish into the top corner from a free-kick delivery. At 3-1 before the break, Genk had some hope, but that was soon extinguished by this thrilling Salzburg team. Haaland completed his hat-trick in the 45th minute, stretching to reach a Hwang cross and tap in from close range, restoring their three-goal cushion and becoming only the fourth teenager in Champions League history to score a hat-trick in the competition. The scoreline was extended again in the second minute of additional time at the end of the first half, Minamino riding a challenge and putting the ball on a plate for Dominik Szoboslai to make it 5-1 at the interval. Genk got one back through Mbwana Samatta – now of Aston Villa – in the second half before some beautiful interplay between Haaland and Junozovic set up Andreas Ulmer to get in on the act and make it 6-2 on a statement night for Salzburg.
7) Tottenham Hotspur 2-7 Bayern Munich
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 1st October 2019. Group B Match 2.
A night which heralded the beginning of the end for Mauricio Pochettino as his side were embarrassed at home by a terrific Bayern Munich team who reminded us of the European powerhouse that they are. The signs were ominous when Hugo Lloris made a good save to deny Serge Gnabry in the early minutes but it’s often forgotten that Spurs actually took the lead in this game. Heung-Min Son gave his team the lead with a powerful drive that beat Manuel Neuer. Bayern levelled a few minutes later with a beautiful floated shot from Joshua Kimmich that found the bottom corner. Despite being pegged back, Spurs competed well for the rest of the half and it took a heroic moment of defending from David Alaba to prevent Harry Kane from restoring Spurs’ lead, while Tanguy Ndombele came close too. A highly entertaining half concluded with a firecracker from Robert Lewandowski, the Polish marksman spinning and unleashing a strong effort past Lloris. Given the 50/50 nature of the first half, it was very surprising how the rest of the game unfolded. 1-2 became 1-3 with a brilliant solo run and finish from Gnabry on 55 minutes and 110 seconds later, he had his second, his delicate shot going in off the post and making it 1-4. Spurs were awarded a penalty when Danny Rose was clattered into by Kingsley Coman and Kane gave them hope at 2-4, before Christian Eriksen went close from long-range, but from then, Bayern ran riot. Gnabry fed on a long ball and calmly slid past Lloris with ease for 2-5 and his hat-trick before a difficult night became a humiliating one. Lewandowski had his second after a lovely flick from Philippe Coutinho and a minute later, Gnabry had his fourth of the night with a gorgeous placed strike to make it 2-7. Spurs were very poor, but it should not take away from how good Bayern were.
6) Liverpool 4-3 RB Salzburg
Anfield. 2nd October 2019. Group E Match 2.
Two thrilling teams in action in the group stage at Anfield. Sadio Mane played a glorious one-two with Roberto Firmino and then slid his shot under Cican Stanokovic for the first goal eight minutes in. The Reds doubled their lead with a delightful team move. Andy Robertson brought the ball out from left-back and fed Jordan Henderson. The captain then found Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose low cross was turned in by Robertson – where the move started. The game looked to be over after 35 minutes when Mohamed Salah scruffily finished a rebound after Firmino’s header was saved. Salzburg weren’t daunted by the 3-0 scoreline though and got themselves back in it before half time when Korean forward Hwang Hee-Chan turned past Virgil Van Dijk and fired past Adrian for 3-1. Liverpool got very lucky just after the break when Adrian’s casual clearance was nearly converted by Patson Daka and Liverpool themselves should’ve buried the game when Georginio Wijnaldum couldn’t finish after good work from Mane. Salzburg were well and truly back in it after 56 minutes when Hwang’s cross was met by Takumi Minamino – who was so impressive on the night that he ended up signing for Jurgen Klopp two months later – and the Japanese player volleyed home. Three minutes later, Salzburg had turned the game on its head. Minamino was involved again as his low cross was turned in by goal machine Erling Braut Haaland, now of Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool were rocked but got their lead back on 68 minutes when Firmino’s header was diverted into Salah’s path, and the winger fired home. It finished 4-3 on an astonishing night at Anfield in which both teams showed their considerable quality.
5) Borussia Dortmund 2-1 PSG
Signal Iduna Park. 18th February 2020. Last 16 First Leg.
