How have the 5 teams with perfect Champions League group-stage campaigns fared in the knockout round?

#4 Real Madrid (2011-12): Lost on penalties to Bayern Munich in the semifinals

It would be 16 long years since the exploits of AC Milan, Paris St. Germain and Spartak Moscow that a team would produce a perfect group-stage campaign. That honour went to Spanish powerhouse and the competition's then nine-time winners Real Madrid.

The Merengues did not drop a point in a group containing Olympique Lyonnais, AFC Ajax and GNK Dinamo Zagreb en route to the knockout round. Madrid beat Russian side CSKA Moscow 5-2 on aggregate in the Round of 16 and conquered APOEL Nicosia 8-2 on aggregate in the quarterfinals to reach the last 4.

In an enthralling semi-final clash with Bavarian giants Bayern Munich, Madrid lost the first leg 1-2 away from home. They still looked to be on course for the final when a quickfire Cristiano Ronalo double provided them a 3-2 aggregate lead.

However, Arjen Robben scored the all-important away goal for the visitors as the tie ended 3-3 on aggregate.

The ensuing penalty shootout at the Bernabeu saw Manuel Neuer deny Ronaldo and Kaka as Munich registered a 3-1 win to reach the final.

About the author

Bhargav is a veteran sports journalist and editor at Sportskeeda, with a rich professional experience of 17 years, working for the likes of Siemens and Bombay Dyeing. An avid football and tennis follower for over three decades, Bhargav uses his vast knowledge and experience, attention to detail, an unbiased yet interesting writing style, and thorough research to craft insightful articles, which have raked in over 18 million reads so far.

Bhargav supports Italy at national level, a team steeped in tradition and history according to him. He still harbors the heartbreak from the Azzurri’s 1994 FIFA World Cup final defeat against Brazil, and protagonist-turned-antagonist from the game, ‘Divine Ponytail’ Roberto Baggio is his all-time favorite player. His favorite manager is Marcelo Lippi, who ended Italy’s 24-year wait for the World Cup trophy, winning it in 2006.

Outside Europe’s top five leagues, he follows the MLS following Lionel Messi’s move in 2023 but favors Cristiano Ronaldo in the G.O.A.T. debate. During his free time, Bhargav enjoys driving off to new places and singing.

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Edited by Musab Abid