15 of the Biggest Champions League Thrashings – Ranked from Bad to Brutal
The Champions League is famed for epic comebacks, elite showdowns, and tactical masterclasses. But sometimes, it serves up pure carnage. From group-stage hammerings to finals that turned into nightmares, here are 15 of the heaviest defeats ever witnessed in Europe’s elite competition—starting with the most brutal of them all.
15. Bayern Munich 8-1 Besiktas (Aggregate, Round of 16, 2018)
Bayern didn't mess around in this two-legged tie, hammering Besiktas 5-0 in Munich before a 3-1 stroll in Istanbul. With braces from Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski in the first leg, the Bavarians made light work of their Turkish opposition.
14. Real Madrid 8-0 Malmo (Group Stage, 2015)
Cristiano Ronaldo bagged four goals and Karim Benzema a hat-trick in one of the most dominant group-stage displays ever seen. Malmo had no answer as Madrid equaled the biggest winning margin in Champions League history.
13. Liverpool 8-0 Besiktas (Group Stage, 2007)
Needing a result to stay in the tournament, Liverpool responded with fury at Anfield. Yossi Benayoun’s hat-trick and two goals from Peter Crouch powered them to a record-setting victory.
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12. Bayern Munich 9-2 Dinamo Zagreb (League Phase, 2024)
On the very first night of the Champions League's new format, Bayern put on a brutal show. Harry Kane scored four goals—three of them penalties—as Dinamo collapsed under pressure.
11. Bayern Munich 7-1 Red Bull Salzburg (Round of 16, 2022)
Salzburg dared to dream after drawing the first leg 1-1, but Bayern had other plans. Robert Lewandowski scored a rapid hat-trick in just over 10 minutes, setting the tone for a dominant display in Munich.
10. Bayern Munich 7-0 Shakhtar Donetsk (Round of 16, 2015)
After a 0-0 draw in Ukraine, Bayern unleashed their full attacking force at home. Thomas Müller led the charge with two goals as Guardiola’s side advanced in emphatic style.
9. PSG 7-0 Brest (10-0 Aggregate, Play-offs, 2025)
PSG went from sluggish to unstoppable as they battered fellow Ligue 1 side Brest over two legs. The second leg saw seven different goal scorers, including four strikes in just 16 second-half minutes.
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8. Manchester City 7-0 Schalke (Round of 16, 2019)
A tight first leg gave way to total dominance in Manchester. Sergio Aguero’s early double opened the floodgates as City added five more through Sterling, Sane, Foden, and others.
7. Manchester City 7-0 RB Leipzig (Round of 16, 2023)
Erling Haaland was on another level, scoring five goals in 60 minutes during this destruction of Leipzig. Kevin De Bruyne added a stunning seventh as City marched toward their first Champions League title.
6. Barcelona 6-1 PSG (Round of 16, 2017)
Down 4-0 from the first leg, Barca needed a miracle—and they got one. Neymar sparked an unforgettable comeback with two late goals before Sergi Roberto sealed it in injury time to complete the "Remontada."
5. Bayern Munich 12-1 Sporting CP (Aggregate, Round of 16, 2009)
Bayern crushed Sporting 5-0 in Lisbon and followed up with a ruthless 7-1 win in Munich. Despite the record-breaking aggregate margin, Jurgen Klinsmann was sacked weeks later.
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4. Bayern Munich 10-2 Arsenal (Aggregate, Round of 16, 2017)
Arsenal briefly threatened a fightback after going ahead at the Emirates—but then the floodgates opened again. Bayern won 5-1 in both legs, leaving the Gunners humiliated and out of the competition.
3. Manchester United 7-1 Roma (Quarter-finals, 2007)
Needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit, United exploded with three goals in 19 minutes and never looked back. Ronaldo scored twice, Carrick did the same, and Roma were torn apart at Old Trafford.
2. Milan 4-0 Barcelona (Final, 1994)
Barcelona came in as reigning champions and heavy favorites—but Milan had other ideas. Massaro’s first-half brace set the tone before Savicevic and Desailly completed a stunning win on the biggest stage.
1. PSG 5-0 Inter (Final, 2025)
PSG delivered the most lopsided final in Champions League history, dismantling Inter with ease. Desire Doue, Hakimi, Kvaratskhelia, and Mayulu led the charge in a performance that secured PSG's long-awaited first European crown.
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