In the ever-evolving world of football, 2023 marked a year of exhilarating matches, gripping rivalries, and remarkable displays of skill that captivated fans worldwide. As we reflect on the unforgettable moments that shaped the beautiful game, 365Scores presents a curated collection of the most memorable football matches of 2023. From the high-stakes showdowns in elite leagues to the electrifying clashes on the international stage, this compilation encapsulates the drama, excitement, and sheer brilliance that defined football in the year gone by. Join us on a journey through the pulsating encounters, historic comebacks, and sensational performances that left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing why football continues to be a source of endless passion and spectacle for fans across the globe.
Chelsea 4-4 Manchester City | 12th November | Premier League
A sensational game. 19 shots on target, eight goals, and the game swinging on a pendulum from side to side. In typical fashion, Erling Haaland opened the scoring but veteran Thiago Silva quickly equalized. Soon after, ex-City man Raheem Sterling slotted in to put Chelsea ahead before Manuel Akanji grabbed an equalizer for City just before the end of the half. Surely the second half couldn’t be as entertaining?
Yet it was. Haaland continued to be Haaland and scored another to put City ahead once again. Chelsea weren’t giving up. They peppered City’s goal and new signing Nicolas Jackson equalised. 3-3. In the 86th minute, Rodri put City ahead yet again and it seemed the three points would be heading up north to Manchester. That was before Ruben Dias gave away a penalty and another ex-City man, Cole Palmer, cooly slotted a penalty past Ederson to level the game. Incredible.
Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid | 21st February | Champions League
A repeat of the previous season’s Champions League final was always bound to be tasty, and tasty it was.
An early Darwin Nuñez flick put the Reds ahead before Mohamed Salah swiftly followed up with a second. Liverpool were in dreamland. *Enter Vinicius Jr and Karim Benzema*. Unfortunately for Liverpool, Real were simply giving Liverpool a headstart before their world-class attackers ran riot around them and made incredible defenders look like fringe players of the local pub team.
Vinicius scored an incredible, curling goal to half the deficit before his compatriot Alisson made a serious blunder to allow him to score a second. Eder Militao scored just after halftime as Real Madrid took the lead before Karim Benzema did what he always did in the Champions League and bagged twice in a calm, cool, and collected style. The game ended 5-2 to Real Madrid. A thrashing.
Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United | 5th March | Premier League
Manchester United were flying. Fresh off winning their first trophy in six years and having beaten Barcelona in the Europa League, it felt like the feel-good factor was back at Old Trafford. Liverpool quickly delivered a reality check and sent the Red Devils crashing back down to earth.
The game started evenly, with Casemiro even putting the ball past Alisson, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Cody Gakpo grabbed one just before halftime, but no one would have expected what would come next. Liverpool scored another six in the second half as United capitulated. They only had eight shots on target the whole game. Everything they touched turned into goals. What’s crazy is that when Liverpool drew 0-0 with United at Anfield last week, their xG was almost the same as the day they scored seven!
Napoli 5-1 Juventus | 13th January | Serie A
Napoli ran riot against Juventus as they continued to demonstrate why they would become Serie A champions. Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were unplayable as they gave Juventus’ defences a torrid time. Khvicha with one goal and two assists, Osimhen with two goals and an assist, it was a real statement of intent from Napoli.
Napoli continued to dominate Serie A and win the league in convincing fashion.
Barcelona 2-2 Manchester United | 16th February | Europa League
This was as Manchester United were reaching their zenith under Erik ten Hag. Marcus Rashford was also at the peak of his powers, simply unplayable and scoring almost every game. Barcelona were also in top form, winning nine games in a row and having conceded six goals at the time in La Liga.
Barcelona took the lead with a Marcos Alonso header before Rashford decided to take over. He scored a brilliant near-post finish before whipping the ball in the box for Jules Koundé to slot into his own net. United were close to taking a win back to Manchester before Raphinha equalised late on. Honours even.
It was a great game and the signal that these fallen giants were ready to compete in Europe once again. Or so we thought…
Manchester City 4-1 Arsenal | 26th April | Premier League
This was essentially the title decider. Whoever won, the title would be in their hands. Unfortunately for Arsenal, after the 7th minute when Kevin de Bruyne expertly curled in his first of the game, they never looked like winning. Manchester City demonstrated why they had won the league three times of those previous four seasons and professionally defeated Arsenal, going three goals ahead before Rob Holding offered something of a response.
In the 95th minute, with his headband fallen off, Erling Haaland scored a fourth for City to solidify the game and also what seemed to solidify the title as well as the hopes of dreams of Arsenal were crushed.
Subsequently, Manchester City went on to win the title for the fourth time in the last five years and Arsenal continued their barren run without a league title.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter (X)
This my favourite Match in 2023😍
I enjoy this match,feel happy.