UEFA Champions League: 3 best comebacks in the history of the quarter-finals
We cannot describe the Uefa Champions League without mentioning the incredible comebacks across its glittering history. From Manchester United scoring two goals in the dying moments against Bayern Munich to lift the trophy in 1999 to Liverpool lifting the Champions League trophy by winning the game on penalties, despite being 3-0 down in the first half against AC Milan in 2005, the Champions League has left us with some unforgettable comebacks.
The Champions League quarter-finals are around the corner and the fans are hyped up for the games, especially after the incredible turnarounds in the previous round of the competition this year, which has made the competition much more unpredictable this time around. This round of the competition has provided us with some great comebacks in the past and we pick 3 of the most amazing comebacks in this round of the competition:
Monaco v Real Madrid (2003/04)
First leg: Real Madrid 4-2 Monaco
Second leg: Monaco 3-1 Real Madrid
Spanish giants Real Madrid were on their way to the semi-finals of the Champions League for the second year in a row after winning the first leg 4-2 against Monaco at the Santiago Bernabeu, thanks to goals from Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, and Ronaldo. In the second leg, Raul opened the scoring and Monaco's hope looked slim.
But Monaco never stopped believing and Ludovic Giuly's low volley gave Monaco hope just before halftime and Fernando Morientes, on loan from Real Madrid, headed one home to make it 2–1 in favor of the home team. Giuly late strike made it 3-1, which meant that Monaco will qualify for semi-finals on away goals. Real Madrid were out of the Champions League, a result which left the football world in shock.
Roma v Barcelona (2017/18)
First leg: Barcelona 4-1 Roma
Second Leg: Roma 3-0 Barcelona
Barcelona won the home game 4-1 thanks to two own goals from Daniele De Rossi and Kostas Manolas, with Gerard Pique and Luiz Suarez also on the scoresheet. It seemed mission impossible for Roma but an early goal from Eden Dzeko in the second leg gave Roma the boost they needed.
De Rossi doubled Roma's lead shortly after half-time and sent Barcelona into panic mode. Kastos Manolas was the hero Roma needed when he buried a header past Ter Stegen to complete an incredible comeback and carry his side into the semi-finals.
Deportivo La Coruna v AC Milan (2003/04):
First leg: AC Milan 4-1 Deportivo
Second Leg: Deportivo 4-0 AC Milan
AC Milan had the likes of Kaka, Pirlo, Maldini, Cafu, and Shevchenko in their squad at that time and were the most feared squad in Europe. The won the home leg 4-1 and it surely meant game over for the Spanish side. Deportivo coach Javier Irureta said before the second leg in Spain, "Miracles often happen, things you might not rationally expect."
The Spanish side started the game on the high and took the lead through an early Walter Pandiani goal. A Juan Carlos Valeron header and a fierce drive from Albert Luque about a minute from halftime erased Milan's first leg lead and would send Deportivo through. A brilliant volley from Fran to give the Galicians an astonishing quarterfinal victory and knocked out the favorites Milan.