Borussia Dortmund were eliminated by PSG in the second leg of this tie but they put in a terrific performance to defeat the French champions in Germany and give themselves the lead. It was PSG who started better, Neymar putting a free-kick narrowly wide ten minutes in. Fantastic passing football from Dortmund saw them transition from defence into attack in an instant, creating a chance for English sensation Jadon Sancho, forcing Keylor Navas to make a smart save. Dortmund were starting to turn up the heat and were nearly in front through teenage superstar Erling Braut Haaland, who they signed from RB Salzburg in January, the striker hitting the side netting with a powerful effort. Surprisingly, it was 0-0 at half-time, but there was no lack of entertainment. Achraf Hakimi went close for the hosts while Kylian Mbappe was having an influence for PSG and had two chances saved before the opening goal of the game belatedly arrived in the 69th minute. Hakimi’s cross to Raphael Guerreiro saw the Portuguese player have his shot blocked, but Haaland was on red alert and found the net with an instinctive goal – his first in the Champions League for his new club. That lead lasted just six minutes though, Mbappe going on a brilliant run before teeing up Neymar to equalise. Less than two minutes after, Giovanni Reyna – only 17 himself – fed Haaland, who unleashed an absolute thunderbolt from outside the box to restore Dortmund’s lead in style. Neymar hit the post late on but it wasn’t to be for Thomas Tuchel against his former club. With Haaland, Sancho, Mbappe and Reyna, this match might well have been a glimpse into football’s golden future.
4) Real Madrid 1-2 Manchester City
Santiago Bernabeu. 26th February 2020. Last 16 First Leg.
A night in Spain on which Manchester City established themselves as right among Europe’s elite as they deservedly downed the giant of the continent. Gabriel Jesus should’ve done better with one of City’s various early chances and there was a feeling that Pep Guardiola’s team might regret not taking them, particularly when Ederson was called into action to make a fine stop Karim Benzema. Right on the stroke of half-time, City nearly took the lead when Jesus’ shot was almost turned into his own net by Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos, whose team were fortunate to be level at the break. The pattern continued into the second half, a sensational run from Kevin De Bruyne setting up Riyad Mahrez, who curled his shot outside of the post. The Algerian winger had two more chances, forcing good saves from Thibaut Courtois on both occasions. City were made to pay on the hour mark when sloppy possession allowed Vinicius to set up Isco, who slotted past Ederson. Ramos then saw his shot expertly blocked by Fernandinho before City got what they deserved in the 77th minute. Fabulous tricky play from De Bruyne got him out of trouble in the corner of the box and the Belgian creator pulled out an exquisite cross for Jesus to head home and level the tie – getting Man City an away goal. Four minutes later, Raheem Sterling was brought down in the box by Dani Carvajal and a penalty was awarded. Despite intense pressure and whistles, De Bruyne – who had played like a Galactico such as Raul, Cristiano Ronaldo or Real manager Zinedine Zidane – calmly threaded his penalty in. Ramos was sent off for a foul on Jesus late on and despite the introduction of Gareth Bale, City held on for a thoroughly deserved victory which will stand them in good stead for the second leg, whenever that may be.
3) Liverpool 2-3 Atletico Madrid
Anfield. 11th March 2020. Last 16 Second Leg.
Liverpool were attempting to turn around a one-goal deficit from the first leg in Spain and they laid siege to the Atletico goal in the first half. Jurgen Klopp’s team were completely dominant and Sadio Mane forced a good save from Jan Oblak before Roberto Firmino’s connection with a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross was somehow saved by the brilliant Atletico keeper. The breakthrough finally came three minutes before half-time when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was found in space and the Englishman found Georginio Wijnaldum with a pinpoint cross, Wijnaldum’s header crashing past Oblak to level the tie. Mane and Oxlade-Chamberlain forced Oblak to make superb saves before Andy Robertson inconceivably hit the bar with a header when the goal was gaping. Alexander-Arnold, Mane and Mohamed Salah came close but the game went to extra time. Wijnaldum’s shot was saved by the masterful Oblak before Firmino tapped home the rebound after hitting the post to give Liverpool an overall three minutes into extra time. Adrian was starting for Liverpool in place of the injured Alisson and played a terrible pass, allowing Joao Felix to set up Marcos Llorente to fire past Adrian to make it 2-2 and wipe out Liverpool’s lead. The Reds had put everything into getting the lead and were shaken by the goal. They struggled to create anything after conceding and their energy was waning. It seemed almost inevitable when Llorente scored his second after a Liverpool attack broke down and Atletico won the match on the night and the tie when Alvaro Morata slotted past an outstretched leg of Adrian in the dying embers of extra time to send Diego Simeone into raptures and into the quarter-finals. A titanic tussle decided by the quality of the respective goalkeepers.
