As I sat down to analyze the best soccer team of 2020, I found myself reflecting on what truly defines greatness in this sport. Having followed football religiously for over two decades, I've come to realize that judging a team's quality isn't just about counting trophies—it's about their impact, their style of play, and how they handle adversity. The year 2020 presented unique challenges that tested teams in unprecedented ways, from pandemic disruptions to empty stadiums, making this analysis particularly fascinating.
When we talk about the best team in the world, most people immediately think of Champions League winners Bayern Munich, and honestly, they have a compelling case. I still get chills remembering their 8-2 demolition of Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinals—a scoreline that still feels surreal. Under Hansi Flick's management, they achieved a remarkable 21-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, winning the continental treble while playing some of the most exhilarating football I've witnessed in years. Their pressing system was simply relentless, with players like Robert Lewandowski scoring 55 goals in 47 appearances, a staggering number that underscores their offensive dominance.
However, here's where it gets complicated—and where that reference knowledge about things not turning out as expected becomes particularly relevant. While Bayern's European success was undeniable, their domestic performance showed cracks that many analysts overlook. They dropped points in 7 Bundesliga matches during the 2020 calendar year, including surprising losses to Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen. I remember watching that 2-1 defeat to Gladbach thinking, "This doesn't look like the best team in the world right now." The reality is that football greatness isn't just about peak performance but consistency across all competitions.
This brings me to Liverpool FC, the team I personally believe had the strongest claim to being 2020's best. Before the pandemic halted football, they were on track for one of the most dominant Premier League campaigns in history. They amassed 82 points from their first 29 matches—the best start ever in England's top flight—and ultimately finished with 99 points, 18 clear of second-place Manchester City. Their 26 wins and only 1 loss in the 2020 portion of that season demonstrated a level of consistency that Bayern couldn't match domestically. What impressed me most was their mentality; coming off their 2019 Champions League victory, they maintained that hunger while adapting their game when necessary.
The reference to things not turning out as expected perfectly captures Liverpool's Champions League exit that year. After such domestic dominance, everyone expected them to conquer Europe again, but their surprising 3-2 aggregate loss to Atlético Madrid in the round of 16 reminded us that football rarely follows scripts. I recall thinking how cruel it was that their European campaign ended in an empty Anfield—the very circumstance that robbed them of their famous atmosphere that might have spurred another comeback.
Then there's Paris Saint-Germain, who reached their first-ever Champions League final in 2020. While they fell short against Bayern, their journey to that final showcased incredible quality. Kylian Mbappé's 30 goals across the season, combined with Neymar's creative brilliance, made them arguably the most talented attacking duo in world football. Their comeback against Atalanta in the quarterfinals, scoring twice in stoppage time, demonstrated the mental fortitude that had previously been questioned. Still, their inconsistent Ligue 1 performance—the season was curtailed, but they led by only 12 points when play stopped—left questions about their week-to-week dominance.
What many fans forget is that 2020 was a split season, with the Champions League concluding in August after a prolonged break. This created unusual circumstances where teams had to regain form after months without competitive football. Bayern adapted best to these conditions, but I'm not convinced that makes them definitively the year's best team overall. If we're judging based on the entire calendar year rather than just the conclusion of the 2019-20 season, Liverpool's Premier League dominance from January through July combined with their strong start to the 2020-21 campaign—they topped the table at year's end—makes a compelling argument.
The statistical case for Liverpool is stronger than many recognize. They accumulated 2.3 points per game in Premier League matches during 2020 compared to Bayern's 2.4 in Bundesliga play—a negligible difference, especially considering the Premier League's greater competitive depth. Defensively, Liverpool conceded just 24 goals in 38 Premier League games in 2020, while Bayern conceded 32 in 34 Bundesliga matches. These numbers matter when we're having this conversation.
In my view, the "best team" discussion must consider both peak performance and sustained excellence. Bayern reached higher peaks in European competition, but Liverpool maintained superior consistency throughout the entire year across more competitions. Having watched both teams extensively throughout 2020, I'd give Liverpool the slight edge because their level never significantly dropped, whereas Bayern had noticeable dips in domestic play. The fact that Liverpool achieved this while dealing with an unprecedented injury crisis to key defenders like Virgil van Dijk makes their consistency even more impressive.
Ultimately, 2020 taught us that determining the "best" team is more nuanced than simply looking at trophy cabinets. Different teams excelled in different aspects, and the unusual circumstances created by the pandemic affected clubs unevenly. While Bayern's Champions League victory gives them the strongest objective argument, my personal assessment based on watching hundreds of matches that year leads me to crown Liverpool as 2020's most complete team. They embodied resilience, adaptability, and sustained excellence in the face of challenges that truly tested what football excellence means in modern times.
