The Greatest Real Madrid UCL Moments Since La Décima: A Ranked Countdown
10. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Remarkable Hat-Trick Against Wolfsburg (2016)
In the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League 2015-16 season, Real Madrid faced Wolfsburg in the first leg in Germany, where they suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat. However, the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu would be the scene of one of Ronaldo’s most iconic performances. The Portuguese superstar scored a stunning hat-trick, leading Madrid to a 3-0 victory, thus securing their place in the semi-finals with an aggregate score of 3-2. Each goal demonstrated his incredible ability to rise in crucial moments, underscoring his status as a clutch performer.
9. The Comeback Against Manchester City (2022)
The semi-final clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City in 2021-22 was nothing short of a thriller. Trailing 4-3 after a hard-fought first leg in Manchester, Madrid faced an uphill battle in the return at home. With just seconds left in the second leg, Rodrygo scored two goals in quick succession, leveling the aggregate score and sending the match into extra time. Karim Benzema’s penalty in the additional period sealed a 6-5 aggregate victory, marking an epic comeback that echoed through the annals of European football.
8. Sergio Ramos’ Last-Gasp Equalizer Against Atlético Madrid (2014)
The 2014 UEFA Champions League Final was a historic moment, with Real Madrid facing their rivals, Atlético Madrid, for the second consecutive year. Real Madrid was trailing 1-0 until the dying moments when Sergio Ramos scored a dramatic equalizer in the 93rd minute, forcing extra time. This goal not only changed the course of the match but also marked Ramos as one of the greatest defenders in history. Madrid ultimately triumphed 4-1, securing their long-awaited La Décima.
7. Zinedine Zidane’s Stunning Volley in the 2002 Final
Though this iconic moment predates La Décima, it becomes an essential part of Real Madrid’s UCL narrative since the club’s identity ties deeply to its rich history. Zidane’s breathtaking left-footed volley against Bayer Leverkusen during the 2002 finals is etched in football lore. The goal, which ultimately helped Real capture their ninth title, was a blend of technique and audacity, showcasing Madrid’s flair for dramatic moments. Zidane’s strike is often referred to as the best goal in Champions League history.
6. Vinícius Jr. Scores the Winner in Paris (2022)
In the 2021-22 final held in Paris, with Real Madrid facing Liverpool, Vinícius Jr. emerged as a young hero. Capitalizing on Federico Valverde’s cross, Vinícius scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute. This moment solidified his role as a burgeoning star and reinforced Madrid’s knack for delivering in finals. The match ended 1-0, capturing Madrid’s 14th Champions League title and further establishing their dominance in the competition.
5. The 3-1 Comeback Against Juventus (2018)
In the 2017-18 Round of 16, Real Madrid faced Juventus, the team they had partnered with in thrilling finals over the years. After initially losing 3-0 in Turin, Madrid returned home for the second leg with a daunting challenge ahead. Cristiano Ronaldo delivered a memorable performance, scoring a remarkable bicycle kick that promptly went viral. Nevertheless, it was the late penalty awarded that led to the controversy; Ronaldo’s convincing conversion provided Madrid with a dramatic 3-1 victory on the night, sealing a 4-3 aggregate win.
4. Keylor Navas’ Heroics Against Bayern Munich (2017)
Throughout their Champions League campaigns, goalkeeping has always played a pivotal role for Real Madrid. In the quarter-finals of the 2016-17 season, Keylor Navas showcased his extraordinary talent against Bayern Munich. His performance included multiple crucial saves, especially in the second leg, a match where Madrid overcame a one-man deficit due to a red card. Navas’ incredible reflexes ensured a 6-3 aggregate win, and he quickly became a fan favorite for his heroic displays.
3. Marco Asensio’s Wonder Goal Against Napoli (2017)
During the Round of 16 clash with Napoli in the 2016-17 season, Marco Asensio introduced himself on a grand European stage. Scoring a stunning long-range goal, Asensio caught the goalkeeper off-guard and curled a beautiful shot that nestled in the top corner. This pivotal moment illustrated not only Asensio’s talent but also Real Madrid’s unwavering ability to find and nurture young talent, always leading to crucial contributions in decisive matches.
2. Luka Modrić’s Masterclass Against Inter Milan (2020)
In the group stages of the 2020-21 Champions League, Luka Modrić’s incredible midfield display against Inter Milan highlighted why he is considered one of the best midfielders of his generation. His ability to control the game’s tempo, coupled with his precise passing and creativity, allowed Real Madrid to dictate play throughout the match. A stunning assist underlined his brilliance, helping Real secure a 3-2 victory that emphasized their ongoing quest for European glory.
1. The Four-peat: Unprecedented Success (2015-2018)
Real Madrid etched their name in football history by becoming the first team to secure three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018, ultimately adding a fourth in 2022. Under Zinedine Zidane’s masterful management and the brilliance of players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Ramos, the team’s resilience, tactical flexibility, and squad depth were on full display. Every match told a different story of heroism, showcasing the club’s relentless pursuit for glory in Europe. This era not only defined a generation of players but also established Real Madrid as the team to beat in the UEFA Champions League.
Making these moments a critical aspect of Real Madrid’s modern legacy, the club continues to thrive in Europe, fueled by their tradition, star power, and a never-say-die attitude inherent to their esteemed history.
