Benfica vs FC Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 Highlights: Raphinha's strike helps 10 men Barcelona beat Benfica by 1-0
Read the Benfica vs FC Barcelona UEFA Champions League 2024-25 Round of 16 highlights as Raphinha's strike helped 10-men Barcelona defeat Benfica by 1-0 in the first leg
Hello and welcome to another UEFA Champions League night. Tonight we will be covering the first leg of the round of sixteen fixture between Benfica and FC Barcelona.
Last time when these two teams faced each other, Barcelona enjoyed a 5-4 win over the Portuguese giants. What was more remarkable was that Barcelona were down and out by 2-4 and then went on to win the match.
So, with Benfica looking to take their revenge on their own turf, this promises to be an exciting battle. This is Koushik Biswas who will bring you all the live updates of the Benfica vs FC Barcelona match.
Enjoy the coverage.
LIVE Updates
Mar 5, 2025, 7:58 PM
LIVE Score!
Mar 5, 2025, 10:02 PM
Full-time | Benfica 0-1 Barcelona
Barcelona have done it.
They lost one man in the 22nd minute of the match and they not only survived the game, they won the game by 1-0.
Antonio Silva's misplaced pass gave Raphinha a half-chance to score and the Brazilian made sure he hands Barcelona an advantage going into the second leg.
Szczęsny was another hero for Barcelona with multiple saves throughout the game.
That's it from my side. Good night and see you in the second leg.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:59 PM
90+4' | Save from Szczęsny
Sanches with a on-target shot from outside the box and Szczęsny dived to his left to make the save.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:55 PM
90+1' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Rego for a foul on Pedri.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:55 PM
4 minutes added
4 minutes added as injury time.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:53 PM
89' | Rego with a bi-cycle kick
Acrobatic from Rego as he wins another corner for Benfica.
Three in a row for them now.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:53 PM
88' | Chance for Benfica
A fully stretched Rego could not get the touch he was looking for at the far post. It goes for a corner.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:49 PM
84' | Double change for Benfica
Kokcu and Pavlidis are replaced by Sanches and Cabral.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:48 PM
82' | Belloti is offside
Ouuuuuuu!
Touch and go here as Belotti was pulled down by Szczęsny inside the box.
But, the replay and VAR showed that he was already offside leading the incident.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:43 PM
78' | Double change for Barcelona
De Jong and Lewandowski are replaced by Martin and Casado.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:42 PM
77' | Save from Szczęsny
Save from the Barcelona goalkeeper as he denied Aktürkoğlu with a diving save.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:41 PM
76' | Araujo with an interception
Great positioning from the Barcelona captain as he intercepted another effort from Benfica.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:38 PM
73' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Carreras for a foul on Kounde. He will miss the next match.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:36 PM
70' | Double change for Benfica
Rego and Belotti replaced Schjelderup and Barreiro..
Mar 5, 2025, 9:35 PM
69' | Handball
Barcelona defenders are celebrating every win inside the box. Aktürkoğlu handed the ball and Barcelona won a free-kick as they negotiated with another danger.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:33 PM
67' | Save from Szczęsny
Save from Szczęsny as Aursnes tried to send the ball between the defenders from inside the box.
A mistake from Antonio Silva gave a half-chance to the Brazilian who made them pay with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box.
9 goals in 9 UCL games for Raphinha this season.
Barcelona take the lead.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:24 PM
60' | Barcelona have a corner
Time to time, Barcelona have tried to break free from the flanks.
This time Kounde made a good run to get to the ball and then win the corner.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:22 PM
57' | Change for Benfica
Tomas Araujo is replaced by Dahl.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:20 PM
56' | Change for Barcelona
Yamal is replaced by Ferran Torres.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:17 PM
52' | Block from Carreras
Carreras blocks Yamal's shot from the left of the box.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:16 PM
51' | Szczęsny makes another save
He keeps on making those saves.
This time he denies Aursnes from close range.
Mar 5, 2025, 9:15 PM
50' | Chance for Benfica
Huge chance and their best so far in the second half. Pavlidis misses an easy chance from a close range. Schjelderup with the cutback for the Greek star.
Subs: Samuel Soares, Cabral, Belotti, Prestianni, Dahl, Nuno Félix, Leandro Santos, Hugo Félix, A. Bajrami, João Rego, Renato Sanches, Diogo Prioste.
Mar 5, 2025, 7:03 PM
Lineups | Barcelona
XI: Szczęsny, Cubarsí, Balde, Iñigo Martínez, Pedri, Lewandowski, Raphinha, Yamal, Olmo, F. de Jong (c), Koundé.
Subs: Iñaki Peña, Kochen, Ronald Araújo, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati, Pablo Torre, Fermín López, Marc Casadó, Pau Víctor, Eric García, Héctor Fort, Gerard Martín.
