Personally, if I have to speak as a fan, which sport do I like and am passionate about? It has to be football.
Why do you ask?
The answer is simple: the passion and aggression on and off the field we see in this sport is unmatchable. And this statement is not necessarily for the players, but for fans as well.
This sport has been very beloved by the majority of people across the world.
Rivalries in football have left people in awe of whoever has dared to come across them. And rivalries have been the best part of this sport.
What's a match without a history? What's greatness without courage and fear?
In today's list, we'll be looking at 23 of the best football matches that left fans thrilled and wanting more.
These matches were nothing short of a roller coaster with drama and thrills to grip you till the end.
Let's Explore.....
1. Aston Villa 2 – 4 Arsenal (2023)
In a riveting clash on February 18, 2023,
Arsenal claimed a thrilling 4-2 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park in Birmingham during the 24th matchday of the English Premier League 2022/23 season. Aston Villa initially took the lead with Ollie Watkins' goal, but Arsenal swiftly responded as Bukayo Saka found the top corner. Philippe Coutinho restored Aston Villa's lead, yet Arsenal showed resilience with Oleksandr Zinchenko's equalizer. The dramatic turn continued in injury time when Jorginho's long-range shot, bouncing off Emi Martinez's back, gave Arsenal their first lead. The finale saw Gabriel Martinelli securing the win after a through ball by Fabio Vieira. The match highlighted Arsenal's determination and scoring prowess, resulting in a memorable 4-2 victory over Aston Villa.
2. Liverpool 2 – 5 Real Madrid (2023)
In a historic UEFA Champions League round of 16 encounter on February 21, 2023, Real Madrid orchestrated a stunning comeback to secure a 5-2 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. Despite Liverpool initially taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah, Real Madrid showcased resilience. Vinicius Junior's brace, featuring a stunning strike and a looping header, leveled the score by halftime. The second half saw Eder Militao and Karim Benzema extending Real Madrid's lead with goals, completing an impressive turnaround. The final score of 5-2 marked a remarkable triumph for Real Madrid, setting the stage for a memorable Champions League clash.
3. Manchester City 4 – 0 Real Madrid (2023)
In a decisive Champions League semi-final second leg on May 17, 2023, at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Real Madrid, sealing a 5-1 aggregate win and earning their first-ever spot in the final. The match highlighted City's dominance, with Bernardo Silva netting two goals, complemented by strikes from Manuel Akanji and Julian Alvarez. Notable moments included Silva's early close-range finish, a looping header for his second, Akanji's header off a deflection, and Alvarez's late strike. City's performance, marked by intense pressing, fluid passing, and clinical finishing, showcased their prowess and left Real Madrid struggling to mount a substantial challenge. This exceptional display earned City praise as they advanced to face Inter Milan in the final on June 10, 2023, in Istanbul.
4. Liverpool 7 – 0 Manchester United (2023)
In the second leg of the Premier League clash on March 5, 2023, Liverpool delivered an outstanding 7-0 victory over Manchester United, characterized by dominant performances from Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah. The emphatic win, featuring Liverpool's trademark high-intensity pressing and clinical finishing, not only humiliated their rivals but also significantly strengthened their bid for a top-four finish. Key moments included Gakpo's powerful opener, Nunez's headed goals, and Salah's record-breaking contribution. Manchester United struggled to respond, failing to threaten Alisson's goal. Widely acclaimed as one of the competition's best performances, Liverpool's victory showcased their football prowess and etched a memorable chapter in Premier League history.
5. Tottenham 2 – 1 Brighton (2023)
In the Premier League clash between Tottenham and Brighton on April 8, 2023, Son Heung-min marked a historic moment with his 100th Premier League goal, making him the first Asian player to achieve this feat. Brighton's Lewis Dunk equalized in the 34th minute, commemorating his 200th Premier League appearance for the club. The match saw VAR interventions, disallowing two Brighton goals and denying a penalty appeal. Harry Kane sealed the win for Tottenham in the 79th minute. The game featured managerial drama, leading to the dismissal of both Roberto De Zerbi and Cristian Stellini. The victory positioned Tottenham in fifth place, trailing fourth-placed Aston Villa by three points, while Brighton dropped to seventh, five points behind Tottenham, shaping the standings in a match filled with milestones and controversies.
