The world of men’s football served up no shortage of thrills and spills in 2022. At AS, we’ve put together our list of the year’s stand-out games…

5. MAN CITY 2-2 LIVERPOOL

10 April, Premier League

Among England’s big-name matchups, this was the best in 2022. A draw favoured City, who ended up pipping Liverpool to the title by one point.

The clubs met four more times last year: City 3-2 Liverpool (Carabao Cup), Liverpool 1-0 City (Premier League), Liverpool 3-1 City (Community Shield) and City 2-3 Liverpool (FA Cup).

4. R. MADRID 0-4 BARÇA

20 March, LaLiga

Barcelona absolutely took Real Madrid to the cleaners, courtesy of strikes by Ronald Araújo, Ferran Torres and two-goal Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Barça looked to be back after that result - but in the end Madrid won LaLiga and Xavi Hernández’s men struggled to secure a top-four finish.

3. R. MADRID 3-1 PSG

9 March, Champions League

Real Madrid knocked PSG out of Europe yet again, Karim Benzema hitting a hat-trick in just 17 minutes to end Paris' Champions League hopes.

Once more, Madrid showed why they’re the kings of the continent. In the quarter-finals they beat holders Chelsea, and in the semis they faced Man City…

2. R. MADRID 3-1 M. CITY

4 May, Champions League

...who seemed set for the final after Riyad Mahrez’s second-leg goal at the Bernabéu. However, Rodrygo Goes’ dramatic stoppage-time double sent the tie into extra time.

And in the additional half an hour, Benzema converted from the spot to secure another Champions League final berth for Madrid. The rest is history…

1. ARGENTINA 3-3 FRANCE (4-2 PENS)

18 December, World Cup

In Qatar, we witnessed the greatest ever World Cup final. Argentina dominated, but Kylian Mbappé’s quick-fire double forced extra time.

Leo Messi and Mbappé both scored in extra time, so the game went to penalties - and  'Dibu’ Martínez was the shootout hero as Argentina won their first world title in 36 years.