Mar 5, 2025, 3:26 PM
Recent form | Benfica
27/02/25 – Benfica 1-0 Sporting Braga (Taça de Portugal)
22/02/25 – Benfica 3-0 Boavista (Liga Portugal Betclic)
19/02/25 – Benfica 3-3 AS Monaco (UEFA Champions League)
15/02/25 – Santa Clara 0-1 Benfica (Liga Portugal Betclic)
13/02/25 – AS Monaco 0-1 Benfica (UEFA Champions League)
08/02/25 – Benfica 3-2 Moreirense (Liga Portugal Betclic)
Mar 5, 2025, 3:24 PM
Recent form | FC Barcelona
02/03/25 – Barcelona 4-0 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
26/02/25 – Barcelona 4-4 Atlético Madrid (Copa del Rey)
23/02/25 – Las Palmas 0-2 Barcelona (LaLiga)
18/02/25 – Barcelona 1-0 Rayo Vallecano (LaLiga)
10/02/25 – Sevilla 1-4 Barcelona (LaLiga)
07/02/25 – Valencia 0-5 Barcelona (Copa del Rey)
02/02/25 – Barcelona 1-0 Deportivo Alavés (LaLiga)
30/01/25 – Barcelona 2-2 Atalanta (UEFA Champions League)
Mar 5, 2025, 3:19 PM
UCL Meetings | Benfica vs FC Barcelona
31 May 1961 – Benfica 3-2 Barcelona (1960/61 European Cup Final)
20 March 1992 – Barcelona 2-1 Benfica (1991/92 European Cup Group Stage)
27 September 2005 – Benfica 0-0 Barcelona (2005/06 Champions League Quarter-finals)
5 April 2006 – Barcelona 2-0 Benfica (2005/06 Champions League Quarter-finals)
2 October 2012 – Benfica 0-2 Barcelona (2012/13 Champions League Group Stage)
5 December 2012 – Barcelona 0-0 Benfica (2012/13 Champions League Group Stage)
29 September 2021 – Benfica 3-0 Barcelona (2021/22 Champions League Group Stage)
23 November 2021 – Barcelona 0-0 Benfica (2021/22 Champions League Group Stage)
22 January 2025 – Benfica 4-5 Barcelona (2024/25 Champions League League Phase)
Mar 5, 2025, 3:15 PM
Benfica vs Barcelona Head-to-Head in UCL
Team
Wins
Draws
Goals
Benfica
2
4
11
Barcelona
4
4
13
Mar 5, 2025, 3:10 PM
How to watch the match?
The match will be streamed Live on the Sony Liv app and website with a paid subscription. Viewers can also watch the game live on TV on Sony Sports Network.
Mar 5, 2025, 3:10 PM
Tonight's venue | Estádio da Luz
Mar 5, 2025, 3:10 PM
Match Details
Match: Benfica vs FC Barcelona - UEFA Champions League 2024-25 League Match
Fabian Ruiz takes his chance with a left-footed effort from the outside of the box.
It was bit akward for Costa. But, he made a good save going down to his left.
Jun 8, 2025, 8:15 PM
54' | Mendes is a beast
Nuno Mendes has been clinical against Yamal so far. He has won all the battles against the wonderkid. Portugal dominating, but Spain are looking relaxed.
Neto was looking for Ronaldo with the lobbed cross, but Spain defenders had cut the angle for him. The cross went over the goal
Jun 8, 2025, 7:34 PM
33' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Ruiz for fouling Pedro Neto, to stop Portugal's counterattack.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:30 PM
29' | Chance for Nico
Yamal again picked out Nico inside the box with a lobbed ball. But with Costa coming in, Nico could not be on target with the defection.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:28 PM
VAR check
A VAR check was done to check if Ronaldo was offside, leading to the goal. Goal given.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:28 PM
26' | MMMMMEEEENNNNNNNNNDESSSSS | POR 1-1 ESP
Nuno Mendes equalises for Portugal.
A quick one and two, and Nuno Mendes, with the space given at the left of the box, struck powerfully to score his first-ever International goal.
Portugal 1-1 Spain.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:26 PM
25' | Excellent from Dias
Cucurella found Nico on the left. As Nico was making an entry inside the box, Dias won the physical battle and won the goal kick for Portugal as well.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:24 PM
21' | ZZUUUUUUUBBIIIIIMMMEEENDDDIIII | POR 0-1 ESP
Martin Zubimendi scores for Spain.
Yamal's lobbed ball for Nico was not cleared well by Portugal defenders and Costa. Zubimendi, at the right place at the right time, just tapped the ball inside the goal for Spain's first.
Portugal 0-1 Spain
Jun 8, 2025, 7:22 PM
Yamal shows his trick as well
Jun 8, 2025, 7:21 PM
The master showing how it is done!
Jun 8, 2025, 7:20 PM
19' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Inácio for an elbow on Oyarzabal.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:18 PM
17' | So close
Yamal's cross pass found Nico on the left. Nico made a quick cut back before going for the goal with a curling right-footed shot.