6. Manchester City 4 – 1 Arsenal (2023)
In a pivotal clash between Manchester City and Arsenal, City emerged triumphant with a resounding 4-1 victory. The win narrowed the gap to a mere two points, intensifying the race for the league title. Kevin De Bruyne played a stellar role, scoring two goals (7’, 54’) and setting up another for John Stones (45+1’), earning him the coveted title of Player of the Match. Erling Haaland showcased his prowess by assisting both of De Bruyne’s goals and netting the fourth in stoppage time (90+5’). Arsenal's Rob Holding managed a consolation goal in the 86th minute, but it couldn't salvage the match. Arsenal, league leaders at the start, faced a setback with a sluggish start and struggled against City’s relentless attacks. This defeat marked their first since February, emphasizing the significance of the encounter.
7. Genk 2 v 2 Royal Antwerp (2023)
On June 4, 2023, at the Cegeka Arena in Genk, Belgium, a thrilling Belgian Pro League encounter unfolded, culminating in a 2-2 draw between Genk and Antwerp. The first half remained goalless, marked by Genk's dominance in possession and chances, countered by Antwerp's resilient defense and threatening counter-attacks. The second half intensified as Alieu Fadera's powerful header gave Genk the lead in the 55th minute, but Antwerp responded with Vincent Janssen's penalty in the 72nd minute. Genk regained the lead with Tolu Arokodare's stunning strike in the 85th minute, only for Antwerp to secure a point in the final moments with Toby Alderweireld's header from Jürgen Ekkelenkamp's free kick in the 90th minute. The match showcased a dynamic and dramatic exchange, leaving both teams with a share of the spoils.
8. FC Koln 1 – 2 Bayern Munich (2023)
On May 27, 2023, at the RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, Germany, Bayern Munich secured a dramatic 2-1 victory against FC Cologne, clinching their remarkable 11th consecutive German Bundesliga title. The early lead was established by Kingsley Coman in the 8th minute with a precise low shot from Leroy Sané's pass, showcasing Bayern's offensive prowess. Despite FC Cologne's resilient defense and efforts to create chances, the first half concluded with Bayern maintaining a one-goal advantage. In the 81st minute, FC Cologne leveled the score with a penalty converted by Dejan Ljubičić after a foul by Lucas Hernández. The home crowd anticipated a surprise result, but Bayern Munich demonstrated their quality and resilience. In the 89th minute, Jamal Musiala sealed the win with a sublime finish, curling the ball into the bottom corner from a pass by Serge Gnabry. This victory, coupled with Borussia Dortmund's draw with Mainz, secured Bayern Munich's 11th consecutive league title in a thrilling Bundesliga clash.
9. Arsenal 3-3 Southampton (2023)
On Friday, April 21, 2023, at the Emirates Stadium in London, a Premier League showdown unfolded between Arsenal and Southampton, resulting in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Southampton seized an early lead as Carlos Alcaraz capitalized on an error by Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale in the first minute, followed by former Arsenal player Theo Walcott doubling the advantage in the 14th minute. Arsenal mounted a response with Gabriel Martinelli's volley in the 20th minute, but Southampton extended their lead with Duje Caleta-Car's header in the 66th minute. The match took a dramatic turn in the final minutes as Arsenal staged a comeback, with Martin Odegaard netting in the 88th minute and Bukayo Saka equalizing in the 90th minute. Despite Arsenal's late heroics, the game concluded in a 3-3 draw, providing fans with a memorable and action-packed Premier League encounter.
10. Napoli 5-1 Juventus (2023)
On January 14, 2023, at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples, Italy, Napoli delivered a spectacular performance, securing a resounding 5-1 victory over Juventus in a Serie A clash. This thrilling encounter not only propelled Napoli 10 points clear at the top of the table but also brought an end to Juventus' eight-game winning streak. Napoli's goal-scoring spree featured contributions from Victor Osimhen (2), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Amir Rahmani, and Elif Elmas, while Juventus managed a solitary goal through Angel di Maria. The match showcased Napoli's dominance with superior possession, shots, and shots on target. Notably, Juventus conceded five goals in a Serie A game for the first time since 1993. Key moments included Martinelli's 20th-minute volley for Napoli, Osimhen's header in the 55th minute, and a late flurry of goals by Osimhen, Odegaard, and Saka in the 85th, 88th, and 90th minutes, respectively. Napoli's commanding performance solidified their position at the summit of Serie A, leaving an indelible mark on Italian football.
