Soccer is renowned for its football miracles and historic match turnarounds. In the world’s most unforgettable soccer matches, teams sometimes refuse to accept defeat, mounting dramatic rallies with last-minute goals and sheer willpower. The following list highlights the Best Comebacks in Soccer History, from World Cup finals to UEFA Champions League nights, showcasing ten of the greatest football turnarounds ever witnessed.

Whether on the club or international stage, these games feature iconic football comebacks that define the drama of the sport. Each section below breaks down one incredible match, with background, key moments, and aftermath. (For more on UEFA drama, see the official Champions League archives.)

Best Comebacks in Soccer History – Top 10 Unforgettable Matches

Liverpool vs. AC Milan – 2005 UEFA Champions League Final

Background

The 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul is forever called the “Miracle of Istanbul.” AC Milan were heavy favorites, having won six European Cups. They raced to a 3-0 lead by half-time through captain Paolo Maldini (1′) and Hernán Crespo (39′, 44′). Liverpool looked finished – until the second half.

The Comeback

Liverpool’s turnaround began immediately after the break. Captain Steven Gerrard ignited hope with a goal in the 54th minute. Two minutes later Vladimir Šmicer scored, and Xabi Alonso converted a rebound in the 60th, equalizing 3-3 in just six minutes. The momentum had shifted completely. After scoreless extra time, Liverpool won a penalty shootout 3–2. Jerzy Dudek’s heroics in goal denied Andriy Shevchenko, sealing Liverpool’s fifth European title.

• Scoreline: 0–3 (HT) → 3–3 (FT), Liverpool won on penalties.
• Key goals: Gerrard 54′, Šmicer 56′, Alonso 60′.

Aftermath

The comeback marked Liverpool’s first European trophy since 1984 and earned the city its first major title in 21 years. The match is lauded as one of the best comebacks in soccer history. It also influenced UEFA rules: Liverpool’s victory eventually convinced UEFA to let the defending champion enter even if they hadn’t qualified domestically. Fans and pundits still cite Istanbul 2005 when talking about the power of never-say-die spirit in soccer comeback games.

Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain – 2017 UEFA Champions League Round of 16

Background

In February 2017, PSG thrashed Barcelona 4–0 in the first leg at Parc des Princes. No team had ever overcome a 4-0 deficit in UCL knockout history. But Barcelona believed in a miracle (“La Remontada”), cheered on by a roaring crowd of 96,000 at Camp Nou.

The Comeback

Barcelona struck early in the second leg. Luis Suárez scored in the 3rd minute, and an own goal by PSG’s Layvin Kurzawa made it 2–0 by halftime. After Lionel Messi’s penalty (50′), the tie needed one more goal for an equalizer. Cavani’s goal for PSG at 62′ looked like it had sealed Barcelona’s fate. But the Catalans hit back hard: Neymar scored twice (88′, 90+1′) and won a late penalty, and substitute Sergi Roberto thumped the 95th-minute winner. The final score was 6–1, making it a 6–5 aggregate win.

• Scoreline: 0–4 (first leg), 6–1 (second leg) – Barcelona win 6–5 agg.
• Key goals: Suárez 3′, Kurzawa OG 40′, Messi 50′, Neymar 88′, Neymar 90+1′, Roberto 90+5′.

Aftermath

Barcelona became the first team to overturn such a four-goal deficit. Neymar’s heroics and Sergi Roberto’s last-gasp strike are celebrated as soccer comeback games at their finest. This match is often called the greatest UEFA Champions League comeback. It dashed PSG’s hopes and is remembered for unwavering belief until the final whistle. Barcelona’s La Remontada remains a benchmark for thrilling historic match turnarounds in football.

Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich – 1999 UEFA Champions League Final

Background

The 1999 final in Barcelona pitted Manchester United against Bayern Munich. Bayern took an early lead through Mario Basler’s free kick (6′) and held 1–0 into stoppage time. Trailing into injury time, United fans were devastated as Bayern’s fans began attaching ribbons to the trophy. Sir Alex Ferguson famously said, “I’ve never had a better chance,” and his faith paid off.

The Comeback

United’s dramatic rally happened in two stoppage-time goals. First, substitute Teddy Sheringham pounced on a Ryan Giggs corner to head home (90+1′). Two minutes later, another substitute, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, met David Beckham’s corner with a precise low header to give United a 2–1 lead. These two goals within 180 seconds turned defeat into victory.