But the ball did not curl enough for him to give Spain the lead.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:18 PM
17' | So close
Yamal's cross pass found Nico on the left. Nico made a quick cut back before going for the goal with a curling right-footed shot.
But the ball did not curl enough for him to give Spain the lead.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:16 PM
15' | He should have scored
Nico with an accurate cut-back pass, Pedri, running at it, missed the goal with the effort.
Hue miss.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:14 PM
14' | Yamal misses the tager
Pedri left it for the 17-year-old to go for the goal with the free-kick. His kick went over the goal.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:13 PM
13' | Yamal is here
As I was saying, Yamal runs through Silva and Mendes, Silva stopped him, he won the ball again and won a free-kick from the edge of the box as Bruno fouled him.
Jun 8, 2025, 7:11 PM
10' | Patience game
Both teams are waiting for the mistake from other team.
Mendes tried to stitch an attack for Portugal, while Nico and Fermin looked to build up for Spain.
Starting XI: Unai Simón, Robin Le Normand, Fabián Ruiz, Nico Williams, Dean Huijsen, Óscar Mingueza, Martín Zubimendi, Lamine Yamal, Pedri, Mikel Oyarzabal, Marc Cucurella.
Subs: David Raya, Álex Remiro, Pedro Porro, Pau Cubarsí, Dani Vivian, Mikel Merino, Álvaro Morata, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Yéremy Pino, Álex Baena, Alejandro Grimaldo, Isco, Fermín López, Samuel Omorodion.
Jun 8, 2025, 5:55 PM
Lineups | Portugal
Lineups: Diogo Costa; João Neves, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo Inácio, Nuno Mendes; Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, Bruno Fernandes; Francisco Conceição, Cristiano Ronaldo, Pedro Neto.
Subs: José Sá, Rui Silva, Diogo Dalot, Renato Veiga, António Silva, Nélson Semedo, Rodrigo Mora, João Palhinha, Rafael Leão, Rúben Neves, Gonçalo Ramos, Francisco Trincão, Diogo Jota, João Félix, Pedro Gonçalves.
05/09/24: Portugal 2-1 Croatia 08/09/24: Portugal 2-1 Scotland 12/10/24: Poland 1-3 Portugal 15/10/24: Scotland 0-0 Portugal 15/11/24: Portugal 5-1 Poland 18/11/24: Croatia 1-1 Portugal 20/03/25: Denmark 1-0 Portugal 23/03/25: Portugal 5-2 Denmark (agg: 5-3, aet) 04/06/25: Germany 1-2 Portugal
Jun 8, 2025, 5:04 PM
Portugal vs Spain: Head-to-head stats
Team
Wins
Draws
Matches
Goals Scored
Spain
18
6
40
47
Portugal
16
6
40
81
Jun 8, 2025, 5:04 PM
Tonight's Venue | Munich Football arena
Jun 8, 2025, 5:02 PM
How to watch the match?
Indian fans can watch the Portugal vs Spain, UEFA Nations League 2025 final match on Sony Sports Network channels on television. Moreover, they can also enjoy the match LIVE on Sony LIV with a paid subscription. The match will also be streamed LIVE on Jio TV.
Spain vs France, UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final highlights: Five-star Spain beat France 5-4 in a record-breaking Nations League classic, to meet Portugal in final
Get the highlights of the Spain vs France, UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final as Spain defeated France by 5-4 to set a date with Portugal in the final. Lamine Yamal scored a brace for Spain.
Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the UEFA Nations League semi-final match between Spain and France in Germany tonight.
Spain are looking to become the first team to retain the Nations League since the tournament was introduced in 2018. Meanwhile, the 2021 winners, France, are also looking to win their first Nations League title since then.
This is Koushik Biswas, who will bring you all the updates of the Spain vs France, UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final. Stay tuned and enjoy the coverage.
LIVE Updates
Jun 5, 2025, 6:59 PM
Final Score
Jun 5, 2025, 9:10 PM
Portugal vs Spain in final!
Jun 5, 2025, 9:08 PM
The highest scoring match in Nations League history!
Jun 5, 2025, 9:06 PM
That is how good it was!
⏱️ Spain 1-0 France (22') ⏱️ Spain 2-0 France (25') ⏱️ Spain 3-0 France (54') ⏱️ Spain 4-0 France (55') ⏱️ Spain 4-1 France (59') ⏱️ Spain 5-1 France (67') ⏱️ Spain 5-2 France (79') ⏱️ Spain 5-3 France (84') ⏱️ Spain 5-4 France (90'+3)
Simon does well to go low and down to his right to save Dembele's on target shot from the right.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:37 PM
36' | Lenglet blocks a shot
France are struggling here with the defence.
