The 25 Greatest Champions League Games of All Time – Ranked

Few competitions in football history produce drama quite like the UEFA Champions League. From stunning comebacks and last-gasp winners to legendary performances and unforgettable finals, these 25 matches represent the most exhilarating moments ever witnessed under Europe’s brightest lights. Let’s count them down from 25 to 1.

25. Manchester City 4-3 Real Madrid (2021/22)

In a chaotic semi-final first leg at the Etihad, Manchester City exploded out of the gates and led 2-0 within 11 minutes. Real Madrid clawed back with goals from Benzema and Vinicius Jr., while Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva scored for City in a back-and-forth thriller ultimately edged by the hosts.

24. Hamburg 4-4 Juventus (2000/01)

This wild group-stage encounter saw everything from early goals to a goalkeeper scoring. Hans-Jorg Butt converted a penalty for Hamburg, while Filippo Inzaghi’s late spot-kick ensured a remarkable 4-4 draw against Ancelotti’s Juventus.

23. Barcelona 0-4 Dynamo Kiev (1997/98)

A young Andriy Shevchenko tore Barcelona apart at Camp Nou, netting a stunning hat-trick against a side boasting stars like Rivaldo and Figo. This dominant display helped cement his reputation as one of Europe’s most feared strikers.

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22. Inter Milan 1-5 Arsenal (2003/04)

Arsenal’s Champions League hopes were fading until Thierry Henry delivered a masterclass at the San Siro. The Frenchman scored once and assisted twice as the Gunners thrashed Inter to keep their knockout hopes alive.

21. Monaco 8-3 Deportivo La Coruna (2003/04)

In one of the highest-scoring matches in the competition’s history, Dado Prso netted four goals for Monaco. Despite Deportivo’s pedigree, they were blown away in a goal fest that still boggles the mind.

20. Benfica 4-5 Barcelona (2024/25)

Barcelona pulled off a sensational group-stage comeback, capped by Raphinha’s dramatic 96th-minute winner. After falling 3-0 behind, the Catalans turned the game around in an unforgettable night in Lisbon.

19. Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona (2018/19)

Anfield witnessed one of the greatest comebacks as Liverpool overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit without Salah or Firmino. Origi and Wijnaldum both scored twice, sending the Reds into the final.

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18. Inter Milan 4-3 Barcelona (2024/25)

Inter edged out Barcelona in a semi-final classic featuring lead changes, late goals, and extra-time drama. Veteran Francesco Acerbi and substitute Frattesi were the unexpected heroes in Milan.

17. Manchester City 4-3 Tottenham (2018/19)

This quarter-final second leg was pure chaos, with five goals in the opening 21 minutes. VAR ruled out a last-minute winner for City, sending Tottenham through on away goals in an all-time classic.

16. Barcelona 1-0 Inter Milan (2009/10)

Inter defended heroically with 10 men after Thiago Motta’s red card, securing a place in the final despite defeat. Mourinho’s celebratory sprint and the post-match sprinkler incident added to the legend.

15. Chelsea 4-4 Liverpool (2008/09)

A pulsating semi-final saw Chelsea overturn a 2-0 deficit and eventually draw 4-4 to progress on aggregate. Lampard’s brace, along with a flurry of goals, created a night of unrelenting action.

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14. Chelsea 4-2 Barcelona (2004/05)

Controversy and brilliance collided as Chelsea battled past Barcelona. Ronaldinho’s iconic toe-poke goal wasn’t enough to stop John Terry and the Blues from advancing.

13. Liverpool 3-1 Olympiakos (2004/05)

Liverpool needed a two-goal win to survive the group stage, and Steven Gerrard’s late thunderbolt ensured just that. The comeback set the stage for an even greater miracle to come.

12. Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United (2010/11)

In one of the most dominant final displays ever, Guardiola’s Barcelona toyed with United at Wembley. Goals from Pedro, Messi, and Villa capped a masterclass in possession football.

11. Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern Munich (2023/24)

Joselu scored twice in the dying minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. His quick reaction and composure sent Madrid to yet another Champions League final.

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10. Werder Bremen 5-3 Anderlecht (1993/94)

Known as the “Miracle of the Weser,” Werder Bremen came from 3-0 down to win 5-3 in just 29 minutes. Wynton Rufer inspired one of the greatest late rallies ever seen.

9. Borussia Dortmund 3-2 Malaga (2012/13)

Dortmund scored two stoppage-time goals – amid offside controversy – to complete a dramatic turnaround. Malaga’s heartbreak was Dortmund’s miracle.

8. Ajax 2-3 Tottenham (2018/19)

Lucas Moura’s second-half hat-trick, including a 96th-minute winner, propelled Spurs into their first final. It was one of the most incredible single-player performances in knockout history.

7. Juventus 2-3 Manchester United (1998/99)

Roy Keane inspired United’s comeback from 2-0 down with a goal, booking, and relentless drive. His sacrifice helped United reach the final, even though he missed it through suspension.

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6. Monaco 3-1 Real Madrid (2003/04)

Fernando Morientes haunted his parent club with a goal and an assist as Monaco overturned a daunting deficit. His celebration said it all: joy and disbelief.

5. Deportivo La Coruna 4-0 Milan (2003/04)

Trailing 4-1 from the first leg, Deportivo stunned reigning champions Milan with a flawless first-half blitz. Fran’s fourth sealed one of the most dramatic turnarounds in Champions League history.

4. Milan 4-0 Barcelona (1993/94)

Cruyff’s Dream Team were dismantled in the final by a flawless Milan side. Savicevic’s lob and Desailly’s finish capped a ruthless performance.

3. Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich (1998/99)

Trailing into injury time, United struck twice through Sheringham and Solskjaer to win the treble. One of football’s most famous finishes.

2. Barcelona 6-1 Paris Saint-Germain (2016/17)

Barça, 4-0 down from the first leg, needed three goals after Cavani scored – and somehow got them all. Sergi Roberto’s last-gasp goal completed the most surreal remontada.

1. Milan 3-3 Liverpool (Liverpool win on penalties), 2004/05

The Miracle of Istanbul remains unmatched for its sheer drama. Liverpool’s second-half comeback from 3-0 down, capped by a Dudek penalty shootout heroics, is the Champions League’s greatest ever moment.