10 greatest matches at iconic European stadiums in Modern Football

 The New WembleyFootball isn’t called “the beautiful game” for nothing. The skill, intensity, passion and atmosphere seen on the biggest occasions make it a game like no other. Indeed, there are few more spectacular sights in sport than seeing a stadium erupt to a goal of monumental importance.And, while they may only happen every now and then, such moments vindicate our love for the game – making us revel in its unpredictability and idolise the stars of the game. Europe has some of the best stadiums in the world, with some of them being arguably the loudest across any sport anywhere in the world. And some of these cauldrons of emotion are home to the giants of the game, staging European royalty on their turf.These stadiums become real colosseums on some days, with the significance, expectations and quality of football making them truly memorable occasions. Let’s look at the best matches played in modern times, in some of the most iconic and storied European stadiums. Matches at the new Wembley have been left out, as it hasn’t yet served us a game to remember, though it surely will soon enough. Here we go.

#10 Estadio da Luz, Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (2014)

The first ever intra-city Champions League final was played last season between fierce local rivals, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid at Benfica’s very own Stadium of Light, the Estadio da Luz in Lisbon. In what was one of the greatest ever finals in the competition’s modern history, Los Blancos scripted an astonishing comeback victory over their less fancied rivals.

After Diego Godin had drawn first blood for the Rojiblancos in front of a capacity 65,000 crowd in the Portuguese capital, it looked like Real’s Decima dream was shattered yet again, as Diego Simeone’s men held firm till the dying seconds of second half injury time. Enter Sergio Ramos. The Spaniard bulleted a header past Thibaut Courtois, as Los Merengues sent the game to Extra Time.

There was only one winner from then on with Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo all adding to Real’s tally, as they gave their team’s scoreline a flattering look, after two hours of closely fought football. While the victors won the title, the vanquished were given a standing ovation by the crowd, after their incredible display of fighting against all odds and very nearly reaching the top.