Top 10 Teams With The Most Possession In A Single Match In 2025

Top 10 teams with the most possession in a single match in 2025 highlights the most impressive displays of ball control in football this year. Possession is more than just holding the ball—it’s about dictating the game’s tempo, showcasing tactical brilliance, and demonstrating technical skill. This list features teams that dominated their matches through exceptional passing, intelligent movement, and strategic midfield control. From league battles to crucial cup fixtures, these teams set new benchmarks for ball retention and game management.

Each match on this list offers deep insights into how possession can influence a game’s outcome. You’ll discover how formations, player roles, and tactical setups helped these teams maintain control and create scoring opportunities. Whether you’re a tactical enthusiast or just love watching teams master the art of possession, this overview reveals the secrets behind some of 2025’s most memorable performances. Dive in to see how controlling the ball led to footballing excellence this year.

10. Sevilla – 55.4% Possession in La Liga vs Real Sociedad

Sevilla’s 55.4% possession in their La Liga clash against Real Sociedad in 2025 was a strong demonstration of their ability to control the midfield and dictate the game’s tempo. This possession figure reflects their strategic approach of patiently building attacks through precise passing and intelligent movement. Sevilla’s midfielders were central to this dominance, expertly managing the ball under pressure and maintaining a high passing accuracy that frustrated their opponents.

Beyond just holding possession, Sevilla used the ball to create space and open up Real Sociedad’s defensive lines. Their approach balanced patience with intent, ensuring they did not lose the ball cheaply and always looked for opportunities to progress forward. By controlling the rhythm of the match, Sevilla limited Real Sociedad’s attacking chances and forced them into a reactive role.

This possession dominance was key to Sevilla’s overall game plan. It allowed them to maintain territorial advantage, control key moments, and ultimately impose their style. The 55.4% figure may seem modest compared to some other matches, but in a competitive league like La Liga, where teams often battle intensely for control, this level of possession was crucial. Sevilla’s display highlighted the tactical importance of possession and how it can be used effectively to influence match outcomes.

9. Ajax – 56.1% Possession in Eredivisie vs Feyenoord

Ajax’s 56.1% possession against Feyenoord in the fiercely contested 2025 Eredivisie fixture showcased their renowned possession-based style of football. The Dutch giants relied heavily on their midfielders’ technical skills and tactical awareness to keep the ball moving and control the match’s pace. Their patient build-up play helped wear down Feyenoord’s defensive structure.

Ajax emphasized quick one- and two-touch passes, movement off the ball, and intelligent positioning to maintain possession in tight spaces. This possession was not just for show—it created multiple scoring opportunities and controlled the flow of the game. Their midfield trio was essential in recycling possession and dictating when to speed up or slow down the play.

Maintaining 56.1% possession allowed Ajax to minimize Feyenoord’s chances to counterattack. The possession dominance also contributed to psychological pressure, as their opponents struggled to regain the ball and impose their style. Ajax’s display reinforced their reputation as one of Europe’s most technically skilled and tactically mature possession teams, adept at controlling games through ball retention.

8. Borussia Mönchengladbach – 56.8% Possession in Bundesliga vs Bayer Leverkusen

Borussia Mönchengladbach’s 56.8% possession against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga was a testament to their disciplined and tactically aware approach. This level of ball control helped them dominate the midfield battle, which is often decisive in high-stakes Bundesliga games. Their midfielders circulated the ball efficiently, combining short passes and off-the-ball movement to create attacking openings.

Mönchengladbach’s ability to retain possession limited Leverkusen’s chances to apply effective pressure or launch quick counterattacks. They displayed patience, carefully probing their opponent’s defensive setup and waiting for the right moments to exploit gaps. Their possession wasn’t just about holding the ball but about controlling key phases and managing the game’s rhythm.

The team’s defensive discipline was equally important, as their ability to hold possession helped reduce the time Leverkusen had to attack. This possession dominance showcased the tactical importance of ball control in the Bundesliga and how it can be used strategically to gain advantage and influence outcomes. Mönchengladbach’s performance stood out as a prime example of possession football in action.

7. AC Milan – 57.5% Possession in Serie A vs Napoli

AC Milan’s 57.5% possession against Napoli in Serie A was central to their ability to control the game’s tempo and flow. Milan’s midfielders combined technical skill and tactical intelligence to maintain possession, especially in congested midfield battles where control is often contested fiercely. This possession allowed Milan to patiently build attacks and keep Napoli’s dangerous counterattacks at bay.

Milan employed a mix of short, precise passing and smart off-the-ball runs to open spaces and retain control. Their players demonstrated excellent spatial awareness, constantly shifting the point of attack to unbalance Napoli’s defense. This high possession percentage was not merely a statistic but reflected their ability to dictate how the game was played.

The possession dominance also helped Milan maintain defensive solidity, as controlling the ball reduced the pressure on their backline. Their approach balanced patience with attacking intent, using possession strategically to manage the match phases. This performance highlighted Milan’s maturity and tactical discipline in one of Italy’s fiercest rivalries.

6. Chelsea – 58.3% Possession in Premier League vs Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea’s 58.3% possession in their Premier League encounter with Tottenham Hotspur in 2025 was a clear sign of their intent to control the game through ball dominance. Their midfield players took charge, using quick, accurate passing to maintain possession and break down Tottenham’s defensive shape. This allowed Chelsea to dictate the tempo and keep the pressure on their opponents.

