Crucial Finals Resolved in a Penalty Shootout

The notion that penalties represent nothing more than a lottery has long been debated, yet the reality in today’s game paints a different picture. While once upon a time the outcome seemed left to sheer luck, modern analytics have equipped goalkeepers with an arsenal of data on penalty takers. Often, this crucial intel is right there, scribbled on water bottles—a testament to the game’s evolution beyond mere chance.

Nonetheless, the cruel nature of shootouts cannot be denied. For that unfortunate player who fluffs their effort, the sting of failure is an indelible mark on their career. Yet, amidst the tension and drama, penalty shootouts offer a spectacle that captivates viewers and keeps them on the edge of their seats. Let’s delve into some of the most significant men’s football finals that have been decided from the spot…

Brazil vs Germany (2016 Olympic final)

After countless near misses in previous Olympic tournaments, Brazil’s men’s team finally grasped the elusive gold medal in football at the 2016 Olympics. Playing in front of their passionate home crowd in Rio de Janeiro, Neymar’s team triumphed 5-4 in a nerve-wracking shootout after a 1-1 draw against Germany at the Maracanã.

Arsenal vs Manchester United (2005 FA Cup final)

The 2005 FA Cup final etched its name in the competition’s chronicles as the first to culminate in the breathless uncertainty of a penalty shootout. After a gripping 120 minutes of sterile football between Arsenal and Manchester United in Cardiff, the Gunners secured a nail-biting 5-4 win in the shootout, with Paul Scholes left to rue his missed penalty—denied by a superb save from Jens Lehmann.

Liverpool vs Chelsea (2022 FA Cup final)

In a memorable 2022 season, Liverpool and Chelsea faced off not once, but twice in England’s domestic cup finals, and both encounters ended in a penalty shootout. The FA Cup final mirrored their earlier League Cup clash, where the Reds also triumphed on penalties. After a match that ended without goals, Jürgen Klopp’s men edged Chelsea 7-6 in the shootout drama, with Kostas Tsimikas stepping up as the hero to seal the victory for his side.

Tottenham vs Anderlecht (1984 UEFA Cup final)

In a gripping finish at White Hart Lane, Tottenham Hotspur dispatched Anderlecht to claim the UEFA Cup in May 1984. After a thrilling 1-1 draw in both legs—first in Brussels and then in London—with the tension still palpable after extra time, the shootout was inevitable. Spurs emerged victorious, clinching a 4-3 win as back-up goalkeeper Tony Parks proved a hero by saving the critical penalty from Arnór Guðjohnsen. This match also marked the end of an era, as it was manager Keith Burkinshaw’s final game in charge, departing amid boardroom conflicts.

Villarreal vs Manchester United (2021 Europa League final)

When Villarreal faced Manchester United in the 2021 Europa League final, every nuance was heightened, summed up by the fact that every single player took a penalty, including the goalkeepers. In a captivating shootout, featuring a moment of pure drama, Villarreal’s Gerónimo Rulli transformed from goalkeeper to goalscorer, slamming home his own penalty before proving the ultimate hero by denying United’s David De Gea in a thrilling 11-10 shootout victory that etched Villarreal’s name in history books for their first major trophy.

Sevilla vs Roma (2023 Europa League final)

Sevilla’s enchanting romance with the Europa League flourished anew in 2023, culminating in a remarkable bounce-back after a tumultuous La Liga campaign. Ending in a 1-1 draw with Roma in Budapest, this dramatic final proceeded through extra time without goals. When the penalties came, Sevilla showcased their composure, converting every one of their attempts for a resounding 4-1 victory, thus capturing their seventh title in this storied competition.

Steaua Bucharest vs Barcelona (1986 European Cup final)

As Barcelona approached the 1986 European Cup final against Steaua Bucharest at Sevilla’s Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, they appeared poised to secure their first European title. However, the match concluded in a goalless draw, leading to the agony of penalties. The Camp Nou favorites were rendered powerless against the brilliance of Romanian goalkeeper Helmut Duckadam, who saved all four of their spot-kicks in a stunning 2-0 shootout victory for Steaua Bucharest.

Red Star Belgrade vs Marseille (1991 European Cup final)

In a whirlwind finale at the 1991 European Cup final in Bari, Red Star Belgrade and Olympique Marseille could not be separated, battling tirelessly to a goalless draw. Following the stalemate, Red Star emerged triumphant in the penalty shootout, claiming a 5-3 win, capitalizing on a crucial miss from Manuel Amoros, etching their name into the annals of football history as they clinched the prestigious trophy.