11. Liverpool 4-3 Tottenham (2023)
In a thrilling encounter at Anfield on Sunday, April 30, 2023, Liverpool and Tottenham delivered a captivating spectacle that ended with Liverpool securing a dramatic 4-3 victory. The early minutes saw Liverpool seize control, with Curtis Jones heading in a goal in the 3rd minute, followed by Luis Diaz doubling the lead in the 5th minute with a near-post finish. Mohamed Salah extended the lead to 3-0 in the 15th minute with a converted penalty. However, Tottenham mounted a spirited comeback as Harry Kane volleyed one back in the 40th minute. Son Heung-min further closed the gap in the 77th minute with a breakaway finish, and in stoppage time, Richarlison completed the comeback with a header. Yet, the match took a final twist in the 94th minute when Diogo Jota capitalized on a poor back pass from Lucas Moura to secure a dramatic winner for Liverpool. The result placed Liverpool fifth place, while Tottenham dropped to sixth in the Premier League standings.
12. Barcelona 2-1 Real Madrid (2023)
In a tense clash at Camp Nou on Sunday, March 19, 2023, Barcelona faced Real Madrid in a pivotal match in the La Liga title race. The first half concluded without any goals, showcasing solid defenses and notable saves from both goalkeepers. The second half saw a significant turn of events as Barcelona's Pedri broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a brilliant pass from Lionel Messi. Barcelona extended their lead in injury time with a stunning strike from Franck Kessié, who fired a low shot from outside the box into the bottom corner. Although Real Madrid pulled one back in the 88th minute with a header from Karim Benzema, Barcelona held on to secure a crucial 2-1 victory. This win propelled Barcelona closer to their 28th La Liga title, putting them 12 points ahead of Real Madrid with 12 games remaining, dealing a significant blow to Real Madrid's hopes of retaining the trophy.
13. Manchester City 4-0 Real Madrid (2023)
In a commanding performance on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Etihad Stadium, Manchester City secured a historic 4-0 victory over Real Madrid, advancing to the Champions League final for the first time in their history with an aggregate score of 5-1. The match showcased Manchester City's dominance, marked by two goals from Bernardo Silva. In the 23rd minute, Silva opened the scoring with a header from Kevin De Bruyne's cross, and he added a second in the 37th minute with a precise low shot from the edge of the box. Manuel Akanji extended the lead to 3-0 in the 76th minute with a header from another De Bruyne delivery, deflecting off Eder Militao's shoulder. Julian Alvarez completed the rout in injury time with a composed finish, capitalizing on a mistake by Lucas Moura. With this resounding victory, Manchester City set the stage for a historic final clash against Inter Milan on June 10 in Istanbul.
14. Barcelona 2-2 Manchester United (2023)
In a thrilling clash on February 16, 2023, at Camp Nou, Barcelona, and Manchester United engaged in an intense battle, resulting in a captivating 2-2 draw during the first leg of their Europa League playoff. The second half unfolded as follows: Marcos Alonso's powerful strike in the 50th minute gave Barcelona the lead, swiftly countered by Marcus Rashford's solo brilliance, equalizing for Manchester United just two minutes later. The 59th minute witnessed an unfortunate own goal by Jules Koundé under Rashford's pressure, propelling Manchester United ahead. Raphinha added a dramatic touch in the 88th minute, heading in a cross from Ansu Fati, securing a crucial point for Barcelona. The final score of Barcelona 2-2 Manchester United leaves the tie delicately poised, with anticipation building for the decisive second leg at Old Trafford.
