Soccer is a sport full of unforgettable moments, and nothing excites fans more than a stunning comeback. Some teams refuse to accept defeat, overcoming impossible odds to snatch victory or force dramatic finishes. Here, we look at 10 of the greatest comebacks in soccer history, highlighting resilience, determination, and sheer willpower.
1. Liverpool vs. AC Milan – 2005 UEFA Champions League Final
Scoreline: AC Milan 3-0 Liverpool (HT), Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan (FT, Liverpool won on penalties)
The 2005 UEFA Champions League Final, also known as the “Miracle of Istanbul,” is arguably the greatest comeback in soccer history. AC Milan dominated the first half, leading 3-0 with goals from Paolo Maldini and Hernán Crespo. However, in the second half, Liverpool, inspired by captain Steven Gerrard, mounted a historic comeback. Goals from Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer, and Xabi Alonso within six minutes leveled the score. The match went into extra time and then penalties, where Liverpool triumphed 3-2, cementing their place in history.
2. Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain – 2017 UEFA Champions League Round of 16
Scoreline: PSG 4-0 Barcelona (First Leg), Barcelona 6-1 PSG (Second Leg)
Barcelona’s incredible comeback against PSG in 2017 is the greatest in Champions League knockout history. After losing 4-0 in the first leg in Paris, Barcelona needed a near-miracle at Camp Nou. They stormed to a 3-0 lead before Edinson Cavani seemingly killed the tie with an away goal. However, Neymar’s brilliance in the final minutes saw him score twice and assist Sergi Roberto’s dramatic 95th-minute winner, sealing a 6-5 aggregate victory.
3. Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich – 1999 UEFA Champions League Final
Scoreline: Bayern Munich 1-0 Manchester United (90′), Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich (FT)
In one of the most astonishing last-minute turnarounds, Manchester United trailed Bayern Munich 1-0 for most of the 1999 Champions League Final. As the match entered injury time, United’s treble hopes seemed shattered. However, substitute Teddy Sheringham equalized in the 91st minute before Ole Gunnar Solskjær scored the winning goal in the 93rd, leaving Bayern Munich stunned and completing United’s historic treble.
4. Deportivo La Coruña vs. AC Milan – 2004 UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals
Scoreline: AC Milan 4-1 Deportivo La Coruña (First Leg), Deportivo La Coruña 4-0 AC Milan (Second Leg)
AC Milan, reigning European champions, seemed destined for the semifinals after a dominant 4-1 first-leg victory over Deportivo La Coruña. However, the Spanish underdogs shocked the world in the return leg, demolishing Milan 4-0 at home to secure a 5-4 aggregate win. Goals from Walter Pandiani, Juan Carlos Valerón, Albert Luque, and Fran completed one of the most unexpected turnarounds in Champions League history.
5. Roma vs. Barcelona – 2018 UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals
Scoreline: Barcelona 4-1 Roma (First Leg), Roma 3-0 Barcelona (Second Leg)
Barcelona seemed comfortable after a 4-1 first-leg win over AS Roma, but the Italian side had other ideas. In the second leg, Roma delivered a heroic performance, with goals from Edin Džeko, Daniele De Rossi, and Kostas Manolas securing a 3-0 win. The result meant Roma advanced on away goals (4-4 aggregate), completing one of the greatest Champions League comebacks ever.
6. Liverpool vs. Barcelona – 2019 UEFA Champions League Semifinals
Scoreline: Barcelona 3-0 Liverpool (First Leg), Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona (Second Leg)
Liverpool, missing key players like Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, faced an almost impossible task after losing 3-0 at Camp Nou. However, at Anfield, they produced a stunning performance. Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum each scored twice, including the now-iconic quick corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold to Origi, securing a historic 4-0 win and a place in the final, which they went on to win.
7. Newcastle United vs. Arsenal – 2011 Premier League
Scoreline: Arsenal 4-0 Newcastle United (HT), Newcastle United 4-4 Arsenal (FT)
Arsenal stormed to a 4-0 lead within 26 minutes, with goals from Theo Walcott, Johan Djourou, and Robin van Persie. However, Newcastle staged a breathtaking comeback, sparked by two Joey Barton penalties, a Leon Best strike, and a stunning 25-yard volley from Cheick Tioté in the 87th minute to secure a 4-4 draw, one of the greatest recoveries in Premier League history.
8. Tottenham Hotspur vs. Ajax – 2019 UEFA Champions League Semifinals
Scoreline: Ajax 2-0 Tottenham (First Half), Tottenham 3-2 Ajax (FT)
Ajax led the tie 3-0 on aggregate and were cruising to the final. However, Tottenham produced an astonishing second-half fightback, with Lucas Moura scoring a hat-trick, including a dramatic last-second winner in the 96th minute. The result meant Spurs won on away goals, advancing to their first-ever Champions League final.
9. Reading vs. Arsenal – 2012 League Cup
Scoreline: Reading 4-0 Arsenal (37′), Arsenal 5-5 Reading (FT), Arsenal 7-5 Reading (AET)
Reading stunned Arsenal by going 4-0 up in just 37 minutes in this League Cup thriller. However, Arsenal clawed their way back, scoring four goals, including Theo Walcott’s equalizer in injury time. Arsenal then won 7-5 in extra time, completing one of the most dramatic cup comebacks ever.
10. West Germany vs. Hungary – 1954 FIFA World Cup Final
Scoreline: Hungary 2-0 West Germany (8’), West Germany 3-2 Hungary (FT)
Known as the “Miracle of Bern,” Hungary, the tournament favorites, led 2-0 early in the final. However, West Germany, against all odds, fought back to win 3-2 and claim their first-ever World Cup title. This comeback shattered Hungary’s dominance and remains one of the most remarkable in World Cup history.
Conclusion
These incredible comebacks showcase the unpredictable and thrilling nature of soccer. Whether on club or international stages, these matches demonstrate why the sport captivates millions. They remind us that, in football, no lead is ever truly safe, and anything is possible until the final whistle blows.
