Unlocking the Numbers: A Deep Dive into the UEFA Champions League 2021–22 Data
The 2021–22 UEFA Champions League marked the 67th edition of Europe’s premier club football tournament organized by UEFA. This season, Real Madrid secured their dominance by defeating Liverpool 1–0 in the final, clinching their 14th European Cup title and their fifth in nine years. Originally slated for the Allianz Arena in Munich, the final was moved to the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
As the winners, Real Madrid not only earned a direct entry into the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League group stage but also faced Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2022 UEFA Super Cup, which they won. Additionally, they triumphed in the 2022 FIFA Club World Cup. Chelsea, the defending champions, were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Real Madrid.
The 2021–22 season was historic, representing the first time since 1999–2000 that three major European club competitions — UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and the newly introduced UEFA Europa Conference League — were organized by UEFA. While the Champions League maintained its format, teams eliminated in the preliminary and first qualifying rounds were redirected to the Europa Conference League.
A noteworthy change for this season was the abolition of the away goals rule, a decision approved by UEFA on June 24, 2021. This rule, in place since 1965, determined the winner in two-legged ties based on the number of goals scored away from home. With its removal, ties with level aggregate goals went to 30 minutes of extra time, and if still tied, proceeded to a penalty shootout.
The Winner’s Run
Making it to the UEFA Champions League Final is the dream for any professional football club, and Real Madrid’s journey to this year’s finals in Paris was nothing short of extraordinary.
The Group
Let’s rewind to the group stage. When the UEFA Champions League groups were revealed, excitement buzzed among Madrid fans. The group included Inter Milan from Italy, Shakhtar Donetsk from Ukraine, and FC Sheriff from Moldova. Coach Carlo Ancelotti stressed the need for caution, but Madrid cruised through with five wins and one loss, securing 15 points and topping the table. They triumphed over Inter Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk but stumbled at home against FC Sheriff. This set the stage for a Round of 16 clash with PSG.
That Night in Madrid
Facing a 1–0 first-leg defeat in Paris, doubts loomed about Madrid’s fate. The second leg at home saw them trailing 1–0 as the 60-minute mark approached. Then, in a legendary turn of events, Karim Benzema took charge, delivering a sensational hat trick that sent PSG packing and propelled Madrid to the Champions League Quarter Finals.
That Modric Magic Pass
In the quarter-finals against Chelsea, a team Madrid had never beaten, doubts lingered. Yet, after an impressive first-leg performance at Stamford Bridge, Madrid secured a 3–1 victory with another Benzema hat trick. The return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu took an unexpected turn, with Chelsea taking a 3–0 lead. With 75 minutes gone and no goals for Madrid, the outlook was grim. Then, in a dramatic twist, young star Rodrygo scored courtesy of an amazing assist by Luka Modric, pushing the game into extra time. Once again, Benzema took charge, scoring to make it 2–3. Despite the loss, Madrid advanced to the semi-finals, leaving Chelsea to reflect on missed opportunities.
Give me Rodrygo and 2 Minutes
In the semi-finals against Pep Guardiola’s City, Madrid continued their knack for drama. The first leg in Manchester ended in a tight 4–3 win for City, with Benzema contributing two goals and Vinicius Jr. adding another. The second leg promised to be epic, as the English side, wary of their formidable opponent, exercised caution even when leading 1–0 in the 89th minute. However, Rodrygo’s quick double forced extra time, and Benzema’s composed penalty sealed Madrid’s place in the finals in Paris. A night etched in the memories of ‘Madridistas’ and one to forget for the ‘Citizens.’
The Final
Real Madrid added to their impressive trophy collection by securing a 1–0 victory over Liverpool in the 2022 final held at the Stade de France. The lone goal was netted by Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, but the standout memory of the match revolves around the exceptional performance of his teammate Thibaut Courtois. Many consider Courtois’s goalkeeping display in the Champions League final to be one of the greatest in history.
Breaking Down the Data
The UEFA Champions League 2021–22 season showcased a thrilling display of talent and statistics. A total of 370 goals were scored, with Bayern emerging as the top-scoring club. Impressively, the team with the highest pass accuracy, standing at 89.18%, demonstrated the importance of precision in the game. Karim Benzema of Real Madrid claimed the coveted title of the top scorer with an impressive 15 goals. The defensive prowess of Casemiro from Real Madrid shone through, as he led with 76 balls recovered. On the offensive front, Vinicius Jr., also from Real Madrid, left his mark with 4 goals, 6 assists, and an impressive 83 dribbles. Goalkeeping excellence was embodied by Thibaut Courtois, also of Real Madrid, who secured 5 clean sheets and made a remarkable 61 saves throughout the competition. These statistics not only reflect the individual brilliance of players but also contribute to the collective narrative of an unforgettable UEFA Champions League season.
In addition to the remarkable individual achievements of Real Madrid players in the UEFA Champions League 2021–22 season, further in-depth analysis and insights into the data can be explored through a Tableau Public dashboard.
By delving into more detailed statistics and trends, this visual representation provides a comprehensive view of the team’s performance and contributions. The dashboard serves as an avenue for enthusiasts and analysts alike to explore nuanced aspects of the data, offering a richer understanding of the dynamics in the tournament.
Note: This is my first of many data delving analytical writeups on football data. I aim to explore various football datasets to uncover insights, and I welcome suggestions and recommendations to enhance the depth of my analyses. Feel free to request the analysis of specific datasets, football stories, or any sports-related topics, as I am eager to tailor my content to your interests and curiosities.