Dual Hat-Tricks in a Single Game
A single hat-trick in a football match is remarkable, while two in one game is an extraordinary occurrence, especially in today’s game.
Matches in previous decades often boasted much larger scorelines, whereas modern games typically see fewer goals being scored.
This shift may be attributed to the evolution of tactics and defensive strategies, often resulting in teams nullifying each other’s strengths.
However, there are exceptions. Let’s explore some memorable fixtures in men’s football history where two players managed to achieve hat-tricks…
Bologna 1-7 Napoli (2017)
In February 2017, Napoli overwhelmed Bologna, scoring seven goals in a Serie A match.
The match became a 10-a-side contest after red cards for Napoli’s José Callejón and Bologna’s Adam Masina in the first half, leading to a resounding victory for the visitors, with Marek Hamšík and Dries Mertens each netting hat-tricks at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara.
Southampton 0-9 Leicester City (2019)
In an astonishing display in October 2019, Leicester City dismantled Southampton with a 9-0 victory at St Mary’s.
Ayoze Pérez and Jamie Vardy both netted hat-tricks for Leicester, with contributions from Ben Chilwell, Youri Tielemans, and James Maddison. Southampton was reduced to 10 men in the 12th minute due to Ryan Bertrand’s red card.
Barcelona 5-4 Atlético Madrid (1997)
In a thrilling Copa del Rey match in March 1997, Barcelona staged an incredible comeback, defeating Atlético Madrid 5-4.
Milinko Pantić scored four times for Atlético, yet his efforts were in vain as Ronaldo secured a hat-trick for Barça, with Luís Figo and Pizzi also contributing to the unbelievable victory for the Blaugrana.
England 8-3 Northern Ireland (1963)
At Wembley in November 1963, England overwhelmed Northern Ireland with an 8-3 victory during the British Home Championship.
Jimmy Greaves contributed significantly with four goals, while Terry Paine, formerly of Southampton, added a hat-trick, and Bobby Smith completed the scoring for Alf Ramsey’s team.
Palermo 0-7 Udinese (2011)
Antonio Di Natale and Alexis Sánchez formed a potent partnership at Udinese, showcasing their talent during a stunning 7-0 rout away to Palermo in November 2011.
Sánchez opened the scoring with a first-half hat-trick, added another in the second half, and Di Natale wrapped up his own treble with a penalty just after the hour mark in Sicily.
Real Madrid 8-0 Malmö (2015)
Real Madrid’s stunning 8-0 triumph over Malmö in December 2015 marked the first Champions League encounter to feature hat-tricks from two different players.
Cristiano Ronaldo netted four times while Karim Benzema contributed three goals at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Mateo Kovačić adding Madrid’s other goal.
Sweden 8-0 Cuba (1938)
Cuba reached the quarter-finals of the 1938 World Cup after beating Romania in a replay but faced a brutal defeat against Sweden in the last eight.
Gustav Wetterström and Harry Andersson each scored hat-tricks as Sweden routed Cuba 8-0 in Antibes, ultimately losing to Hungary 5-1 in the semi-finals.
Brazil 6-0 Australia (1997)
Ronaldo and Romário may not have played together at a World Cup, yet their partnership was formidable.
They scored a remarkable 31 goals in a mere 16 appearances, including hat-tricks each in Brazil’s 6-0 victory over Australia in the 1997 Confederations Cup final.
Real Madrid 10-2 Rayo Vallecano (2015)
In December 2015, Real Madrid mounted a stunning comeback to defeat Rayo Vallecano 10-2 in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the match was that Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t score a hat-trick, yet both Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema did, with Bale remarkably netting four goals in the comprehensive victory for Los Blancos.
Brazil 6-5 Poland (1938)
The classic encounter between Brazil and Poland in the 1938 World Cup was a thrilling spectacle, featuring 11 goals and two players netting hat-tricks.
While Ernst Wilimowski scored four goals for Poland, it wasn’t enough as Leônidas netted three times for Brazil, who emerged victorious with a score of 6-5 in extra time during the last-16 match in Strasbourg.
Inter 7-1 Atalanta (2017)
Inter triumphed over Atalanta with a decisive 7-1 victory in a Serie A clash in March 2017, led by Argentinian stars.
Both Mauro Icardi and Ever Banega each achieved hat-tricks for Inter, while Roberto Gagliardini scored the team’s other goal.
Real Madrid 6-6 Barcelona (1916)
In a historic Copa del Rey semi-final match in 1916, Real Madrid and Barcelona faced off four times, resulting in a total of 26 goals.
Because goal difference wasn’t a factor back then, a third match was required after Barcelona’s 2-1 win and Madrid’s 4-1 triumph. This controversial match, played in the capital and officiated by a former Madrid player, concluded with a dramatic 6-6 tie after extra time. The hat-trick scorers included Luis Belaunde and Santiago Bernabéu for Madrid, and Paulino Alcántara for Barcelona. Eventually, Madrid advanced with a 4-2 win in the fourth match but lost to Athletic Club in the final.
Arsenal 6-1 Southampton (2003)
On May 17, 2003, Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Southampton in the FA Cup final, with Robert Pires scoring the decisive goal at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Ten days earlier, Pires had registered a hat-trick when the two sides clashed at Highbury, where Jermaine Pennant also contributed three goals in a resounding 6-1 victory for the Gunners.
Manchester City 6-3 Manchester United (2022)
In October 2022, Manchester City faced off against their rivals Manchester United and triumphed with a 6-3 scoreline.
Erling Haaland and Phil Foden both scored hat-tricks, with both players leaving the pitch with a match ball each.
Barcelona 7-0 Valencia (2016)
During the Copa del Rey in February 2016, Barcelona achieved a resounding 7-0 victory over Valencia at Camp Nou, primarily credited to two key players.
Lionel Messi scored four times while Luis Suárez added three more, marking a significant defeat for Valencia and contributing to Gary Neville’s declining fortunes as coach.
Lyon 5-4 Montpellier (2023)
In an extraordinary Ligue 1 match in May 2023, Lyon emerged victorious over Montpellier in a thrilling 5-4 clash, featuring two players who each scored four goals.
Montpellier’s Elye Wahi netted four, yet still suffered defeat as Alexandre Lacazette also scored four goals, including the decisive penalty in the 100th minute, sealing a dramatic late win. Dejan Lovren added Lyon’s other goal.
Real Madrid 7-3 Eintracht Frankfurt (1960)
In the 1960 European Cup final, Real Madrid delivered a masterclass in attacking football, defeating Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3 to claim their fifth consecutive title.
Ferenc Puskás scored four goals for Madrid while Alfredo Di Stéfano contributed three, showcasing a dominant display at Hampden Park in Glasgow.
