Real Madrid is synonymous with glory and epic moments. Since its inception, the Casa Blanca club has left its mark on football history with some legendary performances. Here is a selection of the 10 games that have defined this legendary club.
Since its inception, Real Madrid has achieved a great deal of success in football. But before becoming the biggest club in history, the Casa Blanca imposed a DNA on itself, that of never giving up, whatever the constraints. We all remember that Champions League semi-final against Manchester City at the Bernabeu in 2022. Trailing after a sensational goal from Riyad Mahrez, Real Madrid, on the brink of elimination, drew on their reserves to topple the Citizens in stoppage time with an express double from Rodrygo Goes.
It seems as though Real Madrid have at least one memorable match every season, with Florentino Perez’s side giving up absolutely nothing, as they did against Bayern Munich in last season’s Champions League semi-final. With a brace from Joselu, who also came off the bench, Carlo Ancelotti’s team automatically overturned the Bavarians to reach the UEFA Champions League final once again. The editors of Real de Madrid present the 10 most memorable matches in Real Madrid’s history.
1. Champions League Final 2014: Real Madrid – Atlético Madrid
Date: 24 May 2014
Score: 4-1 after extra time
Lisbon was the scene of an unforgettable evening. Trailing 1-0 until the 93rd minute, Sergio Ramos headed in a goal that changed history. The Real Madrid captain’s header sent the match into extra time. Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s men. Real Madrid thus clinched their tenth Champions League title in 12 years.
2. Champions League Final 2002: Real Madrid – Bayer Leverkusen
Date: 15 May 2002
Score: 2-1
Glasgow’s Hampden Park witnessed one of the finest goals in history. In the 45th minute, Roberto Carlos centred an aerial ball. Zinedine Zidane volleyed the ball into the top corner with his left foot. This masterpiece gave Real Madrid their ninth European Cup. Of course, ZZ’s goal will go down in history, and his iconic gesture is nothing short of legendary.
3. Legendary remontada against Derby County (Champions Cup)
Date: 5 November 1975
Score: 5-1 (after a 1-4 draw in the first leg)
After a heavy defeat in England, few believed in a comeback. But at the Bernabeu, Santillana and Pirri inspired an incredible comeback. Both scored twice as Real Madrid beat Derby County 5-1 at the Bernabeu in the second leg of their European Champion Clubs’ Cup Round of 16 tie.
4. Manita v Barcelona (La Liga)
Date: 7 January 1995
Score: 5-0
The 1995 Clasico remains etched in the memory. Iván Zamorano scored a hat-trick in a show of strength. Real humiliated their rivals Barcelona in front of a passionate Santiago Bernabéu.
5. 1960 European Cup final: Real Madrid – Eintracht Frankfurt
Date: 18 May 1960
Score: 7-3
Real Madrid played in one of the greatest finals ever. Ferenc Puskás and Alfredo Di Stéfano scored 4 and 3 goals respectively. This match remains an example of total domination.
6. Remontada against PSG (Champions League)
Date: 9 March 2022
Score : 3-1 (3-2 aggregate win)
PSG led 2-0 on aggregate. Then Karim Benzema took control. In 17 minutes, he scored a hat-trick. The Bernabéu exploded with joy after qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals.
7. 11-1 victory over Barcelona (Generalissimo Cup)
Date: 13 June 1943
Score: 11-1
This controversial match remains the biggest scoreline ever recorded in a Clasico. Despite the controversy, the result marks a time when Real Madrid were already imposing their supremacy.
8. 2014 Copa del Rey final: Real Madrid-Barcelona
Date: 16 April 2014
Score: 2-1
In a breathtaking sprint, Gareth Bale deposed Marc Bartra to score a decisive goal. The goal, dubbed ‘Bale’s Golazo’, gave Real Madrid a new trophy. The Welsh striker’s action is iconic and historic.
9. Real Madrid – Manchester United (Champions League, quarter-final second leg)
Date: 23 April 2003
Score : 3-4 (6-5 aggregate win)
This match in the theatre of dreams saw Ronaldo Luis Nazário de Lima score a masterly hat-trick. Old Trafford applauded the Brazilian striker, despite their team’s defeat, for a collective performance and an iconic match.
10. Clasico 2005: Real Madrid – Barcelona
Date: 10 April 2005
Score : 4-2
Real Madrid’s stars were on top form. Zidane, Ronaldo and Raul eclipsed Ronaldinho and his team. This Clasico showed a brilliant and ruthless Real Madrid.