Pedri's delivery had created a chance for Nico to go for the goal. But, Lenglet was there to make the block.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:33 PM
33' | Yellow card
Yellow card for Lamine for a foul on Doue.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:33 PM
31' | Chance for France
Doue and Mbappe's timid efforts at the goal were saved by Simon as France looked to make a comeback in the match. Let me remind you, no second leg in the semis. The winner will face Portugal in the final on June 8th.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:28 PM
The second one!
⚡GOAL: MIKEL MERINO DOUBLES THE LEAD FOR SPAIN!!!!!!!!!
26' | Meeeeeeeeerrrriiiiiiiinnnnnoooooo | ESP 2-0 FRA
Merino's goes around the corner and Spain lead by 2-0.
Oyarzabal is again the provider but this time with a very different type of assist, completing a one-two with Merino as part of a slick spell of Spain passing with a delightful chipped ball inside the box on the right.
Merino did the rest by storming inside the box and beating Maignan in the near post.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:24 PM
22' | NICCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOO | ESP 1- 0 FRA
Nico Williams does the job for Spain.
On the left again, but unlike the last two times, he was able to smash the back of the net.
Yamal found Oyarzabal, and the experienced striker played a cute pass at the edge of the box for Nico to go for the goal.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:21 PM
20' | Rabiot takes his chance
Despite space being there and having Mbappe waiting over the shoulder, Rabiot went for the shot.
It went over the goal.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:20 PM
18' | Save from Maignan
It is Nico Williams who made another run on the left for Spain. But his final shot was saved by Maignan. A bit awkward, but it was a good save.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:19 PM
17' | Save from Simon
Theo passed the ball to Doue on the left. Doue, full of confidence, after a record-breaking Champions League final, he made a cutback and went for a shot with his right foot.
Theo Hernandez, though he was not in full control while making the effort with his left foot, hit the crossbar. Simon would have been a spectator if that had gone in.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:12 PM
Two of the best young players in the world in action
Jun 5, 2025, 7:09 PM
8' | Easy save for Maignan
Nico Williams, on the left-hand side, made a good run. But his final effort went straight to Maignan.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:08 PM
7' | Chance for France
Demeble ran away with the ball and found Mbappe. But, unselfish Mbappe tried to find Rabiot and lost the plot.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:05 PM
4' | Theo takes his chance
Theo Hernandez took his chance to surprise Simon with a long-range shot. The shot went over the goal.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:04 PM
3' | Yamal with the first attack
As usual, Lamine Yamal looked to break through the right and then with a backheel found Pedro Porro, whose effort went straight to Maignan.
Jun 5, 2025, 7:01 PM
Kick-off!
France start things off!
Jun 5, 2025, 6:51 PM
They are ready too!
Calentamiento completado, los chicos a vestuarios.
— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) June 5, 2025
Jun 5, 2025, 6:04 PM
Lineups | France
France Starting XI (4-2-3-1): M. Maignan, P. Kalulu, I. Konaté, C. Lenglet, T. Hernández, M. Koné, A. Rabiot, O. Dembélé, M. Olise, D. Doué, K. Mbappé (c)
Substitutes: Brice Samba, Lucas Chevalier, Lucas Hernández, Malo Gusto, Benjamin Pavard, Lucas Digne, Loïc Badé, Rayan Cherki, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Mattéo Guendouzi, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Bradley Barcola, Randal Kolo Muani, Marcus Thuram
Jun 5, 2025, 6:01 PM
Lineups | Spain
Spain (4-3-3): Unai Simón (c); Pedro Porro, Robin Le Normand, Dean Huijsen, Marc Cucurella; Mikel Merino, Martín Zubimendi, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Mikel Oyarzabal, Nico Williams
Subs: David Raya, Álex Remiro, Pau Cubarsí, Daniel Vivian, Fabián Ruiz, Gavi, Dani Olmo, Óscar Mingueza, Yéremy Pino, Alejandro Baena, Alejandro Grimaldo, Isco, Fermín López, Álvaro Morata, Samuel Aghehowa
France will miss the trio of Upamecano, William Saliba and Jules Kounde.
Jun 5, 2025, 5:40 PM
Team News: Spain
Luis de la Fuente's side will be without the current Ballon d'Or winner Rodri, who is still undergoing his recovery at Manchester City. Along with Rodri, Spain will also miss the services of Ferran Torres, who underwent surgery for appendicitis.
Jun 5, 2025, 5:40 PM
Spain vs France: Head-to-head stats
Till now, Spain and France have played 37 games against each other, including friendlies.
Spain have won 7 times while France have dominated with 13 wins. 17 games have ended in draws.
France, in those 37 games, have scored 66 goals, while Spain scored 40 goals.
Team
Wins
Draws
Matches
Goals Scored
France
13
17
37
66
Spain
7
17
37
40
Jun 5, 2025, 5:40 PM
How to watch the match?
