English teams have produced some of the most unforgettable moments in Champions League history. From dramatic comebacks to dominant displays, their successes have helped define the competition. Some of these victories seemed impossible, with teams overcoming huge odds to claim glory. The Champions League has long been a stage for the greatest moments in club football, and English sides have left their mark on it. Here are five of the best wins by English teams in the tournament’s history.
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The One that Silenced Ancelotti
Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League final triumph over AC Milan remains the greatest comeback in European football. At half-time, the Reds were trailing 3-0, outclassed by an Italian side full of world-class talent. Paolo Maldini had scored in the first minute, while Hernán Crespo’s brace left Liverpool needing a miracle. Even their most passionate supporters had little hope. Before the match, experts from leading betting sites not on GamStop had given Liverpool odds of around 6/1 to win in 90 minutes. At half-time, those odds skyrocketed to over 100/1, reflecting how improbable a comeback seemed.
Sports betting is hugely popular in the UK, with fans often placing wagers on games to add extra excitement. But few bettors would have backed Liverpool to overturn the deficit in Istanbul. Yet, what followed stunned the football world. Steven Gerrard’s header sparked belief, Vladimir Smicer’s strike made it 3-2, and Xabi Alonso equalised after netting his own rebound from a saved penalty. With the score locked at 3-3, Liverpool held on through extra time before Jerzy Dudek’s penalty heroics denied Milan in the shootout. The miracle was complete, and the Champions League trophy belonged to Liverpool once more.
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Manchester United’s Last-Minute Glory
The 1999 Champions League final saw Manchester United produce one of the most dramatic finishes in football history. Facing Bayern Munich in Barcelona, United trailed 1-0 from the sixth minute after Mario Basler’s free-kick found the net. The German side controlled much of the game, striking the post and crossbar while United struggled to create chances. As the match entered stoppage time, Bayern were seconds from lifting the trophy, and their name was already being engraved on it.
Then came the unthinkable. Teddy Sheringham poked home an equaliser in the 91st minute, sending United fans into ecstasy. Just two minutes later, Ole Gunnar Solskjær stuck out his foot to divert Sheringham’s flick past Oliver Kahn. The comeback was complete. United had turned defeat into victory in the space of three minutes.
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Chelsea’s Redemption in Munich
Chelsea’s 2012 Champions League final win against Bayern Munich was a triumph built on resilience. The Blues had suffered heartbreak in 2008, losing the final on penalties, and entered the match as underdogs. Bayern, playing in their own stadium, dominated from the start. The German side had wave after wave of attacks, with Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry causing havoc. Eventually, they broke through in the 83rd minute when Thomas Müller headed past Petr ?ech. It looked like Chelsea’s hopes were over.
But Didier Drogba had other ideas. Just five minutes later, he powered home a header from a corner, dragging Chelsea back into the game. In extra time, ?ech saved a penalty from Robben, keeping Chelsea alive. When the game went to a shootout, Drogba stepped up for the decisive kick. With ice-cool composure, he slotted it home, delivering Chelsea their first-ever Champions League title.
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Arsenal’s Masterclass at the Bernabéu
Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid in 2006 may not have been a final, but it was one of the most impressive English performances in the Champions League. At the time, no English club had ever beaten Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. Arsenal arrived in Spain missing key players and were given little chance of escaping with a result. Madrid’s side boasted Galácticos like Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and David Beckham. But Arsenal, inspired by Thierry Henry, produced a stunning display.
Henry’s moment of magic came early in the second half. Picking up the ball near the halfway line, he weaved past defenders before calmly finishing past Iker Casillas. The Gunners held firm for the remainder of the match, with their defence producing a masterclass in organisation. The result stunned the Spanish giants and gave Arsenal a crucial advantage in their run to the final.
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Manchester City’s Late-Drama Comeback
Manchester City’s 4-3 win over Real Madrid in the 2022 semi-final first leg was a showcase of elite football at its highest level. Facing the most successful club in Champions League history, Pep Guardiola’s side exploded out of the blocks. Kevin De Bruyne and Gabriel Jesus gave City an early 2-0 lead, but Karim Benzema pulled one back. Phil Foden restored their two-goal cushion, only for Vinícius Júnior to respond with a brilliant solo effort.
Bernardo Silva then smashed City’s fourth, putting them in control again. But Madrid refused to go away, with Benzema scoring a late penalty to keep the tie alive. Though City eventually lost the return leg, this match was one of the most thrilling encounters in Champions League history. It highlighted why the competition remains the pinnacle of European football.
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