Highlights of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League: Bruno Lage’s outburst, Lamine Yamal’s impressive sprint, and the tifo display by Paris Saint-Germain.
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League may have concluded, but it has certainly left football fans with memories that will endure for years to come.
This season saw the introduction of a new format, which resulted in an abundance of thrilling moments from the league phase right through to last week’s final. As we reflect on another remarkable campaign, it’s time to revisit the standout flashpoints that defined this year’s edition of the Champions League.
**Bayern hit nine**
In a historic display, Bayern Munich became the first team to score nine goals in a single Champions League match, thrashing Dinamo Zagreb during the league phase. Harry Kane was the star of the show, netting four times, including a hat-trick of penalties, as the German giants cruised to a 9-2 victory.
**Amorim’s Sporting thrash City**
Ruben Amorim delivered a perfect farewell gift to Sporting CP fans, guiding the Portuguese side to a stunning 4-1 victory over Manchester City. Just weeks before taking over at Manchester United, Amorim condemned Pep Guardiola’s side to one of their lowest points of the season.
**Lage’s public rant after nine-goal thriller**
The league phase also served up a classic encounter as Benfica welcomed Barcelona to the Estadio da Luz. Fans were treated to a nine-goal spectacle, culminating in a 5-4 win for Barcelona. However, the most memorable moment came post-match when Benfica boss Bruno Lage publicly berated his players in the pouring rain, capping off a bizarre evening of Champions League action.
**Davies breaks Celtic hearts**
The introduction of Champions League play-offs this season brought its own share of drama. Celtic were on the brink of forcing extra time against Bayern Munich, leading 1-0, when Alphonso Davies struck late to level the tie and secure a 3-2 aggregate victory for his side.
**Alisson masterclass in Paris**
Liverpool emerged as one of the favourites for the title by March, and their hopes soared after a 1-0 win over PSG in the first leg of their last-16 clash. Goalkeeper Alisson was instrumental, making nine saves to thwart a dominant Paris Saint-Germain attack. Unfortunately for Liverpool fans, the second leg did not go as planned.
**Alvarez’s penalty is ruled out in Madrid derby shootout**
Real Madrid advanced to the quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout against Atletico Madrid. Diego Simeone’s side could have progressed were it not for VAR, which ruled out Julian Alvarez’s penalty for a double touch, adding to the tension of the Madrid derby.
**Rice’s free-kick double**
Declan Rice etched his name into Arsenal folklore with a stunning performance in their 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final at the Emirates Stadium. The England midfielder scored two magnificent free-kicks, putting his side in a commanding position ahead of the return leg in Spain.
**Yamal’s solo run against Inter**
Seventeen-year-old Lamine Yamal shone in Barcelona’s semi-final against Internazionale. Despite his side trailing 2-0 in the first leg, Yamal’s brilliant solo goal brought them back into contention, showcasing his immense talent on the European stage.
**Acerbi’s last-gasp equaliser**
The semi-final clash between Barcelona and Inter will be remembered as one of the greatest in Champions League history. Francesco Acerbi, at 37, scored a stoppage-time equaliser, his first in the competition, sending the tie to extra time with the teams locked at 6-6 on aggregate. Inter ultimately progressed thanks to Davide Frattesi’s winner in the 99th minute.
**PSG’s final tifo**
Following their victory in Munich, PSG fans paid a heartfelt tribute to Luis Enrique’s late daughter with a poignant tifo, depicting her and Enrique planting a PSG flag on the pitch, reminiscent of their time together at Barcelona.
**Enrique lifts the Champions League**
PSG made history by clinching the Champions League title for the first time last week. Luis Enrique played a pivotal role in transforming the team’s fortunes, emphasising work ethic and desire over star power. He capped off this incredible campaign by lifting the trophy in Munich, joining Pep Guardiola in an exclusive club of managers to win the treble with two different teams.
As we look back on this unforgettable season, we invite you to vote for your favourite moment from the 2024/25 Champions League at the bottom of this article.