15. Austria Wiie 3-5 Legia Warszawa (2023)
In a UEFA Europa Conference League Qualification clash on August 17, 2023, Legia Warszawa triumphed 5-3 against Austria Wien, securing a 6-5 aggregate win. The first half saw Legia's dominance with goals from Juergen Elitim and Marc Gual in the 39th and 45th minutes. Tomáš Pekhart extended the lead to 3-0 in the 58th minute, answered by Andreas Gruber's brace for Austria Wien in the 68th and 82nd minutes, narrowing it to 3-2. Legia and Austria Wien added goals in the 87th and injury time through Maciej Rosołek and Reinhold Ranftl. Ernest Muçi sealed Legia's victory in the 10th minute of added time. Key stats: Austria Wien had 54% possession, 16 shots, and 7 on target; Legia Warszawa had 46% possession, 14 shots, and 9 on target. Top-rated players were Andreas Gruber (8.4) for Austria Wien and Marc Gual (8.0) for Legia. Post-match, Austria Wien was eliminated from the UEFA Europa Conference League Qualification, finishing third in the Austrian Bundesliga. Legia Warszawa advanced to the UEFA Europa Conference League Play-off and won the Polish Ekstraklasa.
16. Manchester United 3-3 Galtasaray (2023)
In a thrilling UEFA Champions League clash on November 29, 2023, at Rams Park in Istanbul, Manchester United and Galatasaray played to a 3-3 draw. United initially led 2-0 with goals from Garnacho and Fernandes, but Ziyech's free-kick narrowed the gap. McTominay extended United's lead, yet Galatasaray mounted a comeback with goals from Ziyech and Akturkoglu, leveling at 3-3. Although Muçi scored a late winner for Galatasaray, it was disallowed after a VAR review. Key stats: Galatasaray had 48% possession, 15 shots, and 7 on target, while United had 52% possession, 17 shots, and 9 on target. Top-rated players: Ziyech (9.0) for Galatasaray, Fernandes (8.5) for Manchester United. Post-match, Galatasaray secured the second spot in the group with 8 points, while Manchester United finished fourth with 5 points, narrowly behind Atalanta on head-to-head record.
17. VFB Stuttguard 3-3 Borussia Dortmund (2023)
The match between VfB Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund was a thrilling 3-3 draw that took place on Saturday, 15 April 2023 at Mercedes-Benz Arena in Stuttgart1. It was part of the 28th matchday of the German Bundesliga season 2022/232. The match started with Dortmund dominating the first half, scoring two goals through Sebastien Haller and Donyell Malen2. Stuttgart looked helpless and unable to cope with Dortmund’s pace and pressure. However, the second half saw a remarkable comeback from the home team, who scored two goals in six minutes through Tidiane Coulibaly and Josha Vagnoman. Dortmund thought they had snatched a late winner when Giovanni Reyna scored in injury time. Still, Stuttgart had the last word when Silas Wamangituka equalized with a penalty in the seventh minute of added time. The match was a roller-coaster of emotions for both teams and fans, as they witnessed six goals, two penalties, and a dramatic finish.
18. Union Berlin 3-3 Union Saint Gilloise (2023)
In a thrilling UEFA Europa League last-16 second leg on March 16, 2023, between Union Berlin and Union Saint Gilloise, the match ended in a 3-3 draw. Union Berlin initially led with goals from Sven Michel and Robin Knoche, but Union Saint Gilloise, powered by Victor Boniface and Yorbe Vertessen, equalized twice. Despite a late push from Union Berlin, including Jordan Siebatcheu's goal, Union Saint Gilloise advanced to the quarter-finals with a 6-4 aggregate win. Key statistics: Union Saint Gilloise had 47% possession, 13 shots, and 8 on target; Union Berlin had 53% possession, 18 shots, and 10 on target. Standout players were Hakim Ziyech (9.1) for Union Saint Gilloise and Josip Juranovic (8.6) for Union Berlin. Post-match, Union Saint Gilloise progressed to face Tottenham Hotspur, while Union Berlin shifted focus to their Bundesliga campaign, holding the fourth position.
19. Puebla 5-4 Leon (2023)
In a thrilling Liga MX Apertura 2023 clash on November 4, 2023, Puebla orchestrated a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 3-1 halftime deficit to secure a dramatic 5-4 victory against León at Estadio Cuauhtémoc. Federico Viñas opened the scoring for León in the 10th minute, swiftly countered by Gustavo Martínez's equalizer in the 19th minute. Despite Nicolás López and Viñas extending León's lead before halftime, Puebla mounted a spirited second-half resurgence. Martínez completed a hat-trick, and contributions from Diego de Buen and Miguel Sansores sealed the dramatic win. The match featured nine goals, 12 yellow cards, and one red card, with Puebla securing 53% possession. The victory propelled Puebla to sixth place with 25 points, enhancing their playoff prospects, while León dropped to eighth place with 23 points. Both teams secured playoff berths, with Puebla having a stronger chance of advancing to the semifinals.
