Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski Dominate 2021/22 UEFA Champions League Scoring Chart

According to UEFA’s official statistics, Karim Benzema of Real Madrid and Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich were the top scorers in the 2021/22 UEFA Champions League, with 12 and 10 goals respectively. Their performances were pivotal in their teams’ runs to the final, where Real Madrid secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool on May 28, 2022.

Benzema’s Historic Run

Benzema’s 12 goals in the 2021/22 Champions League marked a career-high in the competition and cemented his legacy as one of the tournament’s all-time greats. The French forward, who had previously been criticized for his lack of consistency in European competitions, delivered a clinical campaign that included crucial strikes in key moments.

His goal-scoring surge began in the group stage, where he netted four goals, including a brace against Dynamo Kiev. Benzema’s most iconic moment came in the final against Liverpool, where his 86th-minute goal secured Real Madrid’s 14th European Cup title. The strike, a low finish after a cross from Federico Valverde, was celebrated as a defining moment of his career.

Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, praised Benzema’s impact, stating, “Karim has been exceptional this season. His intelligence, work rate, and ability to score in big games have been vital for us.” Benzema’s 12 goals also set a new record for the most in a single Champions League season, surpassing the previous mark of 10 set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013/14.

Lewandowski’s Consistency

Lewandowski, Bayern Munich’s all-time leading scorer, maintained his prolific form in the 2021/22 Champions League, finishing with 10 goals. His consistency was a key factor in Bayern’s journey to the final, where they faced Real Madrid in a rematch of the 2019/20 final.

The Polish striker’s goals came across various stages of the tournament. In the group stage, he scored five times, including a hat-trick against Viktoria Plzeň. Lewandowski’s most memorable performance was in the quarterfinals against Villarreal, where he scored twice in a 4-1 victory, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Bayern Munich’s coach at the time, Hansi Flick, highlighted Lewandowski’s role in the team’s success: “Robert’s goals have been crucial. He’s not just a goalscorer; he’s a complete player who drives the team forward.” Despite falling short in the final, Lewandowski’s 10 goals ranked him as the second-highest scorer in the tournament, behind only Benzema.

Other Key Scorers

While Benzema and Lewandowski dominated the scoring chart, several other players made significant contributions. Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur and Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund each scored nine goals, with Kane’s tally coming in a season where Tottenham reached the semifinals.

Haaland, in his debut season with Dortmund, showcased his prodigious talent, scoring crucial goals in the knockout stages. His eight goals in the group stage and one in the Round of 16 highlighted his potential as a future star. Other notable scorers included Kevin De Bruyne (5 goals) and Riyad Mahrez (5 goals), both of whom played pivotal roles in their teams’ campaigns.

Impact on Their Teams

Benzema’s 12 goals were instrumental in Real Madrid’s record-extending 14th Champions League title. His ability to perform in high-stakes matches, including the final, underscored his importance to the team. Real Madrid’s success in the tournament was also bolstered by their defensive solidity, with Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militão playing key roles in keeping clean sheets.

Lewandowski’s 10 goals were equally vital for Bayern Munich, who reached the final for the fifth time in six seasons. However, their failure to win the title in 2021/22 marked a rare setback for the German giants. The loss to Real Madrid in the final was a bitter disappointment, but Lewandowski’s performances ensured he remained a central figure in the club’s history.

Looking Ahead

The 2021/22 Champions League season highlighted the enduring quality of Benzema and Lewandowski, two of the most consistent strikers in European football. Their performances not only secured their places in the tournament’s history books but also set the stage for future challenges.

For Real Madrid, the 2022 title reinforced their status as the competition’s most successful club. Benzema’s heroics in the final were celebrated as a career-defining moment, and his form in the following seasons would continue to shape the team’s ambitions. Bayern Munich, meanwhile, faced the challenge of rebuilding after the final loss, with Lewandowski remaining a key asset for the club’s future endeavors.

As the 2022/23 Champions League season approaches, fans will be eager to see how these players and their teams fare. The legacy of the 2021/22 campaign, however, remains a testament to the brilliance of Benzema and Lewandowski on Europe’s biggest stage.