UCL’s greatest escapes: Top 10 unbelievable comebacks

The football world has witnessed some truly legendary comebacks over the past decades — matches filled with drama, passion, goals, and, most notably, heartbreak.

These turnarounds were celebrated for their improbability, high stakes, and unforgettable moments that thrilled football fans and shaped UEFA Champions League history.

1. Barcelona 6–1 PSG (2017, Round of 16)
Barcelona overturned a 4–0 first-leg deficit, scoring three times after the 87th minute to win 6–1 and advance 6–5 on aggregate — famously known as La Remontada.

2. Liverpool 3–3 AC Milan (2005 Final, Liverpool win on penalties)
Trailing 3–0 at half-time, Liverpool scored three goals in six minutes, then triumphed on penalties in Istanbul, dubbed the Miracle of Istanbul.

3. Deportivo La Coruña 4–0 AC Milan (2004, Quarter-final)
Deportivo lost 4–1 in Milan but pulled off a stunning 4–0 victory at home to progress 5–4 on aggregate.

4. Roma 3–0 Barcelona (2018, Quarter-final)
Roma lost 4–1 away but won 3–0 at home to qualify on away goals (4–4 on aggregate).

5. Liverpool 4–0 Barcelona (2019, Semi-final)
Liverpool overturned a 3–0 first-leg loss at Camp Nou with a 4–0 win at Anfield to advance 4–3 on aggregate.

6. Ajax 2–3 Tottenham (2019, Semi-final)
Tottenham came back from 3–0 down on aggregate, with Lucas Moura scoring a second-half hat-trick, including a last-minute winner, to go through on away goals.

7. Chelsea 4–1 Napoli (2012, Round of 16)
After a 3–1 away loss, Chelsea won 4–1 in extra time at Stamford Bridge to move forward 5–4 on aggregate.

8. Manchester United 2–1 Bayern Munich (1999 Final)
United scored twice in stoppage time to snatch victory and complete their historic treble.

9. Monaco 3–1 Real Madrid (2004, Quarter-final)
Monaco reversed a 4–2 first-leg loss with a 3–1 home win, advancing on away goals (5–5 aggregate).

10. Juventus 3–1 Real Madrid (2018, Quarter-final)
Juventus nearly erased a 3–0 first-leg defeat, leading 3–0 in Madrid before a last-minute penalty sent Real through.

These comebacks show why the Champions League is the most exciting football competition, where anything can happen and big moments make history.