The UEFA Champions League has always been a stage for jaw-dropping moments, last-minute drama, and comebacks that defy belief.
Over the years, some teams have risen from the dead, pulling off stunning turnarounds that will be talked about for generations.
From Liverpool’s legendary fightback in Istanbul to Barcelona’s historic remontada, these games prove that no lead is ever safe in Europe’s biggest competition. Here are the greatest Champions League comebacks of all time.
7. Liverpool’s Miracle in Istanbul (2005 Final)
AC Milan looked unstoppable, leading 3-0 at halftime in the 2005 Champions League final. Paolo Maldini scored in the first minute, and Hernán Crespo added two more before the break. Liverpool fans were shattered, but what happened next was the stuff of legend.
In a span of just eight minutes, Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer, and Xabi Alonso scored to bring Liverpool level.
📅 On this day, in 2005, Liverpool came from 3-0 down to eventually win their 5th European Cup in Istanbul..
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) May 24, 2024
One of the greatest comebacks of all-time. ❤️pic.twitter.com/Xa3OhbePiG
The game went to penalties, and Jerzy Dudek became the hero, saving from Andriy Shevchenko to complete one of the most incredible turnarounds in football history.
6. Tottenham’s Last-Second Miracle vs Ajax (2019)
Tottenham had already lost the first leg 1-0 at home, and things went from bad to worse when Ajax went 2-0 up in the second leg. It seemed like their dream was over. But then, Lucas Moura happened.
The Brazilian scored twice in quick succession to give Spurs hope, and in the 96th minute, he delivered the killer blow with a dramatic winner to send Tottenham through on away goals.
Five years ago, Spurs trailed Ajax 3-0 on aggregate going into the second half of the second leg of the Champions League semifinals.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 8, 2024
⚽—Moura (55')
⚽—Moura (59')
⚽—Moura (90+6')
😱
(via @SpursOfficial)pic.twitter.com/YsmxJaMVo0
Even though they lost the final to Liverpool, this night will forever be etched in their history.
5. Liverpool Humiliate Barcelona at Anfield (2019)
7. On this day, in 2019, Liverpool did the impossible and beat Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield after losing the first leg 3-0.
— 30🏀 (@tony_grey_) February 18, 2025
Incredible scenes! 😍
pic.twitter.com/h4Hazzuua2
After suffering a 3-0 defeat at the Camp Nou, Liverpool needed a miracle in the second leg. Without Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, few believed it was possible. But Anfield had other ideas.
Georginio Wijnaldum came off the bench to score twice, Divock Origi bagged a brace, and the now-famous quick corner routine sealed Barcelona’s fate. “Corner taken quickly… Origi!” – one of the most iconic moments in football commentary.
4. Deportivo La Coruña Stun AC Milan (2004)
AC Milan, defending champions and full of superstars, had a comfortable 4-1 lead from the first leg. But at the Riazor, Deportivo La Coruña produced one of the greatest European nights ever.
They tore through Milan’s defense, scoring three times in the first half to level the tie. Then, in the 76th minute, Fran netted the winner to complete an unbelievable 5-4 aggregate turnaround. It remains one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history.
3. Roma’s Night of Glory Against Barcelona (2018)
Trailing 4-1 from the first leg, Roma needed a miracle. Inspired by an electrifying atmosphere at the Stadio Olimpico, they delivered.
Edin Džeko started the comeback, Daniele De Rossi converted a penalty, and then came the moment of destiny – Kostas Manolas’ header in the 82nd minute.
On-Pitch Embarrassment
— Carrington(fan) (@Carrington_FCB) January 1, 2025
•2018: Roma humiliates Barça with a 3-0 comeback.
•2019: Liverpool overturns a 3-0 deficit, winning 4-0.
•2020: Bayern destroys Barça 8-2 in the UCL.
Failures piled up as the club became a shadow of its former self.pic.twitter.com/UTTuyzdrJJ
Roma went through on away goals, and commentator Peter Drury’s unforgettable words perfectly captured the moment: “Roma have risen from their ruins!”
2. Real Madrid Break Manchester City’s Hearts (2022)
Manchester City had one foot in the final, leading 5-3 on aggregate in the 90th minute of the second leg. Then Rodrygo changed everything.
The Brazilian scored twice in stoppage time to force extra time, and Karim Benzema’s penalty sealed a dramatic 6-5 victory.
Real Madrid 3-1 Man City highlights 2022
— 🌴 (@Camaverde_) March 11, 2024
Bernabeu AURA without commentary.
pic.twitter.com/fkdJBlL8to
This was a classic case of Real Madrid doing what they do best – never giving up, no matter how impossible it seems.
1. Barcelona’s Greatest Ever Comeback vs PSG (2017)
No team had ever overturned a 4-0 first-leg deficit in Champions League history. Barcelona rewrote the script in a way that still seems unreal.
With Camp Nou rocking, they raced into a 3-0 lead, but Edinson Cavani’s goal for PSG looked to have ended the dream.
Then came the madness – Neymar scored twice in the final moments before setting up Sergi Roberto’s last-gasp winner to make it 6-1.
PSG were left in shock, Barcelona celebrated like never before, and football had just witnessed the most mind-blowing comeback of all time.
Throwback to the greatest comeback in the history of UEFA Champions League.
— Managing Barça (@ManagingBarca) July 23, 2023
FC Barcelona 6-1 PSG.pic.twitter.com/JHEsqgJoDl
Leave a Reply