Juventus vs Ajax (1996 Champions League final)

In the mid-1990s, Juventus carve their name into football’s legendary chronicles with three consecutive Champions League finals. Their only conquest during this remarkable stretch came against Ajax in 1996, with Marcello Lippi’s side securing a 4-2 victory in the penalty shootout following an intense 1-1 draw. However, Juve’s subsequent finals against Borussia Dortmund in ’97 and Real Madrid in ’98 ended in disappointment.

Bayern Munich vs Valencia (2001 Champions League final)

Valencia’s heartbreak in back-to-back Champions League finals saw them crestfallen after a 5-4 loss on penalties to Bayern Munich in 2001—a bitter sequel to their 2000 thrashing at the hands of Real Madrid. The final ended with a dramatic 1-1 draw, the scoreline punctuated by two penalty goals.

AC Milan vs Juventus (2003 Champions League final)

The heavyweight clash of AC Milan and Juventus in the 2003 Champions League final ended in a dull stalemate after 90 minutes, with neither side able to find the breakthrough. The ensuing penalty shootout saw a mixed bag of quality as five players faltered from the spot; ultimately, it was Milan who edged the contest 3-2 with the legendary Dida making three saves to secure the trophy.

Liverpool vs AC Milan (2005 Champions League final)

Arguably the most dramatic final in the Champions League’s storied history unfolded in Istanbul, where Liverpool found themselves on the brink of disaster, trailing 3-0 at half-time to an indomitable AC Milan side. Yet, in a spirited second-half resurgence, Liverpool clawed back through goals from Steven Gerrard, Vladimír Šmicer, and Xabi Alonso, forcing extra time and ultimately a defining penalty shootout. Jerzy Dudek would become the hero, making two crucial saves that secured a historic triumph for the Reds in one of football’s greatest comebacks.

Manchester United vs Chelsea (2008 Champions League final)

When John Terry stepped up for Chelsea in the decisive moment of the 2008 Champions League final shootout against Manchester United, fortune appeared to favor the Blues. However, a slip on the damp surface saw him strike the post, opening the door for United to claim a lifeline. Ultimately, it was the Red Devils who precisely executed the task, taking the shootout 6-5 after Nicolás Anelka’s effort was thwarted by Edwin van der Sar.

Chelsea vs Bayern Munich (2012 Champions League final)

In a tale of incredible resilience, Chelsea triumphed over Bayern Munich on penalties in the 2012 Champions League final. Against the odds, Bayern, who had the home advantage in Munich, saw the match end in a tight 1-1 draw after 90 minutes and extra time. Didier Drogba’s late equalizer was followed by his fateful penalty, which crowned Chelsea as champions and enabled captain John Terry, in full kit, to lift the trophy, a moment sealed in football lore.

Real Madrid vs Atlético Madrid (2016 Champions League final)

In a gripping rerun of the 2014 Champions League final, Real Madrid faced Atlético Madrid once again in 2016, this time in a nail-biting contest in Milan. After a tightly contested duel that ended in a 1-1 tie, penalties were inevitable. Real Madrid emerged victorious 5-3 in the shootout, with Juanfran’s missed penalty surging Madrid to their eleventh European title, a moment underlining their unparalleled legacy in the competition.

Senegal vs Egypt (2021 AFCON final)

In a historic encounter at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final, Senegal etched their name into the annals of football by defeating Egypt for the first time ever in this tournament’s history. Despite having his initial penalty saved, Sadio Mané emerged as the hero, scoring the decisive kick in a gripping 4-2 shootout victory in the fierce battle held in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Brazil vs Argentina (2004 Copa América final)

In a classic battle that saw Brazil claim the Copa América title in 2004, it was a thrilling finish as they equalized deep into stoppage time against their fierce rivals, Argentina. Adriano’s late strike set the stage for the ensuing penalty drama, where Brazil triumphed 4-2 after a riveting shootout in Lima, securing their place in the pantheon of football greats.

Chile vs Argentina (2015 Copa América final)

In a sensational twist of fate, Chile, despite being the underdogs, triumphantly defeated Argentina in the 2015 Copa América final after a tense goalless 120 minutes. The shootout showcased Chile’s remarkable composure as they won 4-1, capitalizing on missed efforts by Gonzalo Higuaín and Éver Banega. This victory heralded the nation’s first major international trophy, a crowning achievement solidifying their legacy in the sport.

Chile vs Argentina (2016 Copa América Centenario final)

Another chapter in this fierce rivalry unfolded in 2016, as Chile faced Argentina once more in the Copa América Centenario final in New Jersey. Once again, the game ended scoreless after 120 minutes, but Chile proved more composed in penalties, emerging victorious 4-2. The match was particularly poignant for Lionel Messi, who faced intense scrutiny after missing a crucial penalty, leading to his emotional retirement announcement—though he would return to grace the international stage after a five-year quest for glory.

Czechoslovakia vs West Germany (Euro 1976 final)