The Champions League is back this Tuesday, and for three of the eight teams left, overcoming their deficits will require historically significant performances. While Inter Milan`s 2-1 victory against Bayern Munich ensures their quarter-final is still in the balance, the other ties seem heavily weighted after the first leg.
Aston Villa faces a two-goal deficit at home against Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid needs to overturn a three-goal disadvantage against Arsenal, and Borussia Dortmund must make history against Barcelona to qualify after losing the first leg by four goals.
However, history shows it`s possible. From Deportivo La Coruna`s stunning victory over AC Milan to Liverpool`s miracle against Barcelona, the Champions League is full of unexpected comebacks. Three teams have already achieved what Real Madrid needs to do this week. Aston Villa could become the tenth team to reverse a two-goal deficit at home. Let`s explore past Champions League triumphs for inspiration this week`s underdogs can draw from:
1. The Deportivo Miracle Against Milan
2003-04 Champions League Quarterfinal
First leg: AC Milan 4-1 Deportivo La Coruna
Second leg: Deportivo La Coruna 4-0 AC Milan
AC Milan, boasting one of the best defenses of all time, arrived in Spain with a comfortable three-goal lead. Sound familiar to Arsenal`s situation against Real Madrid? Milan in 2003-04, with legends like Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, presented an even more formidable defensive challenge than Real Madrid will face. The reigning European champions had an incredible defensive record, conceding only five goals in nine Champions League matches before this quarterfinal, and none away from home.
But Walter Pandiani`s early goal ignited hope in the Riazor stadium, and the atmosphere seemed to unsettle Milan. Uncharacteristically, defensive stalwarts like Cafu, Dida, and Maldini misjudged a cross, allowing Juan Carlos Valeron to double Deportivo`s lead. Then, a long ball mistake by Nesta allowed Albert Luque to score, leveling the aggregate score at 4-4, with Deportivo ahead on away goals. Fran`s goal sealed an incredible victory, sending Deportivo to their first and only Champions League semifinal.
Lessons for Madrid: An early goal is crucial. Real Madrid needs to start with relentless energy, becoming the “crazy buzz bombs” Andrea Pirlo described Deportivo as in his autobiography.
2. Anfield Roars Liverpool to Victory Over Barcelona
2018-19 Champions League Semifinal
First leg: Barcelona 3-0 Liverpool
Second leg: Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona
Aston Villa`s task might seem daunting, but Liverpool faced an even bigger challenge against Barcelona in the 2018-19 semifinals. A 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou and a weakened home team without Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino led even Jurgen Klopp to call it “impossible”… except for his Liverpool team. Divock Origi`s early goal sparked belief at Anfield, and Barcelona began to show nerves.
To understand this night, recall Barcelona`s previous collapse against Roma. Leading 4-1 after the first leg, they crumbled in Rome. It seemed Barcelona, having experienced the greatest comeback themselves, were now destined to be on the receiving end.
As Anfield`s roar intensified, Barcelona`s fear grew. Georginio Wijnaldum`s quickfire double leveled the tie, and Barcelona seemed lost. A moment of brilliance followed as 14-year-old ball boy Oakley Cannonier quickly gave the ball to Trent Alexander-Arnold for a corner. Catching Barcelona off guard, Alexander-Arnold delivered a low corner to Origi, who scored the historic winning goal for the eventual Champions League winners.
Lessons for Aston Villa: A fervent home atmosphere is vital, and Villa Park will undoubtedly be electric. The key is to exploit any PSG nerves. Despite being a different PSG team now, their history of European collapses could resurface if Villa starts strongly.
3. Barcelona`s Historic `Remontada` Against PSG
2016-17 Champions League Round of 16
First leg: Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Barcelona
Second leg: Barcelona 6-1 Paris Saint-Germain
Only one team has overcome a four-goal first-leg deficit in the Champions League: Barcelona in 2016-17 against PSG. Angel Di Maria and Edinson Cavani had devastated Barcelona in Paris with a 4-0 victory. However, with Lionel Messi, there was always hope. Barcelona raced to a 3-0 lead at home, needing just one more goal for extra time. Then, Cavani scored a crucial away goal, increasing Barcelona`s required tally to three goals in just over 30 minutes.
Despite the setback, Barcelona rallied. Neymar`s brilliance emerged with a stunning free kick, a penalty, and an assist for Sergi Roberto`s dramatic winner in the dying moments. Neymar`s world-class performance was the catalyst for `La Remontada`.
Lessons for Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund needs a performance of individual brilliance akin to prime Messi, ideally paired with another world-class forward playing at their peak. While a miracle at Westfalenstadion is possible, replicating Barcelona`s superstar-driven comeback is a massive ask.
