UEFA Champions League is considered to be club football at its peak – pitting some of the strongest sides and individual stars the European continent has to offer against one another. The 2019/20 UEFA Champions League season was arguably no different, featuring numerous matches that provided excitement and a few upsets along the way. This article will give you a glimpse of the most significant matches that defined the UEFA Champions League 2019/20 and what created those defining moments.
A format like no other in a pandemic
The 2019/20 UEFA Champions League was significantly impacted by the coronavirus crisis, with a special alteration to the format for this year’s knockouts UEFA Champions League on August 28, 2020, Following two-legged ties in the opening rounds, at the quarter-final stage (held entirely as one-off matches) all remaining games took place across Lisbon. The introduction of this added layer ensured that every game became a do-or-die affair.
Group Stage Highlights
The 2019/20 UEFA Champions League opened with a group stage of 32 teams divided into eight groups. Notable matches included :
Liverpool vs Napoli (Group E)
Undoubtedly one of the games of this year’s group stages was Liverpool versus Napoli at Anfield. It was Dries Mertens who put the ball in the back of the net to get Napoli out a 1-0 lead and Fernando Llorente doubled their advantage as they went on for an impressive opening day win over reigning champs. This outcome illustrated Napoli’s tactical rigor and established the standard for a highly fought group.
Group C: Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Manchester City 3-0 Shakhtar DonetskManchester City maintained their stranglehold on Group C with a comfortable win against the team they dismantled here in last season’s group stage. Raheem Sterling, Ilkay Gundogan, and Gabriel Jesus all found the net as City — already qualified from Group F alongside Lyon having taken 12 points from their five games so far — booked a spot in knockout rounds with ease.
Borussia Dortmund (Group F) 3rd Inter Milan, 2019/20 The UEFA Champions League
One of the games was an exciting clash between Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund, but it ultimately ended 2-0 in Italy’s favor. Lautaro Martínez and Antonio Candreva also netted to hand Inter a crucial win in the most open of groups.
Knockout Stage Thrillers
The tournament moved into the knockout round with increased stakes. 2019/20 UEFA Champions League Best Matches.
Round of 16: Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich
In the Round of 16, Chelsea had a tall order when taking on Bayern Munich. Chelsea will play the first leg at Stamford Bridge, which ended 3-0 in favor of Bayern Munich thanks to Serge Gnabry’s goals. But Chelsea were much better in the return leg, largely due to a man of the match showing from Mason Mount. But over these two legs most of all, the spirit Chelsea showed suggested this can be a team who take them down that road once again.
Manchester City vs Real Madrid (Round of 16)
Manchester City vs Real Madrid was one of the most eagerly awaited ties all season, a game that promised goals and excitement. Having been impressive in a 2-1 win at Santiago Bernabéu, thanks to strikes from Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus. The English side completed a 4-2 aggregate victory after City won the return leg at home, also 2-1.
Round of 16: Barcelona vs. Napoli
Barcelona & Napoli clashed in the Round of 16. A 1-1 draw in the first leg at San Paolo Stadium was followed by a Barcelona victory, with the Blaugrana triumphing on home soil thanks to goals from Rivaldo and Kluivert. Antoine Griezmann, Luis Suárez, and a last-minute penalty by Lionel Messi sealed the victory.
Quarter-Final Drama
Q/Finals provided some ripper football with a couple of upsets as well.
Bayern Munich vs Barcelona 2019/20 UEFA Champions League
The most surprising encounter of the quarterfinals was Bayern Munich v. Barcelona, without a doubt. Bayern gave Barcelona a historic smash — it was the ‘8-2’ match. Thomas Müller, Philippe Coutinho, and a brace from Serge Gnabry were the goals that showcased Bayern’s rampant -and Barcelona’s attack. The match was to be a milestone in defining the end of the era for the Catalan giants and all their questions.
Quarter-final: Manchester City v Olympique Lyonnais
When Manchester City took on Olympique Lyonnais, another unexpected result to had happened. City were favourites going through but Lyon achieved a shock 3-1 win. Lucas Tousart and a Moussa Dembélé brace were enough to eliminate City as Lyon won 3-1, earning their place in the semi-finals thanks in part to an impressive defensive showing.
Semi-Final Showdowns: 2019/20 UEFA Champions League
In the semi-finals, Lucas and Brondby both faced appealing fixtures to see who would progress in their respective league.
Stadium: Estádio José Alvalade, Lisbon Bayern Munich 3-0 Olympique Lyonnais (Semi-Finals)
Bayern Munich will progress to the final having conquered Lyon 3-0. Die Roten Berets booked a final berth after Serge Gnabry and Robert Lewandowski added to their goal tally. That attacking performance demonstrated Bayern’s power as they sought a sixth European Cup.
Paris Saint-Germain v RB Leipzig (Semi-Finals)
Paris Saint-Germain took on RB Leipzig in the other semi-final. In the end, PSG won 3-0 after goals from Marquinhos and substitutes Angel Di Maria and Juan Bernat. On the other hand, these were some special games for PSG as well with their debut in a Champions League final that underlined footballing growth.
Final: A Historic Night for Bayern Munich
Mullered-on-YouThe final of the UEFA Champions League for example occurred on August 23, with Bayern Munich facing off against Paris Saint-Germain. It was a closely contested match with both teams displaying their prowess in attack. But it was Kingsley Coman who stole the show, as he netted what turned out to be the winner in 59 minutes. That 1-0 triumph for Bayern secured the German club their sixth Champions League and saw them further enshrine themselves as one of football’s historical powerhouses.
Conclusion
The 2019/20 UEFA Champions League season was all about enterprising matches, surprise defeats, and the influence of the virus on the entire contest. This season has presented football at its finest; a lesson in aesthetics: from the Bayern Munich record win to new talents. The 2019/20 campaign will be one for posterity in the annals of Champions League history as fans await next year with bated breath.
