The 2012/13 edition was up there with the most memorable seasons in UEFA Champions League history. From extraordinary matches to surprising upsets and memorable moments, it may just be remembered as one of the most exciting campaigns in recent memory. Here is a look at some of the highlights from this season and signature matches that kept football fans all over the world in shock.
The UEFA Champions League 2012/13 season featured teams from all over Europe. The defending champions were determined to hold onto their title, while historical giants like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich sniffed the scent of European success. Borussia Dortmund and Juventus made big statements with their impressive showing this season.
Following the group stage which started in September 2012, it culminated with an all-German final held at Wembley Stadium on May 25th. The path to the final featured a combination of exciting matches, storylines, and memorable goals.
UEFA Champions League 2012/13 Key Matches
Group Stage 2nd Leg Barcelona vs. Celtic
Celtic’s incredible win over Barcelona was one of the highlights in the group stage. Last year, on November 7th in Celtic Park, they beat Barcelona by digits of 2-1. This was a huge shock with not many people believing the Scottish champions could take down one of the tournament favourites. Celtic defended tremendously well and took their chances, whilst they had less than 20% of possession with Barcelona having more than 80%. This has to go down as one of Celtic’s greatest ever wins.
Round of 16: Arsenal vs Bayern Munich
The 5-1 win over Arsenal in the Round of 16 was a turning point for Bayern Munich. Bayern was sitting pretty after a 3×1 victory in the first leg in London. Arsenal had a good go at it in the second leg, beating Bayern 2-0 on their patch. The 3-3 aggregate scoreline proved enough for Bayern to put their name in the draw on away goals – highlighting once again that fighting spirit we have come to expect. While it was a lucky escape for the champions, it highlighted their desire to go on in the competition.
Borussia Dortmund v Málaga (Quarter Final)
Borussia Dortmund‘s pulsating quarterfinal showdown with Málaga remains one of the most chaotic in Champions League lore. When Dortmund returned to Signal Iduna Park for the second leg, they looked likely to be dumped out of Europe again, with Malaga holding a 2-1 aggregate lead heading into stoppage time. But then a remarkable turnaround — two goals in the 91st and 93rd minute saw Dortmund win, incredibly advancing to the semifinals. In those nine minutes, one of the moments of this season occurred: a stunning comeback that underlined Dortmund’s never-say-die mentality and their credentials as real challengers.
Barcelona vs Bayern Munich (Semifinal)
The Barca versus Bayern Munich was a semi-final of the Titans. Bayern Munich cruised to a 7-0 victory over Barcelona, registering one of the most comprehensive performances in Champions League history. Bayern won the second leg 3-0 at Camp Nou to finish it off following a 4-0 triumph in Munich. This win resonated through the footballing world, sending Barcelona and their venture into almost certain obsolescence a shudder down the spine with Bayern’s ruthlessness on show. That was a very intent statement from the Germans, who advanced to the final.
Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund (Semifinal)
Borussia Dortmund, meanwhile took on Real Madrid in the other semifinal and it was a goal-fest. Polish striker Robert Lewandowski eclipsed the rest of Dortmund’s attack with an amazing four goals in a 4-1 first-leg win for Jurgen Klopp over Madrid. Although they won the return leg 2–0 at Santiago Bernabéu, it was not sufficient to repair their original loss. Dortmund are a side rapidly on the rise in European football, with their 4-3 aggregate victory sealing their place in the final.
Final: Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund met at Wembley Stadium in London on May 25, 2013, for the first-ever all-German final of the UEFA Champions League. It was an exhibition of high-quality football where both sides would dedicate their game to the end while focusing on the attack.
Both teams would have chances, but neither of them could convert it into a goal during the first period. Mere second-half substitute Mandzukic went closest for Bayern Munich just two minutes before their goal Dortmund were soon back on terms, however—Ilkay Gündogan converted a penalty in the 68th minute to equalize.
With the game heading for extra time, it could have gone either way. In the 89th minute, Bayern Munich got the last laugh as Arjen Robben scored a late winner to win it for them with a result of 2-1 and secure their fifth European Cup. So, Robben ending the season with his first-ever goal in a ‘big match’ completed one of the longest redemption tails run by any Bayern player this year. But Bayern Munich was the deserved champion full of strong matches in the tournament.
Conclusion: Bayern Munich Joins the Club of Champions
When you think of the UEFA Champions League 2012/13 season, one word comes to mind: entertainment. In the end, it was Bayern, who would finally be unbroken — unbeaten in a long time and fittingly unstoppable (even if held up for spells) against PSG with individual genius channeled by their team play.
Europe’s changing of the guard was evident throughout a competition that reflected new aspiring forces with Borussia Dortmund and established old legs in Bayern Munich The 2012/13 season provided us with memorable moments, upsets, and matches that fans won’t forget anytime soon.
The season of the UEFA Champions League 2012/13 was proof to any football fan of the attractiveness and surprise elements in this beautiful game. In retrospect, it can only make us smile at what the next campaigns would be.
