5 biggest upsets in UEFA Champions League history

The UEFA Champions League has had its share of surprises, which no doubt has wowed some of the fans and players. A loss can turn into a win, and hit a rock bottom team and make them into the heroes of the championship. Here is a list of the five most shocking moments in the competition’s history.

1. Manchester United vs. Bayern Munich (1999)

Manchester United opposed Bayern Munich in the final match of the year 1999 where the latter scored the first goal through Mario Basler. As the match entered the last few minutes, it appeared that United would be the one losing. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Teddy Sheringham equalized in the 91st minute, followed by Ole Gunnar Solskjær scoring the winner in extra time. This incredible fight as well as granted United its very first Champions League trophy, along with being defined as one of the most memorable football traditions.

2. Deportivo La Coruña vs. AC Milan (2004)
 

Deportivo La Coruña came into the quarter-final against AC Milan without much hope after having lost 4-1 in the first leg. However, they turned the tide around in the second leg by thrashing their opponent 4-0 at home and qualifying on the away goals rule. This match will be remembered as one of the biggest shocks in Champions League history of the minnows Deportivo.

3. AS Monaco vs. Real Madrid (2004)  

Real Madrid again took a comfortable lead of 4-2 against AS Monaco in the first leg of the quarter-final clash. Facing elimination, they secured a dramatic 3-1 win in the second leg at home and qualified, due to the away goals rule. This defeat proved that Monaco could do it and became a crucial point in their European process.

4. Barcelona vs. Roma (2018)

Barcelona qualified for the quarterfinals with the highest score of 4-1 in the first leg against AS Roma. Roma proved quite lucky in the second leg they won by 3-0 at their home ground and he progressed on an away goal. This stunned the Catalan giants and is considered one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Champions League.

5. Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich (2012)  

The final was played at Bayern’s home stadium in the year 2012, and Chelsea was considered the underdogs given a powerful Bayern Munich squad. Chelsea reached the final after a 1-1 draw during extra time with Liverpool and a penalty shootout where Petr Čech and Didier Drogba hit two decisive shots. It was Chelsea’s first time to clinch the Champions League title and it is still one of the biggest shocks in the competition.

What are some of the determinants on record that give rise to such sensational upsets shown above? Is it just the spirit or maybe tactical genius? Under which circumstances can teams defeat the odds?

These unforgettable moments allow football fans to never forget anything that can happen in a game of football; A reason why the UEFA Champions League is one of the most interesting competitions in the history of sports.

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