• Scoreline: 0–1 (until 90+1′), 2–1 (FT).
• Key goals: Sheringham 90+1′, Solskjær 90+3′.

Aftermath

With their injury-time comeback, Man United secured a historic treble (Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League). Sheringham and Solskjær are forever legends; Sir Alex called it “the greatest moment of my life.” UEFA even archived the match report for this final. This is frequently cited as one of the best comebacks in soccer history. It’s a classic example of never giving up; United went from certain defeat to glory in the game’s dying seconds.

Liverpool vs. Barcelona – 2019 UEFA Champions League Semifinal

Background

In April 2019 Liverpool faced Barcelona in the UCL semi-finals. Barcelona, one of Europe’s powerhouses, won the first leg 3–0 at Camp Nou. Liverpool were missing stars Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino for the return. Few expected a comeback. But Anfield’s atmosphere would fuel one of the most famous comeback games ever.

The Comeback

Liverpool exploded out of the gate. Divock Origi scored in the 7th minute and Georginio Wijnaldum added two quick goals (54′, 56′) to level the aggregate at 3–3. In the 79th minute, a swift corner routine by Trent Alexander-Arnold caught the defense asleep; Origi calmly tapped in the winner. Liverpool won 4–0 on the night and 4–3 on aggregate.

• Scoreline: 0–3 (first leg), 4–0 (second leg) – Liverpool advance 4–3 agg.
• Key goals: Origi 7′, Wijnaldum 54′, Wijnaldum 56′, Origi 79′.

Aftermath

This comeback stunned the soccer world. Liverpool’s performance is hailed as one of their greatest nights. It’s among the greatest football turnarounds in Champions League history. Liverpool went on to win the final. Their manager Jürgen Klopp called it “unbelievable” and the players showed immense passion and belief in overturning a three-goal deficit. For decades, this “Miracle of Anfield” will inspire fans and is often compared with Istanbul 2005 when discussing epic comebacks.

Tottenham Hotspur vs. Ajax – 2019 UEFA Champions League Semifinal

Background

One day after Liverpool’s win in 2019, Tottenham faced Ajax in the other UCL semi-final. Ajax won the first leg 1–0 in London. In Amsterdam, Ajax scored twice early (5′, 35′) to lead 3–0 on aggregate, appearing ready for a final against Liverpool. Tottenham needed three goals to advance.

The Comeback

Lucas Moura delivered a perfect hat-trick. He scored in the 55th and 59th minutes to pull Spurs level on aggregate. Then, with the last kick of the game (90+6′), Moura smashed in his third after a scramble in the box. The 3–2 score on the night meant a 3–3 aggregate tie, but Tottenham went through on away goals. Tottenham’s unprecedented late surge stunned Ajax and fans worldwide.

• Scoreline: Ajax 3–2 Tottenham (2nd leg), Tottenham advance 3–3 agg on away goals.
• Key goals: de Ligt 5′, Ziyech 35′ (Ajax); Moura 55′, Moura 59′, Moura 90+6′ (Spurs).

Aftermath

Spurs reached their first-ever Champions League final. Moura’s stoppage-time goal immediately became part of club legend. ESPN called it a “Champions League comeback of their own”. This match is now listed among UEFA Champions League comebacks of note. Lucas Moura’s heroics (and tragedy of Ajax) illustrate football’s unpredictability and why many call it an unforgettable soccer match.

Deportivo La Coruña vs. AC Milan – 2004 UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal

Background

In 2004, Deportivo La Coruña faced Italian giants AC Milan in the UCL quarter-finals. Milan won the first leg 4–1 at the San Siro, with the teams looking set. The return leg in Spain began on 7 April 2004, and by halftime, it looked even worse: Deportivo trailed 0–4 on the night, 1–8 on aggregate. Few gave Deportivo a chance.

The Comeback

In the second half, Deportivo ignited one of the greatest football turnarounds. Walter Pandiani scored in the 5th minute, Juan Carlos Valerón in the 34th, and Albert Luque in the 44th to make it 3–4 on the night. Then midfielder Fran secured a 4–0 victory (5–4 aggregate) with a late goal in the 76th minute. The Rossoneri defense, featuring Pirlo, Maldini, and Cafu, were left shell-shocked.