2) Chelsea 4-4 Ajax
Stamford Bridge. 5th November 2019. Group H Match 4.
Our third – and by far most crazy – visit to London in this countdown. The Dutchmen were in front inside two minutes, Quincy Promes’ free-kick from out wide deflecting in off Tammy Abraham. Just 67 seconds later, Chelsea were awarded a penalty when centre-back Joel Veltman collided with Christian Pulisic. Jorginho, in his typically cool style, rolled the penalty in and wrongfooted Andre Onana to equalise with less than four minutes on the clock. Chelsea thought they were in front ten minutes later when Abraham finished, but he was offside, and they soon found themselves behind when a lovely cross from Hakim Ziyech was nodded in by Promes to restore Ajax’s lead. It got worse for Frank Lampard when Ziyech’s gorgeous free-kick was farcically dealt with by goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who ended up scoring an own goal with his head after Ziyech had hit the post. Early into the second half, Kurt Zouma embarked on an extraordinary run from centre-back and nearly scored one of the all-time great goals but fired over. Minutes later, Ajax made it 1-4 when Ziyech picked up on a loose ball and fed Donny Van De Beek, who made no mistake slotting past Kepa for what seemed an unassailable lead. There was hope for the Blues when captain Cesar Azpilicueta got on the end of a Reece James cross to reduce the arrears before the match completely turned. Daley Blind fouled Abraham but the referee rightly played advantage, from which Callum Hudson-Odoi’s shot hit the arm of Veltman. A penalty was awarded but more importantly, both Blind and Veltman were given a second yellow card. Jorginho of course scored the penalty and suddenly Ajax had gone from 1-4 up with a full complement to 3-4 up with nine men. The inevitable equaliser came when Zouma’s header hit the bar and James rifled the rebound in. Sixty seconds later, Chelsea looked to have completely turned things round when Azpiliceuta found the net again, although VAR ruled the goal out for a handball. Chelsea really should’ve won it in the last minute through Michy Batshuayi in the final act of a preposterously entertaining match.
1) Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Inter
Signal Iduna Park. 5th November 2019. Group F Match 4.
Two major European clubs who haven’t done justice to their history in recent years have returned to something like their glittery selves this season, with both Borussia Dortmund and Inter competing for their respective league titles. Inter, under the stewardship of former Chelsea and Juventus manager Antonio Conte, were exhibiting some glorioius playing out from the back and beat the Dortmund press brilliantly, allowing Lautaro Martinez to get on the end of a long ball. The Argentine striker had Romelu Lukaku in support but instead beat the challenge of Mats Hummels, cut inside and smashed home to give the Italians the lead after just five minutes. Not long after, Dortmund were almost level when Samir Handanovic saved Mario Gotze’s shot and then Nico Schulz’s header. After Lukaku hit the post, Inter had themselves a second goal five minutes before the break. Sensational dribbling from Marcelo Brozovic in the middle of the park set up a counter-attack for the Milan team and from there Martinez sent a gorgeous pass to Antonio Candreva, who picked out a precise ball to Matias Vecino. He found the bottom corner with a lovely curling effort. Jadon Sancho came close in the final moments of the first half but Handanovic was equal to it, ensuring Inter were two goals up at the break. Dortmund were back in shortly after half time though, Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi turning Gotze’s cross after good work from Thorgan Hazard, brother of the more famous Eden. Just after the hour mark, Inter’s lead was wiped out. Substitute Paco Alcacer robbed Inter of possession and fed Julian Brandt, the winger finishing confidently in the opposite corner to level the match. The yellow wall erupted with thirteen minutes to go when Hakimi played a one-two with Sancho and the former finished his second goal of the game – from right-back! Stefano Sensi had a chance in added time but Inter had thrown away a two-goal advantage on another famous European night at Signal Iduna Park. There promised to be fireworks when these two were drawn in the same group and it did not disappoint.
Daniel (@daykind19)
Daniel Daykin
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