20. Losc Lille 3-3 Olympique Lyon (2023)
In a thrilling Ligue 1 Uber Eats 2023 clash on March 11, 2023, at Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille and Lyon played to a 3-3 draw. Despite trailing 3-1 at halftime, Lille showcased resilience, briefly taking a 3-2 lead with a hat-trick by Jonathan David. Lyon initially led with goals from Federico Viñas and Nicolás López, but Lille fought back through Gustavo Martínez and Diego de Buen. Alexandre Lacazette's late brace secured a dramatic equalizer. The match featured nine goals, 12 yellow cards, and one red card, with Lille holding 53% possession, 18 shots, and 10 corners, while Lyon had 47% possession, 15 shots, and 6 corners. Standout performers were David and de Buen for Lille, and Viñas and Mena for Lyon. The result elevated Lille to sixth place with 25 points, while Lyon dropped to eighth with 23 points. Both teams secured playoff berths, with Lille having a stronger chance of reaching the semifinals.
21. Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 AS Monaco (2023)
In a thrilling UEFA Europa League Round of 32 clash on February 23, 2023, at Stade Louis II, Bayer Leverkusen secured a 5-3 penalty shootout victory over AS Monaco following a 3-2 win in the second leg. Florian Wirtz, Exequiel Palacios, and Amine Adli were pivotal for Leverkusen, while Wissam Ben Yedder and Breel Embolo shone for AS Monaco. The match featured five goals, 11 yellow cards, and Leverkusen's 54% possession, 16 shots, and 7 corners against Monaco's 46% possession, 14 shots, and 5 corners. Bayer Leverkusen advanced to the round of 16 with a 5-4 aggregate score, eliminating AS Monaco from the competition.
22. Cagliari 4-3 Frosinone (2023)
In a remarkable Serie A clash on October 29, 2023, at Unipol Domus, Cagliari orchestrated a thrilling comeback against Frosinone, clinching a 4-3 victory from a 3-0 deficit. Frosinone's early lead, courtesy of Matìas Soulè Malvano and Marco Brescianini, seemed unassailable, compounded by Brescianini's second goal. However, Cagliari mounted a stunning turnaround with goals from Gaetano Pio Oristanio, Antoine Makoubou, and a late double from Leonardo Pavoletti. The match featured seven goals, 10 yellow cards, and one red card, showcasing Cagliari's dominance with 57% possession, 21 shots, and 9 corners. Pavoletti's standout performance included two goals with 100% shot accuracy, alongside Oristanio's goal and assist. Frosinone's key contributors were Soulè Malvano, netting twice with a 67% shot accuracy, and Federico Dionisi, providing two assists and creating four chances. The crucial win propelled Cagliari to 14th place with 10 points, enhancing their prospects against relegation, while Frosinone descended to 19th place with 5 points.
23. Lyon 5-4 Montpellier (2023)
In a thrilling Ligue 1 Uber Eats match on May 7, 2023, at Groupama Stadium, Lyon and Montpellier played out a sensational 5-4 draw. Lyon, initially trailing 3-0, mounted a remarkable comeback with Alexandre Lacazette scoring four goals, completing a hat-trick and reaching his 100th goal for Lyon. Montpellier, led by Elye Wahi's two goals and Kevin Volland's hat-trick, responded fiercely. The match featured nine goals, 11 yellow cards, and no red cards, with Lyon commanding 54% possession, 16 shots, and 7 corners, while Montpellier had 46% possession, 14 shots, and 5 corners. Key performers were Lacazette and Rayan Cherki for Lyon, and Volland and Wahi for Montpellier. The result held significance for Lyon, maintaining their seventh position and staying within reach of Europa League qualification, while Montpellier secured the 12th spot, comfortably distant from relegation.
Conclusion: The above matches are something I found worth putting onto the list but I am probably missing out on so many. Every match in football tells you a story. It can be about the derbies about the rivalries, or about the bragging rights. Football has it all to offer in the game. If you have any suggestions for me regarding the article or any other matches do let me know in the comment.
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