• Scoreline: 1–4 (first leg), 4–0 (second leg) – Deportivo win 5–4 agg.
• Key goals: Pandiani 5′, Valerón 34′, Luque 44′, Fran 76′.

Aftermath

Deportivo’s win eliminated Milan and is often cited in UCL comeback lists. It’s considered an iconic football comeback, proving even top teams can be toppled. Deportivo reached the semi-finals that year. Fans and analysts still marvel at how Deportivo managed to overturn such a huge deficit – a true example of an underdog football miracle.

AS Roma vs. Barcelona – 2018 UEFA Champions League Quarterfinal

Background

Barcelona stormed through the first leg of the 2018 quarterfinals by winning 4–1 in Spain. AS Roma needed a miracle at home. On 10 April 2018, Roma gave it their all at the Stadio Olimpico with a fervent home crowd behind them.

The Comeback

Roma scored early and often. Edin Džeko nodded in an 6th-minute goal from De Rossi’s pass, reducing the deficit. Daniele De Rossi then converted a 58th-minute penalty to make it 2–0 on the night. Finally, center back Kostas Manolas powered home a header in the 82nd to clinch a 3–0 victory. That goal made it 4–4 on aggregate, but Roma advanced on the away-goals rule (they had scored an away goal in Spain).

• Scoreline: 1–4 (first leg), 3–0 (second leg) – 4–4 agg, Roma through on away goals.
• Key goals: Džeko 6′, D. De Rossi 58′ (pen), Manolas 82′.

Aftermath

This upset knocked out three-time defending champions Barcelona. ESPN noted it was a “shock Champions League defeat”. It was one of Europe’s most dramatic historic match turnarounds. Roma’s win is still remembered for the sheer determination of the players and fans. Manolas’s header in the 82nd is often replayed as an example of how quickly a game – and a season – can change in soccer.

Newcastle United vs. Arsenal – 2011 Premier League

Background

On 5 November 2011, struggling Newcastle United hosted title-chasers Arsenal. By halftime, Newcastle trailed 0–4 (goals by Walcott 12′, Nasri 22′, Arshavin 24′). Coach Alan Pardew’s team seemed down and out, and Arsenal looked set to cruise.

The Comeback

Newcastle fought back fiercely in the second half. Gabriel Obertan started the turnaround, scoring in the 50th minute (officially 50′). Shola Ameobi then scored twice (63′, 70′) to make it 3–4, and Cheick Tioté blasted an unbelievable long-range goal in the 90th to tie it 4–4. The second half was all Newcastle, 4-0, erasing a four-goal deficit.

• Scoreline: 0–4 (HT), 4–4 (FT).
• Key goals: Ameobi 63′, Ameobi 70′, Tioté 90′ (Obertan 50′).

Aftermath

This draw is often called the Premier League’s greatest comeback. Sky Sports dubbed it “the Premier League’s greatest comeback,” and Alan Pardew’s belief in his squad paid off against a dominant Arsenal side. The game was a nail-biter for fans: Newcastle’s supporters stormed the field in celebration after Tioté’s volley. It showed that even a 4–0 hole at halftime isn’t insurmountable – an unforgettable soccer match that leapt into folklore.

Reading vs. Arsenal – 2012 Football League Cup (Carling Cup)

Background

In October 2012 Reading faced Arsenal in the League Cup fourth round at Reading’s Madejski Stadium. The Royals shocked everyone by racing to a 4–0 lead inside 37 minutes (goals by Leigertwood 10′, Shorey 16′, Pogrebnyak 26′, Karacan 37′). Arsenal’s confidence seemed gone as a possible giant-killing unfolded.

The Comeback

Theo Walcott ignited Arsenal’s fightback with a goal just before halftime (45+4′), making it 4–1. In the second half, Olivier Giroud (53′), Laurent Koscielny (61′), and Walcott again (78′) scored to draw 4–4 by full time. In extra time, Walcott completed his hat-trick (104′) and Marouane Chamakh added another (117′), winning 7–5. Arsenal scored seven goals after being 4–0 down, a remarkable turnaround.

• Scoreline: 4–0 (HT) → 7–5 (AET, Arsenal win).
• Key goals: Walcott 45+4′, Giroud 53′, Koscielny 61′, Walcott 78′, Walcott 104′, Chamakh 117′.