The possession was carefully managed, with Chelsea combining patient build-up play with sharp attacking movements. Their ability to keep the ball in tight spaces and recycle possession under pressure was key to maintaining control. The high possession percentage frustrated Tottenham’s attempts to press aggressively or launch fast counters.

Chelsea’s approach highlighted the importance of possession as both an offensive and defensive tool. By controlling the ball, they limited Tottenham’s opportunities while creating openings for themselves. This possession dominance was central to Chelsea’s tactical plan and played a big role in shaping the match’s dynamics and final outcome.

Also Read:

5. Barcelona – 59.1% Possession in UEFA Champions League vs Juventus

Barcelona’s 59.1% possession in a Champions League clash against Juventus in 2025 was a classic display of their famed tiki-taka style. This high possession rate reflected their emphasis on precise short passing, fluid movement, and tactical discipline. Barcelona’s midfielders orchestrated the game with calmness and control, constantly shifting the point of attack and probing Juventus’s defense.

The team’s ability to maintain possession under pressure was vital in controlling the match tempo and creating scoring opportunities. Their approach wore down Juventus’s defensive structure, forcing the visitors into a reactive posture. Barcelona’s possession was not aimless; it was purposeful, designed to open spaces and create chances.

This match reaffirmed Barcelona’s identity as one of Europe’s premier possession teams. Their ability to combine technical excellence with tactical intelligence enabled them to control key moments and influence the game’s outcome. The 59.1% possession figure highlights their dominance and their success in imposing their style on a strong opponent.

4. Paris Saint-Germain – 60.4% Possession in UEFA Champions League vs Manchester United

Paris Saint-Germain’s 60.4% possession in their Champions League game against Manchester United was a testament to their tactical maturity and technical skill. PSG controlled the midfield with patience, recycling the ball intelligently and frustrating United’s attempts to regain control. This possession dominance was crucial in dictating the pace and flow of the match.

PSG’s midfielders balanced defensive duties with creative responsibilities, ensuring possession translated into attacking opportunities. Their patient build-up play helped create space for their star attackers and limited Manchester United’s counterattacking chances.

This match demonstrated PSG’s evolution as a possession-driven team, capable of competing at the highest level in Europe. Their ability to keep the ball and control key phases allowed them to impose their game plan effectively. The 60.4% possession figure underlines PSG’s status as one of the continent’s elite possession sides.

3. Bayern Munich – 61.7% Possession in UEFA Champions League vs Chelsea

Bayern Munich’s 61.7% possession in their Champions League meeting with Chelsea in 2025 was an impressive display of control and tactical discipline. Bayern’s midfielders managed the ball with intelligence and precision, dictating the match’s rhythm and limiting Chelsea’s chances to press effectively.

Their efficient ball circulation allowed Bayern to patiently build attacks and exploit weaknesses in Chelsea’s defensive setup. This possession dominance also helped psychologically, forcing Chelsea to react rather than initiate.

Bayern’s ability to keep possession in tight spaces and recycle the ball under pressure was crucial. Their approach combined technical skill with strategic planning, illustrating why Bayern remain a top possession side in Europe. This match was a clear example of how controlling the ball can influence high-stakes encounters.

2. Liverpool – 62.5% Possession in Premier League vs Manchester United

Liverpool’s 62.5% possession in a Premier League derby against Manchester United demonstrated a masterclass in ball control combined with aggressive pressing. Known for their high-intensity style, Liverpool blended this with a possession-based approach to dominate their rivals.

Their midfield orchestrated play with quick, accurate passing and intelligent movement, enabling Liverpool to maintain control and sustain attacking pressure. This possession dominance frustrated Manchester United, limiting their ability to launch effective counters.

Liverpool’s approach highlighted the importance of possession in dictating tempo and managing matches. Their ability to combine possession with pressing made them a formidable opponent and was key in shaping this fierce rivalry’s outcome.

1. Manchester City – 64.2% Possession in UEFA Champions League vs Real Madrid

Manchester City’s dominant 64.2% possession in their Champions League fixture against Real Madrid was a hallmark of their possession-based philosophy under Pep Guardiola. City’s midfield and attackers worked tirelessly to maintain ball control, orchestrating fluid passing sequences that dictated the game’s tempo.

This extraordinary possession wasn’t just about holding the ball — it was about controlling rhythm, wearing down opponents, and creating high-quality chances. City’s tactical discipline and technical excellence allowed them to recycle possession under intense pressure.

Their ability to find space and shift the point of attack made them dominant both physically and mentally. This performance set the benchmark for possession football in 2025 and highlighted why Manchester City are considered the gold standard in modern ball control.

FAQ’s:

Why is possession percentage important in football matches?

Possession percentage reflects how much a team controls the ball during a match, which often correlates with controlling the game’s tempo and flow. Teams with higher possession can dictate play, create more scoring opportunities, and limit their opponent’s chances by restricting their time on the ball. However, possession alone doesn’t guarantee victory—it’s how effectively a team uses the ball that truly matters.

How do teams maintain such high possession percentages in a single match?

Teams achieve high possession through tactical discipline, precise passing, intelligent movement off the ball, and effective spatial awareness. Midfielders play a critical role by recycling possession and controlling the tempo. Additionally, teams employ strategies like pressing to quickly regain the ball and patient build-up play to avoid turnovers, all contributing to sustained control of the match.

Does having the most possession always mean winning the game?

Not necessarily. While dominating possession can give a team a significant advantage, football matches are decided by many factors including finishing, defensive solidity, and tactical execution. Some teams thrive on counterattacks and can win despite having less possession. Therefore, possession is one important metric but not the sole determinant of success.