Top 10 players with most goals in a single Champions League season

#7 Lionel Messi | 2018-19 | 12 goals in 10 games

Lionel Messi continues to be amongst the best in the world

A name that will come in this list quite frequently, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi enjoyed another phenomenal campaign for Barcelona in the 2018-19 season.

The 33-year old forward was the top goalscorer for his club across all competitions, scoring 51 goals in 50 appearances. In the Champions League, he played a pivotal role, scoring against the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

However, Barcelona endured a disappointing 4-0 loss away to Liverpool and were eliminated from Europe's premier club competition in the semi-finals. The loss was particularly embarrassing from Barcelona's point of view because they had won the home leg 3-0.

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#6 Ruud van Nistelrooy | 2002-03 | 12 goals in 9 games

Ruud Van Nistelrooy in action for Manchester United

Regarded as one the best strikers of his generation, Ruud van Nistelrooy was renowned for his clinical finishing ability.

He enjoyed his most prolific season as a Manchester United player during the 2002-03 season. The Netherlands international made 52 appearances across all competitions and scored 44 goals. The Red Devils won the Premier League, but were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals by Real Madrid.

#OTD In 2001 - We signed Ruud van Nistelrooy from PSV for £19m, a then club record fee!👤 219 Apps ⚽️ 150 Goals 🅰️ 14 Assists 🏆 Premier League (2002/03)🏆 FA Cup (2003/04)🏆 EFL Cup (2005/06)🏆 Community Shield (2003)#MUFC https://t.co/5fFzaxTChw

— United Update (@UnitedsUpdate) July 28, 2018

Van Nistelrooy scored in both ties against Real Madrid, but was unable to turn the tide. He left the club in 2006 to play for Real Madrid. After stints with Hamburg SV and Malaga, he retired in 2012.

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#5 Lionel Messi | 2011-12 | 14 goals in 11 games

Lionel Messi enjoyed a spectacular 2011-12 season

2011-12 has been Lionel Messi's most prolific goalscoring season till date.

The Argentine superstar was in fine form across all competitions under manager Pep Guardiola. He made 60 appearances in all competitions, scoring an astounding 73 goals. However, despite his performances Barcelona failed to win the league as well as the Champions League.

The Camp Nou outfit got eliminated in the semi-finals of the Champions League by eventual winners Chelsea, while losing the league to Real Madrid. Guardiola stepped down as manager after the season ended.

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#4 Cristiano Ronaldo | 2017-18 | 15 goals in 13 games

2017-18 was Ronaldo's last season as a Real Madrid player

2017-18 was Cristiano Ronaldo's last season as a Real Madrid player, and he left on a high.

Ronaldo made 44 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos, scoring 44 goals. The former Sporting CP forward was instrumental as Real Madrid won their third consecutive Champions League title, and he finished with 15 goals in 13 games in the competition.

On this day in 2017, Cristiano Ronaldo silenced 90,000 people at the Camp Nou with this incredible goal. Simply CR7. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/vARhrBGTUf

— TC. (@totalcristiano) August 13, 2020

Ronaldo left for Juventus in the summer, as the Italian giants paid €100 million for his signature. Manager Zinedine Zidane too departed after the season, only to return a year later.

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