Real Madrid’s top five most memorable matches of 2025 | OneFootball

The year 2025 will be remembered as one of those defining chapters in the modern history of Real Madrid. 

It was a year filled with drama, big moments, late goals, defensive scares, and performances that reminded everyone why the club remains football’s ultimate benchmark. 

Most importantly, it will be remembered for a transitional change that Real Madrid went through, which is the departure of Carlo Ancelotti and the taking over of Xabi Alonso.

Across domestic and European competitions, Madrid delivered matches that were not just wins on paper but statements of character, ambition, and elite mentality.

While 2025 did not really bring much luck for the club, some performances stood out.

Below is a closer look at Real Madrid’s top five matches of the year, with context and why each one earned its place on this list.

Real Madrid 5-2 Celta – Copa del Rey Round of 16, January 16, 2025

The Copa del Rey often produces surprises, but on this January night at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid made sure they would not be one of them. 

Facing a stubborn Celta side, Madrid were dragged into a high-tempo contest that demanded patience and intensity.

The scoreline may suggest comfort, but the match itself was anything but straightforward. 

Celta showed courage going forward and forced Madrid to respond with authority. 

Real Madrid were leading 2-0 until the 83rd minute when Celta launched a surprise comeback, scoring two goals in eight minutes, forcing the match to go into extra time.

Interestingly, it was Endrick who turned out to be the saviour as his brace, followed by a goal from Federico Valverde, secured a win for Los Blancos.

Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid – UCL knockout first leg, February 11, 2025

European nights do not get much tougher than an away trip to Manchester City, and Real Madrid once again proved that the Champions League is their natural habitat. 

Against one of Europe’s most dominant home sides, Madrid delivered a performance built on belief and ruthless execution.

City controlled possession for long spells, but Madrid were lethal in transition. The game was deadlocked at 1-1 until the hour’s mark and by the stroke of 80th minute, Erling Haaland scored his second to give City a lead.

However, as history has shown, Real Madrid certainly did not give up, as goals from Brahim Diaz and Jude Bellingham within six minutes gave Real Madrid a much-deserved win.

Real Madrid 4-4 Real Sociedad – Copa del Rey semi-final, April 1, 2025

If football is entertainment, this semi-final was pure theatre. 

Real Madrid and Real Sociedad produced one of the most unforgettable Copa del Rey matches in recent memory, with momentum swinging wildly from start to finish.

Madrid showed attacking brilliance, but also defensive vulnerability. Every time they seemed to take control, Sociedad responded. 

The match became a test of nerve, stamina, and mental strength, with both sides refusing to settle.

The action took no less than 16 minutes when Sociedad opened the scoring before Endrick scored the equaliser by the half-hour mark.

Between the 70th minute and the end of regulation time, as many as five goals were scored, taking the aggregate score to 4-4 of the second semi-final.

With the match once again in extra time, Antonio Rudiger sent the home fans into a frenzy with his decisive goal in the 115th minute, winning the game 5-4 on aggregate.

Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona – La Liga, October 26, 2025

No list is complete without El Clasico. When Barcelona visited the Bernabeu in October, the stakes were high, and the tension was unmistakable. 

Real Madrid approached the game with clarity, intensity, and a clear plan.

The victory was built on control rather than chaos. Madrid managed the key moments well, stayed compact defensively, and struck decisively when opportunities came. 

Beyond the three points, this win carried huge psychological weight in the title race.

Beating Barcelona at home reinforced Madrid’s authority in La Liga and sent a message that they were ready to dominate domestically once again.

Athletic Club 0-3 Real Madrid – La Liga, December 3, 2025

Away trips to Bilbao are rarely comfortable, but Real Madrid made this one look effortless. 

The context of his match is particularly important because after a strong start, Real Madrid began struggling under Xabi Alonso and needed a win.

Against an Athletic Club side known for intensity and physical pressure, Madrid delivered a composed and professional performance.

The clean sheet was as important as the goals. Madrid controlled the tempo, absorbed pressure when needed, and finished the game clinically.