As 2025 draws to a close, it marks the end of an exhilarating year filled with matches from around the globe, packed with unforgettable emotions and challenges that will be etched in football history.
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From stunning comebacks to action-packed games, 2025 has been a year brimming with excitement. Here are the 5 (+1) standout matches of the year.
JUVENTUS – INTER 4-3 (13/09/2025) – Serie A
The Derby d’Italia between Juventus, managed by Tudor, and Inter under Chivu’s leadership is a highlight of Serie A’s third matchday. The thrilling encounter showcases goals from the Thuram brothers and more.
Kelly initiates the scoring, while Calhanoglu soon levels the game. Yildiz then adds a stunning goal just before halftime. In the second half, Inter briefly pulls ahead with goals from Calhanoglu and Marcus Thuram before Khephren Thuram heads one in, making it 3-3 in the 82nd minute.
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Out of nowhere, a set-piece leads to a stunning long-range strike from the young Adzic, securing victory for Juventus with a 4-3 scoreline in the dying moments.
INTER – BARCELONA 4-3 (06/05/2025) – Champions League
In a thrilling Champions League semifinal return leg after their first match ended in a 3-3 tie, Inter welcomes Barcelona to a raucous San Siro. The first half sees Inter take charge, with Lautaro scoring in the 21st minute and Calhanoglu adding a penalty just before halftime, putting them up 2-0.
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But in the second half, Barcelona fights back heroically. They take the lead with goals from Eric Garcia, Olmo, and Raphinha, making it 2-3. Just when it appeared that Inter’s dreams were dashed, Acerbi scores a stunning equalizer in injury time, sending the match into extra time.
The drama continues as Sommer makes crucial saves and a final strike from Frattesi in the 99th minute secures a heart-stopping 4-3 victory for Inter, triggering wild celebrations.
Real Madrid – Barcelona 2-5 (12/01/2025) – Spanish Super Cup
The pinnacle of football, the Super Cup final between Ancelotti’s Real Madrid and Flick’s dynamic Barcelona, ends in a historic defeat for Madrid, who suffer a humbling 2-5 loss.
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Despite an early lead from Mbappé in the 5th minute, it quickly spirals into chaos for Madrid. Barcelona responds with a barrage of goals from Yamal, Lewandowski, Balde, and Raphinha, leading to an overwhelming result that only tightens when Szczesny receives a red card nearing the hour mark. Rodrygo’s late goal caps the score at 2-5, highlighting an astonishing difference in class.
MANCHESTER CITY – REAL MADRID 2-3 (11/02/2025) – Champions League
In a surprising round of 16 clash in the new Champions League, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City faces Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid. With both teams struggling, the stakes are high.
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Haaland kicks off the scoring in the 19th minute, but the game ties when Mbappé finds the net in the 60th. Haaland then strikes again in the 80th, leading many to believe Manchester would secure the win. Ancelotti, however, orchestrates a remarkable comeback, with Diaz scoring in the 86th and Bellingham clinching victory in the 92nd minute, turning the match around spectacularly.
BARCELONA – ATLETICO MADRID 4-4 (25/02/2025) – Copa del Rey
In another thrilling encounter, Flick’s Barcelona shines amidst the ups and downs of their playful style. This Copa del Rey semifinal sees them face Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, who capitalize on Barcelona’s early disarray to take a quick two-goal lead.
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Barcelona responds fiercely with goals from Pedri, Cubarsí, and Inigo Martinez, turning the game on its head within the first half. Lewandowski puts them ahead in the 74th minute, but it doesn’t end there. Llorente pulls one back in the 84th, and Sorloth scores on the counterattack in the 93rd to level it at 4-4, sending shockwaves through Montjuic.
MANCHESTER CITY – AL HILAL 3-4 (01/07/2025) – Club World Cup
The most unexpected match of this selection occurred during the Club World Cup, where Manchester City faced Al Hilal. Under recently appointed Simone Inzaghi, Al Hilal made history with a spectacular performance.
Bernardo Silva opens the scoring early, but Marcos Leonardo levels it after halftime. Malcom then puts Al Hilal ahead in the 52nd minute before Haaland equalizes it again. The match remains tied until extra time, where Koulibaly gives Al Hilal a 4-3 lead in the 94th minute. Foden quickly equals it in the 104th, but Marcos Leonardo clinches a historic victory for Al Hilal in the 112th minute.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. Read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
📸 Dan Mullan – 2025 Getty Images