The Champions League has a habit of making the impossible feel routine. These are some of the moments that defined it.
La Remontada – Barcelona 6-1 PSG (2016-17)
Arguably the greatest comeback in Champions League history.
PSG demolished Barcelona 4-0 in Paris in the first leg. Luis Enrique’s side needed to score six without conceding to progress. Remarkably, they did it.
Goals from Suarez, Messi and a Neymar brace had Barcelona within one before Sergi Roberto struck in the 95th minute. Barcelona became the first team in Champions League history to overcome a four-goal deficit. The Camp Nou has never been louder.
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The Miracle of Istanbul – Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan (2005 final)
AC Milan led 3-0 at half-time in the Champions League final in Istanbul.
Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso scored three times in seven second-half minutes to level at 3-3. Jerzy Dudek then saved Andriy Shevchenko’s close-range effort in extra time before Liverpool won on penalties.
The greatest final the competition has ever produced.
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Klopp’s mentality monsters – Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona (2018-19)
Barcelona won the first leg 3-0 at the Camp Nou with Messi scoring twice. Liverpool were without Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino through injury.
It did not matter. Anfield produced one of its greatest ever nights. Divock Origi scored twice. Georginio Wijnaldum added two more in three second-half minutes. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner for Origi’s second remains one of the most iconic moments in modern football.
Jurgen Klopp’s side became the living embodiment of the phrase he had coined. Mentality monsters.
Roma 3-0 Barcelona (2017-18)
Barcelona won the first leg 4-1 and appeared to be in complete control. Roma had other ideas.
Edin Dzeko, Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas scored in the return leg as Roma won 3-0 to go through on away goals. One of the great upsets in Champions League history.
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Sporting CP 5-0 Bodo/Glimt (2025-26)
Norwegian debutants Bodo/Glimt won the first leg 3-0. The cushion looked more than comfortable.
Sporting responded with a stunning 5-0 win in Lisbon. The decisive goal came in extra time. One of the most remarkable modern comebacks the competition has seen.
Photo: REUTERS/Phil Noble TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
