The UEFA Champions League has produced countless unforgettable moments, but few are as emotionally charged and iconic as its semi-finals. These matches often showcase the very best of European football—comebacks, last-minute winners, and individual brilliance under pressure. In this article, we look back at the top 5 greatest Champions League semi-finals that delivered drama, history, and legacy in equal measure.
5. Manchester United vs Juventus (1998/99)
Manchester United’s comeback in Turin was the stuff of legends. After falling 2-0 behind early, Roy Keane inspired a resurgence despite knowing a yellow card would rule him out of the final. Goals from Keane, Yorke, and Cole secured a stunning 3-2 win. Sir Alex Ferguson later called Keane’s display “the most selfless performance” he had ever seen, as United booked their spot in the treble-winning final.
This emotional and fierce contest remains one of the defining matches in United’s history. Their resilience and leadership under pressure was a blueprint for greatness.
4. Inter Milan vs Barcelona (2024/25)
One of the most chaotic semi-finals in recent memory, this two-legged thriller delivered 13 goals, extra-time drama, and relentless twists. Barcelona clawed back from 2-0 down in both legs and briefly took the aggregate lead late in Milan. But Inter struck back, with veteran Francesco Acerbi forcing extra time and Davide Frattesi curling in the decisive goal. It was an instant classic.The tie was full of drama, lead changes, and brilliant goals across both legs. It quickly earned recognition as one of the greatest semi-finals of the modern era.
3. Tottenham vs Ajax (2018/19)
Trailing 3-0 on aggregate at halftime in Amsterdam, Tottenham staged a miraculous comeback led by Lucas Moura. The Brazilian netted a second-half hat-trick, including a 96th-minute winner that stunned Ajax and secured Spurs’ first-ever Champions League final. The match was a whirlwind of emotions and a storybook ending that encapsulated the beauty and heartbreak of knockout football.
Ajax’s young squad had lit up the tournament, but Tottenham’s grit and belief won the day. Moura’s final goal remains one of the most emotional moments in UCL history.
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2. Real Madrid vs Manchester City (2021/22)
Real Madrid looked dead and buried entering the 89th minute at the Bernabéu, trailing Manchester City 5-3 on aggregate. But Rodrygo scored twice in two minutes to level the tie and force extra time. Karim Benzema then converted a penalty to send Madrid through in one of the most dramatic turnarounds in UCL history. It was another magical European night that defined Madrid’s fighting spirit.
The comeback stunned Pep Guardiola’s side, who looked destined for the final. Madrid went on to lift their 14th European crown that season.
1. Liverpool vs Barcelona (2018/19)
This semi-final at Anfield is widely considered the greatest Champions League comeback of all time. After losing 3-0 at Camp Nou, Liverpool—without Salah and Firmino—pulled off the unthinkable. Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum each scored twice in a historic 4-0 win. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s clever corner assist became instantly iconic. The Reds completed one of football’s most memorable nights to reach the final. Jurgen Klopp’s side stunned the footballing world with their intensity and belief. It remains one of the most talked-about matches in UEFA Champions League history.
| Match | Season | Aggregate Score | Key Moment/Highlight | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool vs Barcelona | 2018/19 | 4-3 (Liverpool) | Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner, Wijnaldum & Origi goals | Liverpool reached the final after 3-0 1st-leg loss |
| Real Madrid vs Manchester City | 2021/22 | 6-5 aet (Madrid) | Rodrygo’s 89′ & 91′ goals, Benzema’s extra-time penalty | Real Madrid advanced and won the final |
| Tottenham vs Ajax | 2018/19 | 3-3 (Spurs on away goals) | Lucas Moura hat-trick with 96th-minute winner | Tottenham reached their first UCL final |
| Inter Milan vs Barcelona | 2024/25 | 7-6 aet (Inter) | Frattesi’s ET winner, wild swings in both legs | Inter edged through after chaotic extra time |
| Manchester United vs Juventus | 1998/99 | 4-3 (Man Utd) | Roy Keane’s leadership, United comeback from 2-0 down | United advanced en route to treble win |