2022/23 season’s best matches: The 2022/23 season was surely an exciting one. With the usual winners in England, Germany and France crowned after a competitive season. Barcelona and Napoli regained their status as the biggest club in the nations. Historic moments such as Pep Guardiola’s treble, Haaland’s dominance and Messi’s coronation were other highlights. Let us take a look at the four most memorable football matches of this season.
Benfica 4-3 Juventus
2022-23 UEFA Champions League, Group Stage
25 October 2022
In a captivating and high-scoring spectacle, Benfica orchestrated a dramatic 4-3 triumph over Juventus, leaving fans breathless until the final whistle.
Benfica set the tone from the outset, displaying remarkable intensity, and swiftly gained an advantage as António Silva scored a well-executed header from a corner, granting the Portuguese team an early lead.
Juventus, however, proved their mettle and responded swiftly, as Moise Kean capitalized on a corner, leveling the score with a close-range finish.
Amidst controversy, Juventus was awarded a penalty for a handball by Juan Cuadrado. Dusan Vlahovic seized the opportunity, calmly converting the spot-kick and propelling Juventus ahead.
But the drama was far from over. Benfica was granted a penalty after a VAR review, and João Mário confidently dispatched the equalizer from the spot.
The second half was equally intense. Rafa ignited the home crowd’s excitement by netting a clinical finish from a fast break, reinstating Benfica’s lead.
The Portuguese side extended their advantage to 4-2 when Arkadiusz Milik showcased his striking prowess with a powerful shot from the center of the box.
Nonetheless, Juventus refused to be defeated and launched a spirited comeback. Weston McKennie scored a late goal from close range, rekindling hope for the Italian side to salvage a point.
In the end, Benfica tenaciously defended their narrow lead and secured a remarkable victory over one of Europe’s elite clubs.
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia
2022 FIFA World Cup, Group Stage
22 November 2022
In what can be described as a monumental upset in World Cup history, Saudi Arabia delivered a stunning performance by defeating Argentina 2-1 in a thrilling football match.
Argentina kicked off the match with Lionel Messi leading their charge. The captain’s efforts paid off when he earned an early penalty opportunity and skillfully converted it, giving Argentina the lead.
However, Saudi Arabia refused to back down and showed incredible resolve. Saleh Al Shehri emerged as their hero, exhibiting his finishing prowess with a precise shot into the bottom right corner, leveling the score.
The game continued to be fiercely contested, with both teams creating chances and testing the opposing goalkeepers. In a decisive moment, Salem Al Dawsari sealed Saudi Arabia’s triumph, unleashing a powerful shot from the left side of the box, finding the top right corner and putting his team in the lead.
Despite Argentina’s efforts to stage a comeback, Saudi Arabia’s resilient defense and disciplined performance thwarted their advances.
Saudi Arabia’s victory over football giants Argentina will undoubtedly be celebrated as a historic achievement for their footballing nation. The match between these two nations showcased the unpredictable nature of football and the excitement it brings to fans worldwide. It serves as a reminder that anything can happen on the football field, making the World Cup an event filled with thrilling surprises.
Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid
2022-23 UEFA Champions League, Round of 16 1st leg
21 February 2023
In a thrilling and action-packed encounter, Real Madrid emerged as the clear victors, securing a dominant 5-2 win against Liverpool. The clash of these football giants provided fans with a spectacle of breathtaking goals and intense action, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats from start to finish.
Liverpool started strong with an early goal from Darwin Núñez, raising hopes for a formidable performance on home turf. However, Real Madrid quickly turned the tables, with Vinícius Júnior showcasing his clinical finishing to equalize and then take the lead with another well-executed goal.
Not to be outdone, Liverpool’s star player Mohamed Salah rose to the occasion, displaying his brilliance with a well-placed shot to level the score once again. The game was evenly poised, but Real Madrid’s attacking prowess proved too much for Liverpool’s defense as the match progressed.
The seasoned veteran Karim Benzema demonstrated his class with a goal that displayed his technical ability and footballing intelligence, further strengthening Real Madrid’s lead. Additionally, Éder Militão made a significant contribution with an impeccable header from a set-piece situation.
In the end, Real Madrid secured a resounding 5-2 lead going into the second leg at their home ground
Argentina 3 – 3 (pen 4 – 2) France
FIFA World Cup Final
18 Dec 2022
Few could argue it being against the best World Cup final. Even few could deny it being the best of this season. In an electrifying World Cup final against France, Argentina emerged victorious in a thrilling 3-3 draw after an intense 90 minutes, leading to an enthralling extra time. Argentina’s star players, Messi and Di Maria, displayed their brilliance with two first-half goals. However, Mbappe’s late brace for France forced the game into extra time.
Just when Messi seemed to secure the win with a remarkable performance, Mbappe equalized again with a hat-trick from a penalty, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. The tension escalated as the match proceeded to a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
In this nail-biting moment, Argentina prevailed with a 4-2 triumph. Martinez’s crucial save and Tchouameni’s miss for France allowed Argentina to convert all their penalties, sealing their victory.
Argentina’s success was a result of their dominant performance throughout the match. With Messi and Di Maria shining as pivotal figures. This triumphant moment marks an unforgettable achievement for Argentina, lifting the World Cup trophy once again. Messi lifting the one trophy that evaded him all his life is a lasting memory in the hearts of their fans.
