The Champions League is back this week, and for some teams, making history with an incredible comeback is the goal. While Inter Milan holds a slight advantage against Bayern Munich, other matchups seem almost decided after the first leg.
Aston Villa faces a two-goal deficit against Paris Saint-Germain at home, Real Madrid needs to overcome a three-goal difference against Arsenal, and Borussia Dortmund aims to become only the second team ever to qualify for the next round after losing the first leg by four goals.
But history shows it`s possible. From famous underdog victories to unforgettable moments, the Champions League has seen many surprising turnarounds. Real Madrid needs to achieve what three other teams have already done. If Villa eliminates PSG, they`ll be the tenth team to reverse a two-goal deficit at home. Let`s look back at some of the most inspiring Champions League comebacks to motivate this week`s underdogs:
1. Deportivo`s Stunning Upset Against Milan
2003-04 Champions League Quarterfinal
First leg: AC Milan 4, Deportivo La Coruna 1
Second leg: Deportivo La Coruna 4, AC Milan 0
AC Milan, with their legendary defense, arrived in Spain with a comfortable three-goal lead. They were the reigning European champions and boasted a defense that had only conceded five goals in the Champions League leading up to this game. They were especially strong away from home, not conceding any goals on the road in the competition.
However, Walter Pandiani scored early for Deportivo, igniting hope in the stadium. The atmosphere seemed to rattle Milan. Mistakes from Cafu, Dida, and Maldini allowed Juan Carlos Valeron to double Deportivo`s lead. Then, a misjudged long ball by Nesta let Albert Luque score, leveling the aggregate score at 4-4, with Deportivo leading on away goals. Fran added another goal, completing an incredible comeback and sending Deportivo to their first ever Champions League semifinal.
Lesson for Madrid: An early goal is crucial. Real Madrid needs to start with high energy and pressure from the beginning, similar to Deportivo`s relentless approach described by Andrea Pirlo.
2. Liverpool`s Anfield Miracle Against Barcelona
2018-19 Champions League Semifinal
First leg: Barcelona 3, Liverpool 0
Second leg: Liverpool 4, Barcelona 0
Aston Villa`s task may seem tough, but Liverpool faced an even bigger challenge against Barcelona in the 2018-19 semifinals. After a 3-0 loss at Camp Nou and missing key players like Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, even their manager Jurgen Klopp admitted it seemed `impossible`. But Divock Origi scored early at Anfield, and Barcelona began to show nerves.
The previous season, Barcelona had already experienced a shock comeback against Roma after a 4-1 first-leg win. They seemed haunted by this past failure. When Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice in quick succession, leveling the tie, Barcelona looked lost. A quick corner taken by Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Oakley Cannonier, a ball boy, assisting, found Origi for the winning goal. Liverpool, against all odds, went on to win the Champions League.
Lesson for Aston Villa: A passionate home crowd is a huge advantage. Villa Park will need to be electric. The question is whether PSG will succumb to pressure and past European failures if the game starts poorly for them.
3. Barcelona`s Historic Remontada Against PSG
2016-17 Champions League Round of 16
First leg: Paris Saint-Germain 4, Barcelona 0
Second leg: Barcelona 6, Paris Saint-Germain 1
Only once has a team overcome a four-goal first-leg deficit in the Champions League. PSG defeated Barcelona 4-0 in the first leg, but with Lionel Messi in their team, Barcelona still had a chance. They quickly went 3-0 up in the second leg, needing just one more goal to force extra time. Edinson Cavani then scored a vital away goal for PSG, meaning Barcelona now needed three more goals in a short time to advance.
Despite the setback, Barcelona continued to fight. Neymar stepped up with a brilliant free kick, a penalty, and then an assist for Sergi Roberto`s dramatic late winner. Neymar`s incredible performance was key to achieving this historic comeback, known as La Remontada.
Lesson for Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund might need a magical performance from their star players, akin to Messi and Neymar`s brilliance for Barcelona. A miraculous comeback at home is possible, but it will likely require extraordinary individual performances.
