The UEFA champions league knockout stages are are often viewed as the peak of club football in terms of standard, drama and entertainment. Since the old European cup merged into the Champions League in the 1992/93 season, the knockout stages have provided some of the most thrilling matches that the world of football has witnessed. The Champions League provides fond memories for many neutrals and fans around the world, whether its because of a favourite match, goal or performance from a player the champions league never fails to deliver entertainment. One of the main features in the Champions League over the years has been hugely upsetting comebacks, and this blog will provide a list of the greatest and most memorable Champions League comebacks ever.
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Barcelona vs Paris Saint Germain (6-1) UEFA Champions League Round of 16 2017
After suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat at the Parc Des Princes in the first leg, Barcelona looked extremely fragile defensively and their abundance of attacking talent had failed to deliver on the night. The tie was deemed to be all but over heading into the second leg at the Camp Nou. With the spine tingling atmosphere and intensity of Barcelona's play, the game began frantically with an early goal from Barcelona forward Luis Suarez. Barcelona continued to pile the pressure onto PSG eventually gaining a 3-0 lead. Then a huge blow struck for Barca after an away goal from Edinson Cavani to make the game 3-1 and 3-5 on aggregate, and Barca's hopes seemed to be all but over. However, Barca's array of attacking talent began to shine through with a brace from Neymar, which made the tie 5-1 and 5-5 on aggregate. Barcelona just needed one goal to advance to the quarter finals. The moment of delirium was provided by Sergi Roberto to volleyed home a 95th minute winner to complete one of the greatest comebacks in UCL history.
4
Ajax vs Tottenham Hotspur (2-3) UEFA Champions League Semi- Final 2019
The first leg ended in a narrow 1-0 win for away side Ajax in a close encounter at the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium. This leaving everything to play for in the return second leg at The Johan Cruyff Arena, in what was set up to be a fascinating spectacle with a spot in the Champions League final being the ultimate prize. The game started badly for Spurs going in at half-time being 2-0 down thanks to goals from Matthijs de Ligt and Hakim Ziyech. With the home side being 3-0 up on aggregate it seemed as if they would cruise to the final, as a Spurs rally looked very unlikely without star Striker Harry Kane. Unexpectedly however, the rally would soon begin in the second half after two goals in four minutes from Brazilian forward Lucas Moura to take the tie to 3-2 on aggregate. Ajax still looked to be minutes away from the final as added time commenced, but Lucas Moura slotted in his third goal in the 96th minute to complete one of the best ever champions league hat-tricks and comebacks.
3
Liverpool vs Barcelona (4-0) UEFA Champions League Semi-Final 2019
Despite playing well in the first leg, Liverpool found themselves 3-0 down following a Lionel Messi masterclass at the Camp Nou with the Argentinian in scintillating form netting a brace which included a sensational 35 yard free kick. With Barca being in good form they looked to be smoothly heading to the champions league final barring a huge upset, which was not out of the realms of possibility with the history of Anfield, but very unlikely. Anfield is notoriously known for its spine tingling and intimidating atmosphere, especially on European nights which made defending a 3-0 lead a daunting task even for Barcelona.
The game begun at a rapid pace as to be expected, but Barca were unable to cope and conceded early on to Belgian forward Divock Origi who put the reds 1-0 up. Despite the continuous onslaught from the reds, Barca managed to get to half time having only conceded once which made a comeback look extremely unlikely heading into the second half. Liverpool needed huge inspiration to attempt to mount a comeback, which was crucially provided by Dutch midfielder Gini Wijnaldum who netted two goals in as many minutes to take the tie to 3-3 on aggregate. With Barcelona looking fragile under the pressure, Liverpool looked to score once more to take the lead and head into the champions league final. With around ten minutes to go, academy product and local boy Trent Alexander-Arnold inspired the reds with a moment of genius by taking a quick corner, catching everyone in the stadium off guard except from Divock Origi who converted to make the tie 4-3 on aggregate. This moment will be remembered as one of the most iconic goals in Champions League history, due to the unorthodox and surprising nature. The moment was more than worthy to take Liverpool into their second Champions league final in a row, where they eventually went on to lift the trophy.
2
Manchester United vs Bayern Munich (2-1) UEFA Champions League final 1999
The stage was set at the Camp Nou in Barcelona for a huge final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich. Manchester United were chasing a historic treble after winning the Premier League title and capturing the FA cup. Bayern Munich were also chasing an impressive treble, having just been crowned German Bundesliga champions and still had yet to play the German cup final. The match started badly for Manchester united conceding a sixth minute freekick to Mario Basler to go 1-0 down. The red devils headed into the second half with a lot of work to do to complete the illustrious treble. The tie was almost completely over when Midfield substitute Mehmet Scholl hit the post just ten minutes from the end. The match appeared to be drifting from Man United until Substitute Teddy Sheringham dramatically equalised in the 91st minute to make the game 1-1 and seemingly take the game to be extra time. However, following a David Beckham corner which was flicked on towards the back post, allowed another notorious super sub Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to instinctively stab the ball home in the 93rd minute, completing one of the greatest ever trebles and comebacks. What made this comeback so unique, was the nature of the two goals scored being so close to each other and being in additional time. This created more drama and excitement, and is why this match will forever be remembered as one of the greatest UEFA Champions League comebacks of all time.
1
Liverpool vs AC Milan (3-3, Liverpool 3-2 on penalties) UEFA Champions League Final 2005
The stage was set in Istanbul for an intriguing encounter between Liverpool and 6 time European cup winners AC Milan. Liverpool came into the match as underdogs having only finished 4th, 15 points behind 3rd spot which was occupied by Manchester United. AC Milan fielded a team blessed with talent all over the pitch including the likes of Maldini, Pirlo and Crespo. Milan started the game incredibly, taking the lead inside the first minute through captain Paolo Maldini. Liverpool's misery was yet to be over in the first half as Argentinian Forward Hernan Crespo netted a double to put AC Milan 3-0 up at half time, as they looked to be heading for their 7th European Cup.
It would take a monumental effort from Liverpool in the second half to even have a chance of getting a result against this imperious Milan side. Their efforts were rewarded however, as Captain Steven Gerrard headed home from John Arne Riise's cross. The Reds began to grow in confidence, which was hugely boosted when Vladimir Smicer converted following Dida's fumbled save. Liverpool continued to grow in confidence as they chased a much needed equaliser. The equaliser shortly came after Italian midfielder Gattuso pulled down Steven Gerrard in the penalty area. Xabi Alonso's penalty was saved by Dida, but the Spaniard followed up to equalise. At 3-3 the game went through extra time all the way to penalties, where eventually Liverpool would win 3-2 after two penalty saves from hero Jerzy Dudek. After a mind boggling spectacle Liverpool went on to lift the trophy in arguably the best ever UEFA Champions League comeback.
In conclusion, after memories and comebacks such as the ones listed above it is clear to see why the UEFA Champions League is regarded as the most prestigious club competition in the world. Additionally, all of the comebacks listed each have something unique and special about them which connects with fans and neutrals around the world. The UEFA Champions League has provided the world of football with some of its fondest matches and memories thus making this prestigious list of comebacks very appropriate. We will hope to witness more iconic comebacks in the 2022 knockout matches, which could hopefully be added to another comebacks list in the future.
Video Credits:
BT Sport [https://www.youtube.com/c/BTSport]
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