Aftermath

This 7–5 thriller remains the highest-scoring match in League Cup history. Arsenal’s win was historic: it was the first time in their history they came back from three or more goals down to win. For Reading fans, it was a night of “what might have been.” For Arsenal, it was a testament to never giving up – Walcott’s last-minute extra-time goal sealed a comeback for the ages. The match is often listed among soccer’s most entertaining comebacks.

West Germany vs. Hungary – 1954 FIFA World Cup Final

Background

The 1954 World Cup final in Bern, Switzerland is legendary as the “Miracle of Bern.” Hungary’s “Golden Team” were unbeaten for 32 games and had crushed West Germany 8–3 in the group stage. In the final on 4 July, Hungary took the lead through Ferenc Puskás (6′) and Zoltán Czibor (8′), racing to a 2–0 lead. A rout seemed imminent.

The Comeback

West Germany refused to surrender. In the 10th minute, Max Morlock pulled one back (10′). Then Helmut Rahn scored in the 18th minute to tie it 2–2 before half-time. The game stayed level until near the end. Rahn struck again in the 84th minute to make it 3–2. There would be no comeback from Hungary this time. Germany held on for the shock victory.

• Scoreline: 0–2 (8′) → 3–2 (84′ FT).
• Key goals: Puskás 6′, Czibor 8′ (Hungary); Morlock 10′, Rahn 18′, Rahn 84′ (West Germany).

Aftermath

West Germany’s win is considered one of soccer’s biggest upsets. It was West Germany’s first World Cup title and broke Hungary’s aura of invincibility. Dubbed the Miracle of Bern, it showed that no lead is safe. FIFA and historians hail the match as a historic comeback – one where a team came back from 0–2 down to win the World Cup final. Even decades later, it’s on lists of the best comebacks in soccer history.

Conclusion

These 10 best comebacks in soccer history prove that a match is never over until the final whistle. From the Miracle of Istanbul (Liverpool vs. Milan 2005) to the greatest football turnarounds like Liverpool’s demolition of Barcelona in 2019 and Barca’s historic La Remontada in 2017, football has repeatedly delivered dramatic finishes. Each game in our list shows resilience, strategy shifts, and those unforgettable last-minute goals that define soccer comeback games.

Whether in domestic leagues, cups, or the world stage, these games share common themes: relentless pressure, tactical tweaks, and unshakable belief. They remain iconic chapters in soccer lore and inspire fans and players alike. Share this list of the Best Comebacks in Soccer History on social media, and let us know in the comments which iconic football comeback you find most thrilling.

FAQ

• Q: What are some of the most unforgettable soccer comeback games?
  A: Many experts cite Liverpool vs. Milan 2005 (Champions League Final) and Barcelona vs. PSG 2017 (UCL Round of 16) as top examples. Other legendary comebacks include Manchester United vs. Bayern 1999 (UCL Final) and Tottenham vs. Ajax 2019 (UCL Semi).
• Q: Has any team ever overcome a 4-0 deficit in European competition?
  A: Yes. Barcelona did in 2017 (4-0 first leg, won 6-1 second leg). No other team has overturned a 4-goal UCL deficit. Teams have overcome 3-goal deficits (e.g. Liverpool 2019, Roma 2018, Deportivo 2004) but 4-0 was unique to Barcelona’s “Remontada.”
• Q: What was the biggest comeback in World Cup history?
  A: The 1954 World Cup Final (West Germany vs. Hungary) saw Germany come back from 0–2 down to win 3–2. Another notable example is Italy vs. Brazil 1970 (final), where Italy turned a 1–3 half-time deficit into a 4–3 win. These matches are often called historic match turnarounds.
• Q: How did Liverpool manage to complete their 2005 Champions League comeback?
  A: Trailing 0–3 at half-time, Liverpool scored three goals in six minutes (Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Šmicer, Xabi Alonso) to level 3–3. They then won the penalty shootout. It’s widely regarded as a football miracle due to the team’s total reversal of fortune at Istanbul.
• Q: Which matches featured dramatic late goals to secure a comeback?
  A: Several did. In Liverpool vs. Bayern 1999, two goals came in stoppage time. Tottenham vs. Ajax 2019 ended with a 96th-minute winner by Lucas Moura. Roma vs. Barcelona 2018 featured a late goal by Kostas Manolas (82′) to clinch the tie. These last-minute strikes are defining moments of those games.