The saying goes, “Two’s company, three’s a crowd,” but in the context of the Champions League, three is a powerful trio that can leave a lasting mark on history.
In a spectacular display on Wednesday, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal dazzled as Barcelona triumphed over Borussia Dortmund with a 4-0 victory. Their remarkable skills and teamwork have drawn parallels with the most illustrious forward trios in modern European football.
We prompted eight of our writers to reminisce about the most exceptional attacking partnerships in the UEFA Champions League’s rich history.
While this list may not encompass every great trio, the talent featured is enough to have you humming the Champions League anthem.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar at Barcelona
Focusing solely on statistics, this trio scored an astonishing total of 363 goals in all competitions over three seasons. During their best campaign in 2015-16, they netted 131 goals collectively: 59 from Suarez, 41 from Messi, and 31 from Neymar. However, these numbers only scratch the surface of their brilliance. They weren’t merely three elite players threatening opposition defenses; they were three of football’s all-time greats collaborating in an instinctive and mesmerizing fashion, elevating the sport itself.
Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino at Liverpool
In their initial Champions League season together, this trio made an immediate impact, each scoring 10 goals as they reached the 2017-18 final. Their dynamic counter-attacks became iconic, breathing new life into European nights at Anfield. Over five seasons, they collectively scored 338 goals, assisting 139 times, with memorable performances in the Champions League that led to their triumph in 2019.
Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid
The ‘BBC’ trio may not have had the creative flair of Barcelona’s ‘MSN’, but their efficiency was undeniable. During the successful 2013-14 season, they contributed 97 goals as Madrid achieved their long-coveted ‘La Decima’ title. Despite occasional injury setbacks, they collectively netted 442 goals, helping the team secure three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018.
Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, and Robert Lewandowski at Bayern Munich
This attacking trio displayed a lethal combination of pace and precision. With two of the most formidable wingers in Champions League history and a record-breaking striker like Lewandowski, they possessed remarkable balance and symmetry. Their relentless attacking style made them a nightmarish challenge for any defense, contributing significantly to Bayern’s dominance during their time together.
Lionel Messi, Pedro, and David Villa at Barcelona
In Pep Guardiola’s third season with Barcelona, this frontline truly excelled. Villa and Pedro flanked Messi, allowing them to exploit defensive gaps and maximize his brilliance. Their collective prowess culminated in a stunning 2011 Champions League final against Manchester United, where their speed and skill overwhelmed their opponents, sealing a historic victory for Barcelona.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Carlos Tevez at Manchester United
Though not a traditional front three, Rooney, Ronaldo, and Tevez formed a fluid and unpredictable attacking line in the 2007-08 season, scoring a combined 79 goals. They were pivotal in United’s success, leading the team to the Champions League title before eventually parting ways as individual careers took different paths.
