The UEFA Champions League has witnessed some of the most thrilling and dramatic moments in football history. From stunning goals to heart-stopping comebacks, this prestigious tournament has provided fans with unforgettable memories, in a competition where pre-match form in the Champions League betting goes completely out of the window – anyone can win on their day.
The Champions League has provided fans with so many great memories in recent years and still remains Europe’s most important competition. In this article, we delve into the greatest Champions League comebacks that left fans on the edge of their seats.
AS Roma vs. Barcelona (2017-18)
In the quarter-finals of the 2017-18 season, AS Roma pulled off an astonishing comeback against Barcelona. After losing the first leg 4-1 at Camp Nou, Roma needed a miracle. And they got it.
The Italian side rallied at the Stadio Olimpico, winning 3-0. Edin Džeko, Daniele De Rossi, and Kostas Manolas, famously dubbed the’ Greek God in Rome’ by Peter Drury, imprinted their names in history as Roma advanced to the semi-finals on away goals.
Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich (1998-99)
The 1999 Champions League final is etched in football folklore. Trailing 1-0 to Bayern Munich in injury time, Manchester United staged an improbable comeback.
Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær scored in the dying moments, securing a 2-1 victory for the Red Devils. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side completed the treble, and the “Fergie Time” legend was born.
Barcelona vs. Paris Saint Germain (2016-17)
In the Round of 16, Barcelona faced a daunting task after losing 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg. Having narrowly edged past Juventus in the previous round, Barcelona fans were sceptical about their side’s chances, but the Camp Nou faithful witnessed magic.
Neymar led the charge, scoring twice and assisting Sergi Roberto’s dramatic 95th-minute winner. The 6-1 comeback remains one of the most remarkable turnarounds in football history, as Barca overcame the highest deficit since the competition reformatted in the 1990s.
Liverpool vs. Barcelona (2018-19)
Anfield witnessed sheer magic when Liverpool overturned a 3-0 deficit against Barcelona in the semi-finals. Having travelled to Catalonia and playing a good game, Liverpool were disheartened when they ended up losing 3-0 in the first leg largely against the run of play. However, their home ground proved to be a cauldron in one of the defining nights of Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.
Divock Origi scored early, before Georginio Wijnaldum bagged a brace to set the stage for an unforgettable night. Then came the iconic corner kick — Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick thinking allowed Origi to score, and minutes later, Wijnaldum completed the comeback. Liverpool won 4-0, leaving Barcelona stunned.
Liverpool vs. AC Milan (2004-05)
Dubbed the “Miracle of Istanbul”, this game is the stuff of legends. In the 2005 final, Liverpool faced AC Milan, one of the best sides in the world who had just won the competition in 2003 against Juventus. Carlo Ancelotti’s side raced into an early lead and went in at halftime 3-0 head. But Steven Gerrard’s heroics inspired a jaw-dropping comeback.
Goals from the Reds captain, as well as Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso, forced a penalty shootout victory as Liverpool secured their fifth European Cup. The comeback from 3-0 down remains one of football’s most iconic moments.