Top 10 Greatest Comebacks in UEFA Champions League History
The UEFA Champions League has delivered countless unforgettable moments, but few match the excitement of a dramatic comeback. Whether it’s a last-minute turnaround or an incredible fightback over two legs, these games embody the magic of football. Here, we rank the 10 greatest comebacks in Champions League history—matches that left fans in awe and have become legendary.
10. Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich (1999 Final)
One of the most iconic moments in football history, Manchester United stunned Bayern Munich with a last-gasp victory in the 1999 Champions League final. Bayern took an early lead through Mario Basler’s free-kick, and for 90 minutes, it seemed they would secure the trophy. However, in stoppage time, Teddy Sheringham equalized from a Ryan Giggs shot, and just moments later, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer flicked the ball into the net to complete a breathtaking turnaround. United’s dramatic comeback secured their historic treble and remains one of the most famous finals of all time.
Top 10 Greatest Comebacks in UEFA Champions League History (Continued)
9. Chelsea 4-1 Napoli (Agg. 5-4) – 2012 Round of 16
Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League triumph was filled with unforgettable moments, and their comeback against Napoli was one of the most dramatic. After losing 3-1 in the first leg in Italy, the Blues needed a special performance at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Didier Drogba, John Terry, and Frank Lampard brought the tie level, forcing extra time. In the decisive moment, Branislav Ivanovic smashed home the winner, completing a stunning turnaround. Chelsea carried this momentum forward and went on to lift their first-ever Champions League trophy later that season.
8. PSG 1-3 Manchester United (Agg. 3-3, Man Utd Win on Away Goals) – 2019 Round of 16
Few gave Manchester United a chance after their 2-0 first-leg defeat to PSG at Old Trafford in the 2018-19 Round of 16. With several key players missing and facing a dominant PSG side in Paris, the odds were stacked against them. However, United responded brilliantly, with Romelu Lukaku scoring twice early on. Despite PSG controlling much of the match, a late VAR-reviewed handball gave United a last-minute penalty. Marcus Rashford held his nerve and smashed the ball past Gianluigi Buffon, sending United through on away goals in a stunning upset.
Top 10 Greatest Comebacks in UEFA Champions League History (Continued)
7. Deportivo La Coruña 4-0 AC Milan (Agg. 5-4) – 2004 Quarter-Finals
Deportivo La Coruña’s stunning 2004 comeback against AC Milan remains one of the most unexpected in Champions League history. Trailing 4-1 after the first leg at the San Siro, few believed the Spanish side could overturn the deficit against the defending champions. However, at the Riazor, Deportivo produced a spectacular performance, scoring four unanswered goals through Walter Pandiani, Juan Carlos Valerón, Albert Luque, and Fran. Their incredible 5-4 aggregate victory sent them into the semi-finals, marking one of the greatest turnarounds ever witnessed in European football.
Top 10 Greatest Comebacks in UEFA Champions League History (Continued)
6. Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City AET (Agg. 6-5) – 2022 Semi-Finals
Real Madrid’s 2022 semi-final comeback against Manchester City was a testament to their never-say-die mentality in the Champions League. Trailing 5-3 on aggregate heading into stoppage time at the Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid needed a miracle. Rodrygo delivered, scoring twice in the 90th and 91st minutes to force extra time. With momentum fully in Madrid’s favor, Karim Benzema won and converted a penalty in extra time, sealing a stunning 6-5 aggregate victory. This remarkable turnaround propelled Madrid to the final, where they went on to defeat Liverpool and secure their 14th Champions League title.
Top 10 Greatest Comebacks in UEFA Champions League History (Continued)
5. Roma 3-0 Barcelona (Agg. 4-4, Roma Win on Away Goals) – 2018 Quarter-Finals
Roma pulled off one of the most shocking comebacks in Champions League history by overturning a 4-1 first-leg deficit against Barcelona. At the Stadio Olimpico, Edin Džeko opened the scoring early, giving Roma hope. A second-half penalty from Daniele De Rossi made the impossible seem possible, and in the 82nd minute, Kostas Manolas headed in the decisive goal to send Roma through on away goals. The stadium erupted as Barcelona, heavy favorites, were eliminated in stunning fashion.
4. Ajax 2-3 Tottenham (Agg. 3-3, Tottenham Win on Away Goals) – 2019 Semi-Finals
Tottenham’s last-minute heroics against Ajax in the 2019 semi-finals will forever be remembered as one of the most dramatic comebacks in football. After losing 1-0 in the first leg and conceding twice in the first half of the second leg, Spurs found themselves 3-0 down on aggregate. However, Lucas Moura inspired a sensational second-half turnaround, scoring twice in quick succession. With seconds remaining in stoppage time, Moura completed his hat-trick with a perfectly placed shot, sending Spurs to their first-ever Champions League final in heartbreaking fashion for Ajax.
Top 10 Greatest Comebacks in UEFA Champions League History (Continued)
3. Deportivo La Coruña 4-0 AC Milan (Agg. 5-4) – 2004 Quarter-Finals
Deportivo La Coruña’s stunning comeback against AC Milan in 2004 was so remarkable that it deserves a second mention on this list. After a 4-1 defeat at the San Siro, few believed the Spanish side could overturn the deficit against the reigning champions. However, at the Riazor, Deportivo produced a near-perfect performance, scoring four unanswered goals through Walter Pandiani, Juan Carlos Valerón, Albert Luque, and Fran. The emphatic 5-4 aggregate victory remains one of the greatest turnarounds in Champions League history, propelling Deportivo into the semi-finals.
2. AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool (Liverpool Win 3-2 on Penalties) – 2005 Final
The Miracle of Istanbul in the 2005 Champions League final is widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks ever. AC Milan dominated the first half, storming to a 3-0 lead with goals from Paolo Maldini and a brace from Hernán Crespo. However, in just six minutes after halftime, Liverpool produced a stunning response, with Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer, and Xabi Alonso bringing the match level. The game went to penalties, where Liverpool’s goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek made heroic saves, helping the Reds win 3-2 in the shootout. This unforgettable night cemented Liverpool’s fifth European title and remains one of the most legendary moments in football history.
Top 10 Greatest Comebacks in UEFA Champions League History (Final Entry)
1. Barcelona 6-1 PSG (Agg. 6-5) – 2017 Round of 16
The greatest comeback in Champions League history belongs to Barcelona’s unbelievable turnaround against PSG in 2017. After suffering a crushing 4-0 defeat in the first leg in Paris, Barcelona faced what seemed like an insurmountable task. However, at the Camp Nou, they delivered a historic performance. Goals from Luis Suárez, a Layvin Kurzawa own goal, and a Lionel Messi penalty put them within touching distance, but Edinson Cavani’s away goal seemed to end their hopes. Then came a dramatic finale—Neymar scored twice in the final minutes before delivering a perfect assist to Sergi Roberto, who poked home the decisive goal in the 95th minute. The stadium erupted as Barcelona completed a 6-1 victory, securing a 6-5 aggregate win in what became known as La Remontada (The Comeback).
Final Thoughts
The Champions League is a stage for legendary moments, and these comebacks prove that no lead is ever truly safe. Whether through last-minute drama or tactical brilliance, these matches have left an indelible mark on football history, giving fans memories that will last a lifetime. As the competition continues to produce surprises, the next great comeback could be just around the corner.