Football fans from India can watch the Spain vs France UEFA Nations League 2024-25 semi-final match on Sony Sports Network TV Channel. They can also watch the match live on the Sony LIV app and website with a paid subscription.
Jio TV will also stream the match.
Jun 5, 2025, 4:50 PM
Match details
Match:Spain vs France
Tournament:UEFA Nations League 2024-25, semi-final.
Till now, 9 European clubs (Under UEFA) have managed to win a treble, which includes the premier national league competition, the main national cup competition, and the UEFA Champions League/UEFA Europa League.
In football, a team wins a treble when they win three major trophies in a single season. Winning the continental treble means winning the premier national league competition, the main national cup competition, and the main continental trophy, for UEFA, which is the UEFA Champions League or UEFA Europa League.
Though winning the Europa League is also considered a treble, it is not accepted wholeheartedly by the pundits and fans as winning the UEFA Champions League.
Till now, 9 European clubs have been able to win the continental treble. Before we discuss all the European treble winners in men's football history, we must know about the types of Trebles we have in football.
Barcelona is the only club to win multiple trebles with both their men's and women's team, completing the feat in 2024.
Continental treble
This is considered the actual treble in football where a team go on to win the national league, national cup competition and the main continental trophy. Celtic Football Club in 1966-67 became the first team in football history to win a Continental treble. Till now, 22 men's teams have won the Continental Treble, with 30 being the total number of times. In Europe, only 8 football teams have been able to accomplish the feat.
Domestic treble
Generally, for most of the footballing nations, winning a domestic treble is not possible since they do not allow first-division teams to win any secondary cup or league. A domestic treble includes winning three national competitions, including the national league title, the national cup competition, and one secondary competition. Countries which were under British or French possessions once allowed domestic trebles to happen. Celtic with 8 domestic trebles, and Rangers, with 7, are the most successful teams when it comes to winning domestic trebles.
European treble winners in men's football history
1. Celtic | 1966-67
Celtic team with their 1966-67 European Cup trophy. Image | Celtic Star
In the 1966-67 season, Celtic became the first team ever to win the continental treble when they won the Scottish Football League, Scottish Cup and European Cup (UEFA Champions League now).
Celtic with 58 points in the Scottish Football League went past Rangers to clinch the national league. In the Scottish Cup, they defeated Aberdeen Football Club by 2-0 in the final to win the trophy. William Wallace was the goalscorer for them in the final.
In the European Cup, Celtic defeated Inter Milan by 2-1 in Lisbon to become the first-ever Treble winner in football history. Thomas Gemmell and Thomas Chalmers were the scorers for Cletic that day.
2. 1971-72 | Ajax
Ajax 1971-72 team that won the European Treble | Image: X
Ajax, the football club from the Netherlands became the second European team to win the treble in the 1971-72 season. They won the Eredivisie, their national league and then won the KNVB Cup and later on won the European Cup to complete their treble. That season, Ajax were nearly the invincible team losing just one game in the whole season.
In the Eredivisie, Johan Cruyff became their top goal scorer with 25 goals. Ajax with 63 points, 8 points cleared Feijenoord in the second position. In the KNVB Cup, they defeated FC Den Haag in the final by 3-2 to win the cup. Cruyff had scored the opener in that game also and scored three goals in the tournament.
In the European Cup, they defeated Inter Milan by 2-0 with Johan Cruyff scoring a brace for them. In all together Cruyff had scored 33 goals for them that season in the three tournaments.
In the 1987-88 season, PSV became the second team from the Netherlands to win the historical treble. That season they won the Eredivisie, the KNVB Cup and the European Cup. They won their 10th Eredivisie title with 59 points, 9 points clear of Ajax in the league table. Wim Kieft scored 29 goals in that season for PSV in the league.
In the KNVB Cup final they defeated Roda JC by 3-2 in the extra time. Then, they went on to win the European Cup by defeating Benfica in the final by a 6-5 penalty shootout. Ronald Koeman came out as one of the standout performers for PSV that season.
Manchester United players with their 1999 UEFA Champions League trophy. Image | FC Barcelona
It took 11 more years for any team to win the European Treble and Manchester United became the first team from England to achieve that feat. United, under Sir Alex Ferguson won the Premier League, FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League after not winning any trophies in the previous season. The treble is regarded as the achievement in his career, and he was awarded the knighthood in November 1999 after that success.
They won the Premier League with 79 points, 1 point more than Arsenal. Dwight Yorke with 18 goals was their and League's joint-highest goal scorer in that season. In the FA Cup, despite facing difficult opponents throughout the tournament, Ferguson's men kept on fighting back, and after two semi-final replays against Arsenal and a final against Newcastle United, they won the FA Cup. Paul Scholes and Teddy Sheringham scored for them in a 2-0 win in the final.
