Champions League semi-final stats: All you need to know
We are set to witness blockbuster double-legged semis of 2017-18 Champions League. Liverpool take on AS Roma as holders Real Madrid face Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Over the years, UCL has produced some breathtaking matches that were backed by whopping stats. From goal-scorers, matches to appearances here is a guide of the same.
Cristiano Ronaldo in a zone of his own
The world's best players have the knack of making their presence felt in the big matches. Ronaldo has shown why he is atop in the tournament which he absolutely loves. CR7 has the most appearances in Champions League semi-finals (19) playing for both Manchester United and Real Madrid. He is also the all-time highest goal-scorer in the semis (13).
Record man Robert Lewandowski has been pivotal
Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski has six goals in the semi-finals of the Champions League which is the second best after Cristiano Ronaldo. He also has the most goals in a single semi-final game (4) for Borussia Dortmund in 2012-13 against Real Madrid.
Real, Bayern have the most appearances
When it comes to the biggest clubs in the Champions League, Real are in a different space altogether. Bayern too have knocked the door. The most semi-final club appearances are by Real (29) followed by Bayern (19). Real are in the semis for the eighth successive season. Bayern enjoyed a successive semis run for five years (2011-12 to 2015-16).
When scores ruled the semis in UCL
The biggest win in a semi-final match in the UCL was scripted by Bayern (2012-13) against Barcelona (4-0). Real too did the same against Bayern in 2014-15. The highest match aggregate in the UCL has been achieved by Bayern 7-0 against Barcelona (2012-13). The most goals over two legs in a semi-final was witnessed in 1997-98 between Juventus and Monaco (10).
Miscellaneous records in UCL last-four
At 41 years and 206 days, Chelsea's Mark Schwarzer is the oldest player to play in the Champions League semi-final (2013-14). Schalke's Julian Draxler is the youngest player to have played in UCL semis (2010-11) at 17 years and 226 days. Kylian Mbappe, at 18 years and 140 days, is the youngest ever scorer for Monaco against Juventus in 2016-17.
Interesting matches in semis
Only one tie has been decided in extra-time in the UCL semis. That was Chelsea versus Liverpool (2007-08). Two matches have been decided via penalty shoot-outs. Liverpool vs Chelsea in 2006-07 and Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich in 2011-12.
