Top 10 Comebacks in Football History

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Posted: May 14, 2025

Updated: May 14, 2025

  • What are top 10 comebacks in football history?
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  • What to expect in future?

Football is a game full of surprises, emotions, and unforgettable moments. Nothing captures the spirit of the sport quite like a dramatic comeback, when one team turns the impossible into reality and leaves fans around the world in awe. However, top 10 comebacks in football history is not just about the scoreline. Indeed, it’s about courage, belief, and the magic that makes football the world’s most popular game. In this article, we’ll dive into the most incredible turnarounds ever witnessed on the pitch, reliving the drama, the ion, and the moments that made history.

The Miracle of Istanbul: Liverpool vs AC Milan, 2005

The 2005 UEFA Champions League final, known as the “Miracle of Istanbul,” is widely regarded as the greatest comeback in football history. Indeed, Liverpool faced an AC Milan side packed with stars and found themselves 3-0 down at halftime. Most believed the match was over. However, Liverpool’s manager Rafa Benitez made a crucial tactical change, bringing on Dietmar Hamann and switching to a more attacking formation. Steven Gerrard led the revival, heading in Liverpool’s first goal in the 54th minute. Just two minutes later, Vladimir Smicer scored from distance. Meanwhile, within another five minutes, Xabi Alonso followed up his own missed penalty to make it 3-3. The game went to extra time, where Liverpool’s goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek made a miraculous double save from Andriy Shevchenko. In the penalty shootout, Dudek saved two penalties, including the decisive one from Shevchenko, sealing a 3-2 shootout win and Liverpool’s fifth European crown.

Top 10 Comebacks in Football History: Barcelona vs PSG, 2017

Barcelona’s comeback against Paris Saint-Germain in the 2016-17 Champions League round of 16 is legendary. After losing the first leg 4-0 in Paris, no team had ever overturned such a deficit in the competition’s history. At Camp Nou, Barcelona started aggressively, with Luis Suarez scoring early. An own goal and a Lionel Messi penalty made it 3-0. However, Edinson Cavani’s away goal for PSG seemed to end the dream. Nevertheless, Neymar scored twice in the final minutes, and in the 95th minute, Sergi Roberto poked in the decisive sixth goal. Barcelona won 6-1 on the night and 6-5 on aggregate, completing a comeback that stunned the football world and set a new standard for European drama. Online sportsbook sites in France always follow the most important events in football, so you cannot miss anything!

Manchester United’s Treble Triumph: United vs Bayern Munich, 1999

The 1999 Champions League final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich is written in football history. Bayern led 1-0 from the sixth minute and dominated most of the match. As the game entered stoppage time, United still trailed. In the 91st minute, Teddy Sheringham equalized. Moreover, just two minutes later, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored the winner, turning defeat into a 2-1 victory. This stunning turnaround secured United’s first European Cup in over 30 years and completed an unprecedented treble of Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in a single season. The noise from the crowd at the end was described as a “lion’s roar”. Therefore, the match is often cited as one of the greatest finals ever played.

Top 10 Comebacks in Football History: City vs QPR, 2012

On the final day of the 2011-12 Premier League season, Manchester City needed a win against Queens Park Rangers to secure their first league title in 44 years. Despite dominating, City found themselves 2-1 down as the match entered stoppage time. Edin Dzeko scored in the 92nd minute to give City hope. Then, in the 94th minute, Sergio Aguero scored one of the most famous goals in English football history, completing a 3-2 comeback. The dramatic finish snatched the title from rivals Manchester United and is ed as the greatest comeback in Premier League history. Visit Ivibet Sportbook to see odds and perditions for recent events in football and many other sports!

Deportivo vs AC Milan, 2004

In the 2003-04 Champions League quarter-finals, Deportivo La Coruña faced defending champions detailed guide!

Top 10 Comebacks in Football History: Newcastle vs Arsenal, 2011

In a 2011 Premier League match, Newcastle United hosted online sportsbook sites in France for more betting events!

West vs Hungary, 1954

The 1954 World Cup final, known as the “Miracle of Bern,” saw Hungary, unbeaten in 32 matches and heavy favorites, take a 2-0 lead over West within eight minutes. West responded quickly, scoring twice to level the match. In the 84th minute, Helmut Rahn scored the winning goal, completing a 3-2 comeback that stunned the football world and secured West ’s first World Cup title. This victory is considered one of the most significant upsets and comebacks in football history.

Portugal’s World Cup Wonder: Portugal vs North Korea, 1966

In the 1966 World Cup quarter-finals, North Korea shocked Portugal by taking a 3-0 lead within 25 minutes. Portugal, led by the legendary Eusebio, responded with an incredible display. Eusebio scored four goals, and Portugal ultimately won 5-3, turning a certain defeat into a famous victory. This match is still ed for Eusebio’s heroics and Portugal’s never-say-die attitude. To bet on such events, first read our article with tips and tricks!

Top 10 Comebacks in Football History: Arsenal vs Reading, 2012

In the 2012 League Cup, Arsenal played Reading in a match that quickly became one of the most dramatic in English football. Reading raced to a 4-0 lead within 37 minutes. Arsenal began their comeback just before halftime and continued in the second half, leveling the score at 4-4 in stoppage time. In extra time, both teams scored, but Arsenal eventually won 7-5, with Theo Walcott scoring a hat-trick. This wild game is ed for its relentless pace, high score, and Arsenal’s refusal to give up.

Real Madrid’s Champions League Magic: Real Madrid vs Manchester City, 2022

In the 2022 Champions League semi-final, Real Madrid faced Manchester City and trailed 5-3 on aggregate as the second leg entered the 90th minute. Rodrygo scored twice in quick succession to level the tie, and in extra time, Karim Benzema converted a penalty to complete the comeback. Real Madrid’s ability to turn matches around in the dying moments has become legendary, and this match added another chapter to their storied history of dramatic European nights. And you can learn about the events in Ivibet Sportbook!

Lessons from the Top 10 Comebacks in Football History

If there’s one lesson to take from the top 10 comebacks in football history, it’s that hope is never lost. Whether you’re a player, a coach, or a fan, these matches show that anything can happen. They teach us about resilience, teamwork, and the power of belief. Every great comeback needs heroes. In the Miracle of Istanbul, it was Steven Gerrard and Jerzy Dudek. In Barcelona’s Remontada, Neymar and Sergi Roberto stepped up. For Manchester City, Sergio Aguero became a legend. These players took their chance and changed history. Their names will always be linked with the top 10 comebacks in football history.

Watching a comeback unfold is an emotional rollercoaster. Fans go from despair to hope to pure joy. Players feel the pressure and the excitement. These moments bring people together, whether in the stadium, at home, or around the world. The top 10 comebacks in football history are shared experiences that unite fans everywhere. However, sometimes there is no need to go back and only look forward. Here are the worst comebacks in sports history!

Conclusion

The top 10 comebacks in football history are a celebration of everything that makes the sport great. They remind us that no lead is safe, that belief can change everything, and that football is about more than just winning or losing. It’s about moments that take your breath away and stories that last forever. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the game, these comebacks are proof that in football, anything is possible.

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