In the Champions League, they were drawn into the group of death alongside FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Brondby. They qualified for the knockouts as the runner-up from the group and defeated Inter Milan and Juventus in the quarter and semi-finals, respectively, before beating FC Bayern Munich in a historic comeback in the final. In front of 91000 people in Barcelona, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored in the added minutes to hand Manchester United a terrific 2-1 win over Bayern.
Barcelona players with their 2009 UEFA Champions League trophy. Image | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona in the 2008-09 season became the first Spanish team to win the European Treble. Under their former captain, and Barcelona B coach Pep Guardiola, the Spanish giants reached their peak in that season winning the La Liga, Copa del Rey and UEFA Champions League. They are still the only Spanish team to win the European Treble.
After selling players like Deco and Ronaldinho, Barcelona started to reorganise their shape as a club and Lionel Messi alongside Samuel Eto'o became their hero at the front. They won La Liga with 87 points, 9 points clear of Real Madrid. Samuel Eto'o with 30 goals in the league was their top scorer.
In the Copa del Rey final, they defeated Athletic Bilbao by 4-1 as Yaya Toure, Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Bojan scored for them after conceding an early goal.
In the 2008-09 Champions League, Barcelona had to clear the qualifying round first to enter the group stage. They defeated Wisła Kraków in a two-legged qualifying round before entering the group stage alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, Sporting CP and Basel.
That header from Lionel Messi that saw FC Barcelona win the 2009 Champions League.
They topped the group stage and then went on to beat Lyon, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea in the knockouts before beating Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United in the final in Rome. Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi scored one goal each as Barcelona scripted history. Messi finished with 38 goals in all competitions that season. That season saw Lionel Messi win his first Ballon d'Or award with a record margin of 240 points than second-position Cristiano Ronaldo.
Barcelona in 2009 became the first team to win a "sextuple" in European football history.
6. 2009-10 | Inter Milan
Inter Milan players after their historical 2009-10 European Treble
Right after Barcelona's historical 2008-09 season, Inter Milan created their history as they became the first and still the only Italian team to win the European treble. They were the sixth European Treble winners in the men's football history. It was the "special one", Jose Mourinho's second and last season with the club that helped the Italian giants create history.
After a historical season with FC Barcelona, Samuel Eto'o was swapped with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and was sold to Inter Milan. Eto'o that season went on to become the only player to win back-to-back European Treble. That season Inter Milan won their fifth consecutive Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League.
They first won the Coppa Italia by beating Roma in the final. Diego Militao scored the lone goal for them in the final. Then, they won the Serie A on the final match day with 82 points, 2 points more than Roma.Diego Militao scored 22 goals in the league season for them.
In the UEFA Champions League, they were clubbed with Barcelona, Dynamo Kyiv and Rubin Kazan and progressed to the knockout stage as the runner-up of the group. In the knockouts, they defeated Chelsea, CSKA Moscow and Barcelona before winning 2-0 against Bayern Munich in the final. Militao scored a brace for them and won the player of the match award as well.
FC Bayern Munich with the UEFA Champions League 2012-13 trophy
In the 2012-13 season, FC Bayern Munich became the first and only German team to win the European Treble. Under head coach Jupp Heynckes, they won their 22nd Bundesliga title, and 5th UEFA Champions League title alongside the DFB-Pokal title.
Before the season they brought in players like Xherdan Shaqiri, Dante, Claudio Pizarro, Mitchell Weiser, Tom Starke and Mario Mandzukic alongside Javi Martinez for a then-record signing fee.
In the league, they acquired a record-breaking 91 points as Mario Mandzukic finished with 15 goals against his name. In the DFB-Pokal, they defeated VfB Stuttgart in the final by 3-2 as Mario Gomez scored a brace for them.
In the Champions League, they were grouped with Valencia, BATE Borisov and Lille. They moved to the next stage as the group champions and then faced Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona in the knockouts. In an all-German final, they defeated Borrusia Dortmund by 2-1 to complete their treble. Mario Mandzukic and Arjen Robben scored for them in the final.
8. 2014-15 | FC Barcelona
FC Barcelona players after winning the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League. Image | FC Barcelona
Under head coach Luis Enrique, FC Barcelona in the 2014-15 season became the first team in European football history to win the treble more than once. In the summer, Barcelona signed Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez which helped them create one of the most successful trios in football history in M-S-N with Messi, Suarez and Neymar. They had also signed Marc-André ter Stegen and Ivan Rakitic same season.
They won the La Liga narrowly with 94 points, 2 points clear of Real Madrid. Lionel Messi (43) was outscored by Cristiano Ronaldo (48) in the league that season. Neymar also scored 22 goals for Barcelona in the league that season.
In the Copa del Rey final, they defeated Athletic by 3-1 as Messi scored a brace and Neymar netted once.
In the Champions League, they faced PSG, Ajax and APOEL in the group stage and advanced to the knockout stage as the champions of the group. They then went on to beat Manchester City, PSG and Bayern Munich before beating Juventus by 3-1 in the final. Neymar, Rakitic and Suarez scored in that final. Messi with 58 goals in all competitions was their top scorer. After that performance, Messi went on to beat Ronaldo and Neymar to win his 5th Ballon d'Or.
