The next football season will start next month, and before that, there’s only one major fixture left: PSG (Paris-Saint Germain) vs. Tottenham in a UEFA Super Cup final.
And, if I were to sum up this football season, I’d say it was one of the most shocking ones. Simply because so many things happened that most football fans had never witnessed before. No, Arsenal did not win the EPL (English Premier League), as they finished 2nd again on the league table. And, only if it had happened, the club football season 2024-25 could’ve been historic.
Nonetheless, there’s still some time left before the next club football season begins. And before that, why don’t we explore some of the most surprising moments from the previous season?
So, let’s start!
Barcelona’s Revival Under Hansi Flick
Honestly, I believed that Real Madrid would win La Liga 2024-25 without putting up too much of a fight. With Mbappe and Vinicius Jr. leading the attack, and Modric and Bellingham covering the midfield, Real Madrid was unarguably the strongest side, on paper.
Also, we must not forget that it was Ancelotti’s last season with the Spanish giants before leaving for the Brazilian national team. So, it was apparent from the start that this exceptional squad would do everything to lift a major trophy to make this iconic manager’s departure memorable.
However, Hansi Flick had different plans. I’d say that bundling my cable TV with Spectrum Internet packages to watch Barca play on ESPN was one of the best decisions I ever made. Barca not only outperformed most European giants in the UCL but also convincingly won La Liga as well, and I had the privilege of witnessing this in crisp full HD quality.
Also, credit where credit is due, Lamine Yamal and Gavi, along with a few other academy players, did exceptionally well in executing Flick’s plans.
Having said that, Real Madrid has signed some reinforcements, like Trent Alexander-Arnold, to strengthen their squad. And, with Xabi’s unorthodox tactics and formations, I believe La Liga is only going to get more entertaining next year.
Paris-Saint Germain Conquering Europe
Ousmane Dembele, Vitinha, and Nuno Gomez did what Messi, Neymar, Mbappe, Sergio Ramos, and a lot of PSG’s superstars failed to achieve. PSG humiliating Inter Milan in a one-sided final and lifting the most prestigious UCL trophy for the first time in their history is the highlight of the last season.
Here, I’d say, just like Dembele and Nuno Gomez, Luis Enrique has been instrumental in PSG’s success. If it wasn’t for his tactical brilliance, I believe PSG couldn’t have made it past the league stage in the UCL.
However, not only did PSG survive the qualification round, but they also beat some European heavyweights on their road to the final. And, even though PSG has recently lost the FIFA CWC (Club World Cup) final to Chelsea, they shouldn’t be upset about it.
Especially because they can still win the UEFA Super Cup, another European trophy they have never lifted before.
Tottenham Lifting a European Trophy
Sometimes, I still cannot believe that a team finishing 17th, just one place above the relegation zone in the domestic league, won the Europa League. Well, Tottenham did it, and honestly, I’m happy for them. They’ve finally won a trophy after so many years, and it couldn’t come at a better time.
Having said that, lifting this Europa trophy meant everything for Tottenham. As they finished 17th in the EPL, they couldn’t have qualified for any European competition. But now, they’ll be playing in the UCL, since the team winning the Europa League directly qualifies for it.
Nonetheless, Tottenham needs to work hard now to maintain its image as European Champions. And, if they beat PSG in the UEFA Super Cup next month, I believe it’d be a perfect morale booster before starting their league campaign.
Manchester United Finishing in the Bottom Five
There was a time when the EPL was famously known for its big six teams. While Arsenal and Man City have finished 2nd and 3Rd respectively on the league table, every team in the big six won something, except for Manchester United.
Honestly, I have not seen such a downfall in recent times. From Sir Alex Ferguson to Jose Mourinho, Man United always used to win something every season. But now, not only have they failed to win any trophies, but they won’t be playing any European football next season as well.
Having said that, they came closer to lifting the Europa trophy.
But let’s be honest, they failed to perform in the most important match in the tournament against Tottenham. Also, with EPL being the only major competition for Man United next season, I believe a finish in the top three would help them restore the lost respect.
Manchester City Ending Season Without a Trophy
I don’t recall seeing Pep empty-handed at the end of the season, as he usually carried at least one trophy. But this time, Pep’s Man City failed to grab any trophies, which was quite shocking for most football fans.
Also, it isn’t the case that Man City didn’t partake in most competitions. From the EPL to the FA Cup, and UCL to the Carabao Cup, Man City played and got humiliated in every tournament. Also, as it was the last season of Kevin De Bruyne with the club, I believe it should’ve ended memorably.
Nonetheless, Pep got an uphill task next season – restoring his image as the best football manager in modern football, and lifting fan spirit and trust in the club.
And, with the club owners giving Pep another chance after a disastrous season, I believe Pep should only focus on strengthening his squad in the transfer window.
To conclude, last football season was surprising in so many ways. We witnessed teams like PSG and Tottenham winning European trophies for the first time in their history. And, we also saw some champion teams like Man United and Man City getting humiliated in every tournament.
Having said that, I believe the upcoming football season will also be full of surprises. And, we’ll get to see some iconic and memorable matches like we did in the last season.
