The UEFA Champions League 2015/16 season provided a thrilling exhibition of European football, filled with competitive encounters ensuring unforgettable matches associated with drama and amazing concerts. The stands were incredibly empty yet this season witnessed the Spaniard’s return to dominate, a memorable final, and an array of clashes between some of Europe’s premier grounds. Here we discuss the pieces that matter most when it comes to this tournament and its main clashes, topped off with a historic eleventh Champions Leagues trophy for Real Madrid.
UEFA Champions League 2015/16 Key Fixtures
UEFA Champions League 2015/16,Round of 16: Chelsea vs. Paris Saint-Germain
Chelsea vs Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was one of the biggest fixtures to look forward to in the Round of 16; and rightly so, as both clubs have been nothing but European powerhouses over time. PSG vs Chelsea 2-1 | Goals: Ibrahimović, Cavani by OldiesGold Chelsea got the draw it wanted, and a priceless away goal from none other than John Obi Mikel.
Chelsea’s position and fear arose in the second leg at Stamford Bridge where PSG repeated victory 2-1, scored by Adrien Rabiot & Zlatan Ibrahimović. Chelsea went on to draw 2-2 despite Diego Costa’s equalizer while PSG moved through thanks in no small part to their burgeoning threat and capability since the start of February.
Bayern Munich vs Juventus (Last 16)
Bayern Munich vs Juventus — Round of 16 Goals from Thomas Müller and Arjen Robben looked to have had Bayern in command as the first leg finished 2-2 before Paulo Dybala and Stefano Sturaro leveled things up on Italian soil.
The second leg of the UEFA Champions League 2015/16 the Allianz Arena was one of the games and most exciting matches in Europe. Juventus led 2-0 through goals from Paul Pogba and Juan Cuadrado but Bayern Munich hit back late on with strikes from Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller to force extra-time. Thiago Alcântara and Kingsley Coman both netted for Bayern, who eventually ran out 4-2 winners on the night to progress with a 6-4 triumph over two legs.
Barcelona – Atlético Madrid (Cuartos de Final)
One of the most talked about games from UEFA Champions League 2015/16 was Atlético Madrid’s breathtaking quarterfinal defeat of holders FC Barcelona. Barcelona were the pre-tie favorites and they have a 2-1 lead from the first leg at Camp Nou, with Fernando Torres putting Atlético in front before two goals for Luis Suárez.
But Atlético Madrid pulled off one of the best defensive performances you will ever see in a 0–3 victory when they went to Vicente Calderón for the second leg. A brace from Antoine Griezmann ultimately sealed a 2-0 success that sent Atlético through and saw the reigning title holders eliminated by an aggregate score of 3-2. The defeat marked the end of Barcelona’s title defense, a stunning loss, and another tribute to Atlético under Diego Simeone.
Melbourne Victory vs. (Q1 loser) — Semifinal 2 Real Madrid/Melbourne City (Semifinal, UEFA Champions League 2015/16 — AEDT, likely to be the same time on Sunday)(From earliest AFCON match group after QF3 finished).
Real Madrid met Man City for the first time in a long semifinal that was far less about goals and more about tactics. In one of the most anticipated games to date, Real Madrid hosted Manchester City after a 0-1 victory on away soil.
The pressure from Real Madrid paid off in the second half of their tie, as Gareth Bale’s cross hit Manchester City defender Fernando and looped into the net. It proved to be enough for a 1-0 victory. Los Blancos held out, largely thanks to a solid defense that includes the likes of Sergio Ramos, as they made it through with their 1-0 aggregate advantage. It was not the most entertaining tie of this tournament, but it illustrated Madrid’s capacity to gut out a result and make yet another Champions League final.
Semifinal — Atlético Madrid x Bayern Munich
The other semi-final UEFA Champions League 2015/16 was a titanic clash between Atlético Madrid & Bayern Munich. The eight-team field was supposed to feature a rematch of last season’s Champions League final, but another Spanish club Atlético Madrid ended those plans by ousting Barcelona in the quarterfinals with an aggregate 3-2 win over two legs. At Vicente Calderón Stadium on April 13th, Saul Níguez gave his team a share of first-leg spoils courtesy of a stunning solo goal as Los Rojiblancos defeated their Catalan rivals scoring from distance and via some trickery: only moments earlier he broke ankles leading to this strike -.
The return leg at the Allianz Arena was a nail-biter. The Germans had led through a Xabi Alonso free-kick, but Atlético’s Antoine Griezmann thenored the crucial away goal to put Bayern back under pressure. Although Robert Lewandowski scored to secure a 2-1 victory for Bayern, Atlético went through on away goals thanks to a final aggregate score of 2-2. For the second time, a Diego Simeone side had taken it and beaten one of Europe’s grandest sides.
The Final: Greatest Clash
Real Madrid v Atlético Madrid
Real Madrid beat Atlético in Milan on 28 May where the two faced off again. Each side had plenty to play for, with Real Madrid chasing La Undécima (and their 11th European Cup) and Atlético playing the role of the wounded animal after a gut-wrenching loss two seasons prior.
Real Madrid scored first as the match began where they left off, from a set-piece this time in the 15th minute by Sergio Ramos. Atlético Madrid, seeking an equalizer late on, won a penalty in the second half but Antoine Griezmann was denied as he hit the bar from 12 yards.
The visitors persistently knocked on the door and they eventually earned their reward with 79 minutes played, as substitute Yannick Carrasco found a way through to equalize at 1-1. Extra time was needed but neither team had any more in the tank as it followed suit in 2012 and again took penalties to decide who would lift the trophy in a game that finished without a winner, yet both with brilliant goals from an English striker.
Real Madrid missed no goals in the penalty shootout, converting all five of their spot kicks. Atlético Madrid’s Juanfran, then Cristiano Ronaldo for Real Madrid put away their penalties before the former missed and later proved to be the hero. Los Blancos won an 11th crown after winning its penalty shootout against Atletico.
UEFA Champions League 2015/16: Real Madrid’s Supremacy Over Europe
Real Madrid won the UEFA Champions League for a record 11th time after defeating Atletico Madrid over an excruciating penalty shootout. WTF1; A season that featured epic battles, surprising victories, and masterclass tactics. Atlético Madrid rode to a Champions League final where they would come within minutes of winning it- only for their city rivals to dash those dreams.
The culmination of the Bayern Munich and Juventus saga or Atlético jaw-dropping victory against Barcelona. If The line about Liverpool suggests something is gone, one was refound by Real Madrid in old hunters’ territory.
