From David vs. Goliath battles to jaw-dropping comebacks, take a front-row seat as we relive unforgettable Champions League moments that shook the very foundations of the sport.
The UEFA Champions League has been the stage for some of the greatest footballing moments in history. Every year, the competition brings together the best teams from across Europe, and the drama never fails to disappoint.
However, among the epic comebacks and last-minute heroics, there have also been some truly shocking upsets. These matches were the ones that defied all expectations and left fans speechless, cementing their place in footballing lore.
From a historic comeback to an unexpected victory over one of the tournament’s giants, these matches will forever be remembered as the most shocking upsets in Champions League history.
Barcelona vs PSG – Round of 16 (2016/17)
In the first leg, Paris Saint-Germain bagged a stunning 4-0 home win. Angel Di Maria (2x), Julian Draxler, and Edinson Cavani were all on target. It left Barcelona with an uphill task for the second leg at Camp Nou.
However, Barcelona pulled it off, producing a remarkable 6-1 comeback win. They scored three goals in the last seven minutes to progress to the quarter-finals. Luis Suarez, Layvin Kurzawa (own goal), Lionel Messi (penalty), Neymar (2), and Sergi Roberto in the 95th minute all scored.
Many consider this match one of the greatest comebacks in football history.
Real Madrid vs Ajax – Round of 16 (2018/19)
Marco Asensio’s late first-leg winner in Amsterdam had Real Madrid on course for victory. The defending champions were chasing a fourth straight Champions League title. They had made the quarter-finals in the last eight seasons, so surely nothing was going to stop them?
Yet, in an unprecedented turn of events, Ajax did just that – at the Santiago Bernabeu of all places.
The Dutch giants not only won in Spain, they absolutely crushed Real Madrid. The Spanish side was left powerless as Ajax fired four goals past them. The 4-1 result was one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history. Ajax progressed to the quarter-finals as 5-3 aggregate winners.
Deportivo La Coruña vs AC Milan – Quarter-Finals (2003/04)
AC Milan cruised to a 4-1 first-leg win at San Siro. Kaka scored twice. Andriy Shevchenko and Andrea Pirlo also found the scoresheet. Deportivo got a consolation goal through Walter Pandiani, but the damage seemed beyond repair.
4-1 down against a team that had dominated Serie A that season, Deportivo played the second leg at home aware the odds were heavily stacked against them.
Yet, the Spanish side overturned a three-goal deficit to win the second leg, much to AC Milan’s disbelief. They stormed to a 4-0 home win. The victory enabled them to clinch the tie 5-4 on aggregate, securing a spot in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time.
The match remains etched in the memories of Deportivo fans as one of the club’s greatest moments.
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