Top five players with most take-ons completed in a Champions League final

Messi features twice in an illustrious list of legends of the game.

Since data has been collected in 2003-04, there are five players who have the most take-on in the final of the UEFA Champions League, not only these players were shining bright on that particular night but did manage to get past the players of the opposition team. This may be by dribbling the ball or by simply being able to hit the ball past the other player and beating him for pace. With the Final of the Champions League 2023 just hours away, let’s take a look at the list which features some staggering names.

5. Kaká (2005) vs. Liverpool – 07

Kaka is the only player on this list who managed to take on 7 or more players and still ended up on the losing side. However, this was due to the miracle of Istanbul which Liverpool were able to pull on penalties after coming back 3-0 down at halftime to 3-3 at the full-time whistle. However, the Brazilian was having one of the best games of the season going for him particularly as he was the first player ever to record more than 06 take-ons and tore Liverpool apart in the first half.

It was during two minutes before half-time when he produced a great piece of skill and vision on the halfway line and released Crespo on the front, who stabbed the ball over Dudek and into the empty net for his second and Milan’s third goal of the match. Although, Kaka got his revenge after two years in the 2007 Champions League final when they faced the Scousers once again and this time Kaka and Milan made sure that Liverpool were down and out for good.

4. Cristiano Ronaldo (2008) vs. Chelsea – 08

Ronaldo not only was on the score sheet with that iconic header past Peter Cech but also managed to complete 08 take-on in a splendid performance against Chelsea. He was just getting started when he scored the goal at 26 minutes when he made Chelsea’s defense dance around him and helplessly watch him take the ball from the right wing to the center of their penalty box.

However, Chelsea managed to take the match to the penalties after Lampard’s equalizer. Ronaldo remained the headache for the Blues as he was gliding past the players effortlessly. Rest as we know is history, he went on to win the final and then managed to win 4 more with Real Madrid and becoming Mr. Champions League for his illustrious records in the final.

3. Lionel Messi (2015) vs. Juventus – 10

This will come to you as a surprise but the little magician, Messi was neither in the goals nor assist in a match where Barcelona dominated Juventus by beating them 3-1. Instead, what he did was create space for other players by dribbling past a defense with names like Bonucci and Chiellini and laid the ball in the final third for his teammates to finish the game.

It was the final era of the legendary trio of MSN and they indeed were on full display with Suarez and Neymar having a goal each. Messi not only made the chances but matched his tally of 10 take-on as well as equaled the record. He is the last player since to do so and it’s been eight years. However, this was the last time he saw the final of the Champions League, it was still his brilliance and intelligence which made Barcelona champions of Europe and for the last time until then, their wait continues.

2. Lionel Messi (2011) vs. Manchester United – 10

The Argentinian is on the list again this time with one more memorable display against Sir Alex Ferguson’s, United. In the emphatic display of tiki-taka, Barcelona outplayed Manchester United, controlling 68% of possession and having 22 attempts on goal compared to United's four. Messi almost gave Barcelona the lead in the 52nd minute when he latched onto a rebound from a Van der Sar save from Dani Alves, but Patrice Evra cleared off the line with his head. Barcelona regained the lead in the 54th minute when Messi received the ball and fired home from 20 yards out.

The match finished 3-1 after David Villa scored the third goal in the 69th minute however, Messi was the one who owned the football field. He was making passes, receiving the ball, taking on Patrice Evra, Vidic and splitting the defense open. He was only the second player ever to reach double-figure in take-ons since his former team-mate.  

1. Ronaldinho (2006) vs. Arsenal - 10

Arsenal were leading the game till the 75th minute before their hopes of the first Champions League were ended by Eto’o and Larsson being the assister both times. It was the Brazilian legend, Ronaldinho who was making the moves and inspired a comeback for the Catalans. He completed the game without any assist or goal but was the dictator of the ball for most of the match. In a bid to do so, he became the first player since the records started to complete the take-on in double figures.

Arsene Wenger's men had been in fine form defensively throughout the competition, keeping a record 10 consecutive clean sheets on their way to the final but then their chariot was stopped by the glorious Barcelona who were having a legendary line-up and were on the verge of retiring or leaving the club. This was the end of an era at Barca but also made the way for the coming generation of Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta.