Champions League Games 21/22: The Complete Season Review & Analysis

Season 21/22 Overview: A Rollercoaster of Emotions 🎢

The 2021/22 UEFA Champions League season was not just another football tournament; it was a cinematic saga packed with narratives that even Hollywood scriptwriters would envy. Following the pandemic-impacted previous editions, this season marked a return to packed stadiums, electrifying atmospheres, and football at its absolute pinnacle. The journey began with 32 teams dreaming of glory and culminated in a final for the ages at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis.

From a tactical perspective, we saw a fascinating clash of philosophies. The high-pressing, possession-based models of teams like Manchester City and Bayern Munich collided with the pragmatic, transition-focused approaches of Chelsea and the sheer experience-laden resilience of Real Madrid. The Champions League games 21/22 served as the ultimate proving ground, separating the tactically robust from the merely talented.

🔵 Chelsea's Title Defence: A Bumpy Ride

Starting as defending champions, Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea entered the season with a target on their backs. Their group stage was relatively comfortable, but the knockout rounds exposed vulnerabilities. The dramatic round of 16 tie against Lille was navigated, but the quarter-final clash with Real Madrid would become the stuff of legend. Leading 3-0 at the Bernabéu and 4-3 on aggregate late in the second leg, Chelsea's defence crumbled in extra time, allowing Karim Benzema to seal their fate. This tie alone encapsulated the season's theme: no lead was ever safe.

The Knockout Stages: Where Legends Are Forged ⚡

The knockout phase of the Champions League games 21/22 was arguably the most thrilling in recent memory. Each round produced a classic match that will be replayed in highlight reels for decades.

Round of 16: Shocks and Statement Wins

The first knockout round saw the elimination of one of the pre-tournament favourites, Paris Saint-Germain. Despite boasting Messi, Mbappé, and Neymar, they fell to Real Madrid in a tie defined by Karim Benzema's 17-minute second-leg hat-trick. This was a masterclass in clinical finishing versus possession without penetration.

Meanwhile, Manchester City comfortably dispatched Sporting CP, and Bayern Munich put seven past Salzburg over two legs. A fascinating tactical battle emerged between Liverpool and Inter Milan, with the Reds' superior intensity eventually telling. For the latest standings, check the champions league table today for a modern comparison.

Quarter-Finals: The "Game of the Century" Contenders

This round produced two all-time classic ties. The first leg between Manchester City and Atlético Madrid was a tense, tactical stalemate. The return leg at the Wanda Metropolitano, however, descended into chaos after Phil Foden's introduction, with Atlético losing their defensive discipline in pursuit of a goal.

But the undisputed masterpiece was the Chelsea vs Real Madrid saga. The first leg at Stamford Bridge was a Benzema show (a hat-trick), but the second leg... what can be said? Chelsea's 3-0 lead in Madrid, Rodrygo's sublime late volley to force extra time, and Benzema's inevitable winner. It was footballing theatre of the highest order. Fans who follow champions league results live experienced heart rates through the roof.

👑 Player Spotlight: Karim Benzema

15 goals in 12 knockout stage appearances. Benzema transformed from elite support act to the undisputed main protagonist. His clutch performances, particularly the hat-tricks against PSG and Chelsea, cemented his Ballon d'Or claim. His telepathic link-up with Vinícius Júnior became the deadliest weapon in Europe.

Semi-Finals & The Final Act

The semi-finals offered a contrast in styles. Manchester City's thrilling 4-3 first-leg win over Real Madrid was a footballing feast, with both teams attacking relentlessly. The second leg is now part of Champions League folklore: City leading 1-0 (5-3 on aggregate) in the 90th minute, only for Rodrygo to score twice in 91 seconds to force extra time, where a Benzema penalty completed the unthinkable comeback.

The other semi-final saw Liverpool overcome a spirited Villarreal, who had miraculously knocked out Bayern Munich. The final in Paris, unfortunately, was overshadowed by organisational failures outside the stadium but on the pitch, it was a tight affair settled by a single moment of magic from Vinícius Jr., assisted by Federico Valverde, and preserved by the legendary reflexes of Thibaut Courtois.

By The Numbers: Exclusive 21/22 Data Dive 📊

Behind the narratives lie the cold, hard statistics that reveal the true story of the season. Our data team has crunched the numbers to bring you exclusive insights.

Possession stats told an interesting story. The team with more possession lost 40% of knockout matches, proving that control doesn't always equal victory. Expected Goals (xG) models were repeatedly shattered by moments of individual brilliance, particularly from Benzema and Vinícius Jr.

Defensively, Chelsea's expected goals against (xGA) was the lowest until their elimination, showcasing Tuchel's structural mastery. Conversely, Real Madrid's high xGA highlighted their "bend but don't break" philosophy, relying on Courtois' incredible form (he faced the most shots on target of any keeper in the knockouts and had the highest save percentage).

Tactical Evolution: The Chess Matches 🧠

The Champions League games 21/22 were a fascinating showcase of modern football tactics. We moved beyond pure Guardiola-style dominance to see hybrid models succeed.

Carlo Ancelotti's Pragmatic Masterclass

Ancelotti, often labelled a "man-manager," delivered a tactical blueprint based on flexibility. Real Madrid rarely pressed high. Instead, they settled into a compact mid-block, invited pressure, and exploited the spaces left behind with rapid transitions to their blistering wingers. The key was the midfield trio of Modrić, Kroos, and Casemiro, whose experience allowed them to control the tempo without dominating the ball. This approach was perfectly suited to knockout football where avoiding mistakes is paramount.

The High-Press Counter

Liverpool and Manchester City continued to refine their high-pressing, possession-heavy game. However, City's failure to see out the semi-final against Madrid raised questions about "game management" in the highest-pressure moments. Liverpool's slightly more direct approach, facilitated by Trent Alexander-Arnold's creative passing and Mohamed Salah's threat in behind, proved effective until meeting a Madrid team perfectly designed to absorb and counter.

For managers looking to build their own winning tactics, studying the uefa champions league fantasy can offer insights into player form and match-ups.