Football is full of surprises, especially when a team that is losing badly turns things around and wins. The matches we’re going to talk about are special because they were so exciting and unexpected.
These games are remembered because they show how teams can fight back and win, even when it seems impossible. They show us the exciting parts of football and why people love watching it so much.
10) Reading vs Arsenal – 2012 League Cup
Arsenal’s 7-5 win against Reading in the 2012 League Cup was full of ups and downs. Arsenal was losing 4-0 but came back to 4-4, with Theo Walcott scoring three times.
The Gunners then outscored Reading in extra time. This game showed the determination and never-give-up attitude of football.
9) Deportivo vs AC Milan – 2004 Champions League Quarter-final
Deportivo’s 4-0 victory over AC Milan in the 2004 Champions League quarterfinal was a big surprise. They had lost the first game but then won with goals from Walter Pandiani, Juan Carlos Valerón, Albert Luque, and Fran.
Deportivo moved on to the semi-finals, making one of the best comebacks in the competition’s history.
8) Newcastle United vs Arsenal – 2011 Premier League
The 4-4 draw between Newcastle United and Arsenal in a 2011 Premier League game is unforgettable.
Newcastle was four goals down at halftime but came back in the second half, with Cheick Tioté scoring an amazing volley. This game is known for its surprises and Newcastle’s spirit.
7) Bayern Munich vs Manchester United – 1999 Champions League Final
The 1999 Champions League Final had Manchester United score two goals in injury time to beat Bayern Munich.
Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær were the heroes, with latter’s goal winning a historic treble for United. This game is a classic example of why you should always keep believing until the end.
6) Roma vs Barcelona – 2018 Champions League Quarter-final
Roma’s 3-0 win over Barcelona in the 2018 Champions League quarterfinal was a show of willpower and smart tactics. They had lost the first game but played almost perfectly to win.
Edin Džeko, Daniele De Rossi, and Kostas Manolas scored, as Roma won on away goals. Their fans were thrilled to see their team beat the strong Barcelona team.
5) Monaco vs Real Madrid – 2003 Champions League
Monaco’s win against Real Madrid’s famous team in the 2003 Champions League Quarter-final was like a David vs Goliath story.
Monaco had lost the first game in Spain but won 3-1 at home with goals from Ludovic Giuly and Fernando Morientes. They moved on to the semifinals and showed that anything can happen in football.
4) Liverpool vs Barcelona – 2019 Champions League Semifinal
In the 2019 Champions League Semi-final, Liverpool was behind Barcelona by three goals from the first game. They missed key players Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, but they still managed to win at Anfield.
Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum each scored twice, making the total score 4-3 and sending Liverpool to the final. This game showed the power of the Anfield crowd and the smart planning of their manager, Jürgen Klopp.
3) Barcelona vs PSG – 2017 Champions League Round of 16
Barcelona’s 6-1 win over PSG in the 2017 Champions League round of 16 was another amazing comeback. Barcelona had lost the first game 4-0 and needed at least four goals to keep going. They scored three quickly, but then PSG’s Edinson Cavani scored, making it harder for Barcelona.
They needed three more goals, and in the last seven minutes, Neymar scored twice and Sergi Roberto scored the winning goal in the 95th minute. Barcelona won 6-5 overall..
2) Liverpool vs Milan – 2005 Champions League Final
The 2005 Champions League Final between Liverpool and Milan, known as the ‘Miracle of Istanbul,’ is a legendary football tale. Milan had famous players and seemed sure to win after taking a 3-0 lead with goals from Paolo Maldini and Hernán Crespo.
But Liverpool, led by Steven Gerrard, fought back amazingly in the second half. Gerrard, Vladimír Šmicer, and Xabi Alonso scored in just six minutes to tie the game 3-3. After no more goals in extra time, the match went to penalties.
Liverpool won 3-2 in the shootout, thanks to Jerzy Dudek’s big save from Andriy Shevchenko. This game is famous not just for the football but for Liverpool’s incredible determination and belief.
1) Real Madrid vs Manchester City – 2022 Champions League Semifinal
In the 2022 Champions League semi-final, Real Madrid made one of the greatest comebacks ever against Manchester City. With just a few minutes left and losing by one goal, Real Madrid didn’t give up. Rodrygo Goes became the star when he scored two quick goals right before the game was about to end, which took the game into extra time.
The fans at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium went wild when Karim Benzema scored from a penalty kick during the extra time, making Real Madrid win 3-1 that night. They won with a total score of 6-5, which meant they got through to the final in Paris. This amazing game will always be remembered as a proof of Real Madrid’s never-say-die attitude and the surprising excitement that football can bring.