Football fans love a good comeback story. There’s something about seeing a team down and out, only to stage an epic turnaround and win against all odds. In the UEFA Champions League, there have been some stunning comebacks over the years. From Liverpool’s miraculous 2005 comeback against AC Milan to Barcelona’s 2018 comeback against AS Roma, these are the stories that live long in the memory.
The UEFA Champions League is widely considered to be the most prestigious club football competition in the world. Played between the top clubs in Europe, it puts some of the best teams and players against each other in a quest to be crowned European champions. With a huge global TV audience and massive prize money on offer, it’s easy to see why the Champions League is such a popular competition. bestsportsbooks.co is a one-stop shop for sports betting information and we’ve got all the latest Champions League betting odds and tips.
1. Liverpool vs. AC Milan, 2005
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyuX5r4oOME
In 2005, Liverpool and AC Milan met in what was one of the most thrilling UEFA Champions League finals in history. The match went to penalties after a 3-3 draw, with Liverpool eventually emerging victorious.
It was a see-saw battle from start to finish, with both sides exchanging blows throughout. Milan took the lead early on through Paolo Maldini, but Liverpool hit back through Steven Gerrard. Milan restored their lead shortly before halftime through Hernan Crespo, only for Gerrard to strike again for Liverpool just after the hour mark.
Milan looked to have sealed victory when Crespo scored his second of the night with just over 10 minutes remaining, but Liverpool produced a miraculous comeback, first through Vladimir Smicer and then Xabi Alonso in the dying moments of the game.
The match went to penalties, where Milan famously crumbled under the pressure. Jerzy Dudek was the hero for Liverpool, saving Andriy Shevchenko’s spot-kick to seal an unforgettable victory.
2. Barcelona vs. Chelsea, 2006
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kA-mkpczUXU
In 2006, Barcelona staged one of the most memorable comebacks in Champions League history. Trailing 1-0 to Chelsea after 90 minutes, the Catalan giants rallied to score two goals in injury time and win 2-1.
It was a stunning turnaround and one that Chelsea fans are still reeling from to this day. Barcelona’s late heroics ensured that they progressed to the semi-finals at Chelsea’s expense, with eventual winners Liverpool ultimately standing between them and European glory.
3. Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich, 1999
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXh1TpVhdbA
In 1999, Manchester United faced Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final. The German side took an early lead, but United fought back and equalized with two late goals to win the match 2-1. It was a remarkable comeback and one that is often considered one of the greatest in Champions League history.
4. Liverpool vs. Olympiacos, 2004
In the early 2000s, Liverpool were one of the top teams in England. They had won the UEFA Champions League in 2005 and were looking to make a repeat appearance in the final. However, they had a tough draw in the 2004/05 tournament, being drawn against Greek side Olympiacos in the group stage.
Olympiacos took an early lead in the first leg at Anfield, with Liverpool struggling to get back into the game. The Reds did eventually equalize, but it was Olympiacos who went into half-time with a 2-1 lead.
Liverpool needed to win the second leg to progress to the knockout stages, but they found themselves 2-0 down within 20 minutes. It looked like their Champions League campaign was over, but Liverpool staged an incredible comeback to win 3-1 on the night and progress to the next round.
5. Barcelona vs. PSG, 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMsP7jMXhQ0
In the 2017 UEFA Champions League, Barcelona faced off against PSG in what was one of the most memorable comebacks in history. After losing the first leg 4-0, Barcelona was able to win the second leg 6-1, resulting in a 6-5 aggregate victory.
This comeback was so improbable that even before the second leg began, many people had already written off Barcelona. However, the team proved them wrong with an incredible performance. Lionel Messi led the way with two goals and two assists, while Neymar and Luis Suárez also scored.
It was a truly remarkable achievement by Barcelona, and one that will be remembered for many years to come.
