The UEFA Champions League has established itself as a platform for football’s most compelling storylines throughout history. The 2025 UEFA Champions League quarter-finals have brought thrilling first-leg matches which create opportunities for remarkable comeback victories.
The knockout phase of UEFA Champions League 2025 featured four thrilling first-leg matches: Arsenal defeated Real Madrid 3-0 at Emirates Stadium, Barcelona won 4-0 vs Borussia Dortmund at Camp Nou, Inter Milan secured a narrow 2-1 victory against Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain defeated Aston Villa 3-1 in France.
Some teams intend to strengthen their first-leg advantages during the second leg while other teams must fight to reverse massive goal deficits. The Champions League has experienced many extraordinary comebacks which transform unlikely outcomes into reality.
This article by Sports Buddy presents a ranking of the 10 most notable Champions League comebacks starting from significant turnarounds up to legendary achievements which showcase the unpredictable excitement of the competition.
10. Chelsea vs. Napoli (2011/12 Round of 16)
The Blues returned to Stamford Bridge after losing 3-1 in Naples while facing a difficult task to advance. Undeterred, the Blues responded emphatically. Didier Drogba scored first while John Terry and Frank Lampard tied the aggregate points then extra time commenced.
Branislav Ivanović scored the match-winning goal during extra time which brought Chelsea a 4-1 win and a final score of 5-4. The remarkable comeback became the foundation that propelled Chelsea toward their first Champions League victory.
9. Manchester United vs. Paris Saint-Germain (2018/19 Round of 16)
Manchester United faced a challenging situation in Paris following their 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford while dealing with several important player injuries. Romelu Lukaku scored two goals during the first half to give United hope yet PSG scored a goal to maintain their lead in the aggregate score.
A late handball decision resulted in a penalty kick that Marcus Rashford successfully converted to win the match 3-1. United became the first team in Champions League history to win after trailing by two goals at home in the first leg.
8. Deportivo La Coruña vs. AC Milan (2003/04 Quarter-finals)
Deportivo faced an almost impossible situation when they trailed the defending champions 4-1 in the competition. At Riazor Stadium, Deportivo La Coruña produced an unbelievable first half display that shocked Milan by scoring three times through Walter Pandiani, Juan Carlos Valerón and Albert Luque.
In the second half, Fran González scored a fourth goal as Deportivo La Coruña defeated AC Milan 5-4 on aggregate. The comeback Deportivo La Coruña achieved in the competition stands as one of the most outstanding comebacks in Champions League history.
7. Roma vs. Barcelona (2017/18 Quarter-finals)
Following their Camp Nou drubbing, Roma required a nearly impossible victory at their Stadio Olimpico. Edin Džeko scored the opening goal for Roma which established their momentum before Daniele De Rossi converted a penalty to pull them nearer to the victory.
Roma secured their spot in the next round through away goals after Kostas Manolas scored his header in the 82nd minute to finish the match 4-4. The miraculous comeback displayed Roma’s unwavering determination along with their fighting spirit.
6. Chelsea vs. Barcelona (1999/2000 Quarter-finals)
Chelsea secured a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge before Barcelona turned the tables with a spectacular performance at Camp Nou during the second leg. Barcelona tied the first-leg result by scoring through Rivaldo, Luis Figo and Dani Garcia before proceeding to extra time.
Rivaldo scored a second goal in the additional time before Patrick Kluivert finished the match with a 5-1 Barcelona victory by 6-4 aggregate score. This comeback proved Barcelona’s ability to attack and their strong determination.
5. Real Madrid vs. Wolfsburg (2015/16 Quarter-finals)
Real Madrid endured an unexpected 2-0 defeat when they played in Germany which created a tough situation as they returned to the Santiago Bernabéu stadium. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a remarkable hat-trick during the match to turn the game around and secure a 3-0 victory which ultimately gave his team a 3-2 aggregate win.
Through this comeback, Real Madrid displayed their toughness as Ronaldo demonstrated his unmatched abilities.
4. Ajax vs. Tottenham Hotspur (2018/19 Semi-finals)
The Amsterdam fixture presented a challenging situation for Tottenham Hotspur as they entered the match trailing 1-0 from the first leg and found themselves behind 2-0 at halftime in the second leg. Lucas Moura scored an unbelievable hat-trick in the second half of the match netting his third in the final seconds of additional time.
The 3-2 result with away goals rules brought Tottenham Hotspur to their first Champions League final tying the aggregate score at 3-3. This comeback demonstrated the true fighting spirit and unwavering determination of Tottenham Hotspur.
3. Liverpool vs. Barcelona (2018/19 Semi-finals)
Liverpool entered a difficult situation following their 3-0 defeat during their match at Camp Nou. Anfield saw Divock Origi score first and Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice within minutes of halftime to bring the aggregate match to a tie.
Origi scored the crucial fourth goal of the match which resulted in a final score of 4-0 and a 4-3 aggregate win for Liverpool. The remarkable comeback victory led Liverpool to their sixth European championship.
2. Liverpool vs. AC Milan (2004/05 Final)
The 2005 Istanbul final saw Liverpool face off against AC Milan while trailing 3-0 during the first half against a strong opposition. Liverpool scored three goals through Steven Gerrard and Vladimir Smicer before Xabi Alonso finished the comeback in a rapid six-minute period.
Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek saved Liverpool during the penalty shootout to guide the team to a 3-2 shootout victory. The “Miracle of Istanbul” became a legendary moment in football history through this remarkable comeback.
1. Barcelona vs. Paris Saint-Germain (2016/17 Round of 16)
Barcelona faced an astonishing 4-0 deficit from the first leg so they needed an exceptional performance at their home stadium. Barcelona started with a 3-0 advantage yet Edinson Cavani‘s PSG away goal appeared to determine the final outcome.
Neymar scored two goals during stoppage time as Barcelona defeated PSG 6-1 to finish the match with a total score of 6-5. The remarkable comeback referred to as “La Remontada” stands as the biggest victory in Champions League history.