9. 2019-20 | FC Bayern Munich
FC Bayern Munich won their second European Treble in the 2019-20 season
Post Barca's remarkable success in the 2014-15 season, German club FC Bayern Munich went on to equal their records as the second team in European Football history to win the treble more than once. Under coach Hansi Flick they went on to become the second team in European football to win the "sextuple".
Niko Kovac was the manager for FC Bayern Munich when they started the season, and then Hansi Flick was named as the interim manager. In a season hit by Covid-19, Bayern were forced to play behind closed doors.
However, that did not restrict them from being their brutal best. Robert Lewandowski broke the record for the most goals scored in a single Bundesliga season (34) as Bayern lifted the league for the 29th time.
In the DFB-Pokal final, they defeated Bayer Leverkusen by 4-2 as Robert Lewandowski scored a brace for them.
In the UEFA Champions League round of 16, they defeated Chelsea. Then, they humiliated Barcelona by an 8-2 win (the biggest margin in a UEFA Champions League knockout game) and thrashed Lyon by 3-0 before beating PSG by 1-0 in the final. Kingsley Coman scored the all-important goal for them in the final.
10. 2022-23 | Manchester City
Manchester City with their first-ever Champions League trophy in 2022-23 season
In the 2022-23 season, Manchester City became the second English team and 8th overall team to win a European Treble. Pep Guardiola created one of his records as he became the first coach in European history to win the treble more than once.
Manchester City were coming into the season as the Premier League defending champions and signed players like Erling Haaland, Kalvin Phillips and Julian Alvarez to strengthen their squad. Erling Haaland went on to break the record for the most Premier League goals scored in a single season as he scored 35 goals in the whole season. City went on to win their 7th Premier League title with 89 points.
In the FA Cup final, City's captain Iikay Gundogan scored the fastest goal in the FA Cup final's history as they defeated Manchester United by 2-0 in the final.
The Haaland riot continued in the UEFA Champions League as well as he scored four goals against RB Leipzig in the round of 16. They then went on to beat Bayern in the quarters and Real Madrid in the semis before beating Inter Milan in the final by 1-0. Rodri scored the lone goal for them in the final and was named player of the final as well.
Erling Haaland scored 52 goals in his 53 games for Manchester City that season. However, despite that performance, he could not beat Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d'Or trophy.
11. 2024-25 | PSG
PSG became the latest team to win the European treble under Luis Enrique as they clinched their first-ever Champions League trophy, and also lifted the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France trophies.
In Ligue 1, they clinched the French Championship with 84 points, as Ousmane Dembele, with 21 goals, won the Ligue 1 Golden Boot.
In the Coupe de France final, they defeated Reims by 3-0 as Bradley Barcola scored a brace and Achraf Hakimi scored another goal to seal the win.
In their historic Champions League season, Dembele finished as their top scorer of the season while Desire Doue scored a stunning brace to help them lift the title. Achraf Hakimi scored in all quarters, the semis and the final to become one of the heroes for them.
With this win, Luis Enrique became the second manager to win two European trebles with two different teams.
Football facts: Players with most Champions League finals without winning it ever
From Lautaro Martinez's recent heartbreak to Gianluigi Buffon's three final losses, explore the players with most Champions League finals without winning it ever. Here's to the players who came so close, but never won.
The pain of a Champions League final defeat is a feeling few footballers will ever experience. But for some, that crushing disappointment has become an all too familiar nightmare.
The recent 2025 final saw Lautaro Martinez experience this heartbreak, joining a list of legendary players who have been extremely close to European glory, not once, but multiple times.
Check out the list of players with most Champions League finals without winning it ever.
Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus) | 3 Finals
Gianluigi Buffon walking past the trophy with runners-up medal after their loss in 2017 UCL finals. Image | BBC
One of the greatest goalkeepers of all-time, Gianluigi Buffon was the extraordinary last line of defence for Juventus for many years. He reached the finals 3 times out of which twice he led the the team as a captain, and lost all of them.
2003 Final: Faced AC Milan that ended 0-0 after extra time, where Buffon made a crucial save from Filippo Inzaghi in the normal time. However, Juventus ultimately lost 3-2 on penalties.
2015Final: Led Juventus againstBarcelona and faced a 3-1 defeat, despite a commendable performance.
2017 Final: Lost 4-1 against Real Madrid and it was painful as the opponent dominanted completely in the second-half.
Paolo Montero in 2003 Champions League final. Image | Juvefc.com
Paolo Montero was a key central defender of Juventus' backline during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He too reached the finals thrice and never tasted victory in any of the Champions League finals.
1997 Final: Juventus were the defending champions in this season, and was unable to control Borussia Dortmund, lost 3-1 in the finals.
1998 Final: Lost 1-0 vs Real Madrid in a tense final, which marked their second consecutive final defeat.
2003 Final: Battled AC Milan to a 0-0 draw and eventually lost 3-2 in penalties.
Alessio Tacchinardi (Italy, Juventus) | 3 Finals
Alessio Tacchinardi playing for Juventus in 2003 UCL final. Image | Getty
Another player of Juventus, Alessio Tacchinardi, a hardworking midfielder, finds his place in this list with 3 final defeats. He also has the same story as Montero, with disappointing losses in the years 1997, 1998, and 2003.
Lautaro Martinez (Argentina, Inter Milan) | 2 Finals
Lautaro Martinez walking past the UCL Cup with runners-up medal after losing against PSG in the final. Image | Facebook
The Argentinian striker, Lautaro Martinez is Inter Milan's attacking shepherd and captain. He made his way up in this list with their recent loss in the 2025 Champions League final against PSG. He was a part of 2 finals and lost both the times.
2023 Final: Despite great efforts, lost 1-0 toManchester City in a thrilling final. Martinez had a chance to equalize but couldn't convert, a moment that lingered in the memory for Inter fans.
2025 Final: A heavy 5-0 loss against Paris Saint-Germain which added a second layer to his final setbacks.
Antoine Griezmann (France, Atletico Madrid) | 2 Finals
Antoine Griezmann in 2016 Champions League final. Image | BBC
Antoine Griezmann was the creative heartbeat and primary attacking threat for Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid during their golden era. He reached the finals 2 times with this side and met with defeats every time.
2014 Final: Faced cross city rivals Real Madrid in a dramatic final, and lost 4-1.
2016 Final: Another defeat against Real Madrid, where they lost 5-4 (Juanfran missed the decisive penalty) in penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Discover the PSG phenoms Senny Mayulu and Desire Doue, who etched their names in the history of youngest goalscorers in Champions League finals after scoring against Inter Milan to win their first UCL title.
The UEFA Champions League final represents the pinnacle of Europeam Club football, a stage where heroes are crowned. For any player, scoring in this momentous match is a big achivement, and for a few, that moment comes at an astonishingly young age!
Dive into the list of 5 youngest goalscorers in Champions League finals, with the spotlight on recent additions of Paris Saint-Germain's Mayulu and Doue, who have etched their names on this exclusive list.
5. Lars Ricken (20 years 322 days) | 1997
Lars Ricken scoring a goal against Juventus in 1997 Champions League finals. Image | Bundesliga
In 1997, Borussia Dortmund's local boy, Lars Ricken etched his name into Champions League final history with a goal against Juventus. Coming on as a substitute, he took just 16 seconds to score the goal after entering the pitch!
At just 20 years and 322 days old, his impactful goal helped Dortmund secure a 3-1 victory, and it still remains one of the most iconic moments in UCL finals history.
4. Desire Doue (19 years 362 days) | 2025
Desire Doue celebrates after scoring a brilliant goal against Inter Milan in 2025 Champions League finals. Image | Instagram
The 2025 UEFA Champions League final saw a remarkably young talent make his mark on field. Desire Doue added his name in this list of youngest goalscorers with scoring twice (20' , 63') in the finals against Inter Milan.
He scored the second and third goal of the match, which significantly gave PSG a boost in this high-stakes match. His attacking style and dominant gameplay at just 19 years and 362 days of age, was great to watch.
Doue's name will be forever treasured in the books of PSG's success in UEFA Champions League.
Carlos Alberto celebrates his goal in the 2004 Champions League finals. Image | Instagram
Carlos Alberto of FC Porto scored a stunning goal in the 2004 Champions League finals at the age of 19 years and 167 days. He scored the first goal of the match, which eventually led to a victory of 3-0 against AS Monaco FC.
He delivered a memorable moment for the team and became the key figure in Porto's surprising triumph, that too, for their second UCL title.
2. Senny Mayulu (19 years 14 days) | 2025
Senny Mayulu celebrates after scoring a goal for PSG in 2025 Champions League. Image | BBC
In the electrifying final of 2025 Champions League, PSG got another young talent who didn't just play; he made history. Senny Mayulu, at just 19 years and 14 days old, became the second-youngest goalscorer ever in the Champions League final.
Mayulu scored the final goal in their 5-0 victory against Inter Milan, and his strike in a match of such immense pressure solidified his status as an emerging player for the Parisian giants.
Patrick Kluivert celebrates his 1995 Champions League final goal for Ajax. Image | Instagram
Topping the list as the youngest goalscorer in Champions League final is Patrick Kluivert. In 1995 final, playing for Ajax, he scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute, securing a 1-0 victory against AC Milan.
At just 18 years and 327 days of age, his crucial finish brought Ajax's fifth UCL title home, and established him as an iconic talent who made history in European football's grandest stage.