The Champions League has produced some of football’s most dramatic and disputed moments. Here’s a look at several categories that are endlessly debated among supporters.
1. The Most Controversial Champions League Matches
1. Chelsea 1–1 Barcelona (2009 Semi-final, Second Leg)
Arguably the most controversial match in Champions League history.
- Chelsea felt they were denied multiple penalty appeals.
- Referee Tom Henning Øvrebø became the centre of intense criticism.
- Andrés Iniesta scored a late equaliser that sent Barcelona through on away goals.
- Chelsea players’ reactions after the final whistle became iconic.
2. Real Madrid 1–0 Juventus (2018 Quarter-final)
Real Madrid CF vs Juventus FC
- Juventus overturned a 3–0 first-leg deficit and levelled the tie.
- Deep into stoppage time, a penalty was awarded to Real Madrid.
- Gianluigi Buffon was sent off for protesting.
- Cristiano Ronaldo converted the penalty.
Many Juventus supporters still regard the decision as harsh.
3. Barcelona 6–1 Paris Saint-Germain (2017 Round of 16)
FC Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain F.C.
“La Remontada” is remembered for the incredible comeback, but also for:
- Several disputed refereeing decisions.
- PSG complaints over penalties and fouls.
- Continuing debate over whether the officiating influenced the outcome.
4. Inter Milan 3–1 Barcelona (2010 Semi-final First Leg)
Inter Milan vs FC Barcelona
- Barcelona argued that Inter’s opening goal should have been ruled offside.
- The tie intensified debate over tactical fouling and defensive football.
- It remains one of the most discussed semi-finals ever.
2. Greatest First-Leg Deficits Overturned
Some of the biggest turnarounds in Champions League history include:
1. Barcelona vs Paris Saint-Germain (2017)
First leg: PSG 4–0 Barcelona
Second leg: Barcelona 6–1 PSG
The greatest comeback ever.
Barcelona needed three goals in the final seven minutes and somehow found them.
2. Liverpool vs Barcelona (2019)
First leg: Barcelona 3–0 Liverpool
Second leg: Liverpool 4–0 Barcelona
One of the most remarkable nights at Anfield.
Without injured stars Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, Liverpool overturned a three-goal deficit.
3. Deportivo La Coruña vs AC Milan (2004)
First leg: AC Milan 4–1 Deportivo
Second leg: Deportivo 4–0 AC Milan
Still one of the biggest shocks in Champions League knockout history.
4. Roma vs Barcelona (2018)
First leg: Barcelona 4–1 Roma
Second leg: Roma 3–0 Barcelona
Roma progressed on away goals after one of the greatest performances in their history.
5. Bayern Munich vs Porto (2015)
First leg: Porto 3–1 Bayern
Second leg: Bayern 6–1 Porto
Pep Guardiola’s Bayern demolished Porto in Munich after looking almost out of the competition.
3. Top 5 Greatest Champions League Goals
These rankings are subjective, but these goals consistently appear in discussions among fans and pundits.
1. Zidane’s Volley vs Bayer Leverkusen (2002 Final)
Zinedine Zidane
A left-footed volley from the edge of the box in a Champions League final.
Many consider it the greatest goal ever scored in the competition.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo Bicycle Kick vs Juventus (2018)
Cristiano Ronaldo
The rare goal that earned applause from opposition supporters.
Perfect technique, perfect stage.
3. Gareth Bale Bicycle Kick vs Liverpool (2018 Final)
Gareth Bale
A substitute enters and scores one of the greatest goals ever seen in a European Cup final.
4. Lionel Messi vs Bayern Munich (2015)
Lionel Messi
The famous sequence where Messi dribbled past and sent Jérôme Boateng to the ground before chipping the goalkeeper.
5. Kaká vs Manchester United (2007)
Kaká
A breathtaking solo run through the United defence at Old Trafford.
4. Three of the Greatest Goalkeeper Saves
1. Jerzy Dudek vs Shevchenko (2005 Final)
Jerzy Dudek
Liverpool F.C. vs A.C. Milan
The double save from Andriy Shevchenko in extra time is arguably the greatest save in Champions League history.
Had it gone in, Liverpool’s “Miracle of Istanbul” would never have happened.
2. Iker Casillas vs Arjen Robben (2010 Final)
Iker Casillas
Arjen Robben broke through one-on-one.
Casillas stretched out a foot and denied what looked a certain goal.
Real Madrid went on to win the trophy.
3. Manuel Neuer vs Cristiano Ronaldo (2012 Semi-final)
Manuel Neuer
In the penalty shootout between Bayern and Real Madrid, Neuer saved from Ronaldo and helped Bayern reach the final.
One of the defining performances of his career.
5. Youngest and Oldest Players in Champions League History
Youngest Player Ever
Youssoufa Moukoko
- Age: 16 years, 18 days
- For Borussia Dortmund against Zenit Saint Petersburg in December 2020.
This remains the Champions League appearance record.
Oldest Player Ever
Marco Ballotta
- Age: 43 years, 252 days
- Playing for S.S. Lazio in 2007.
He remains the oldest player ever to appear in a Champions League match.
Oldest Outfield Player
Pepe
- Appeared beyond age 41 for FC Porto.
- Also became the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history.
A Final “Greatest Ever” XI of Moments
- Most controversial match: Chelsea vs Barcelona (2009)
- Greatest comeback: Barcelona vs PSG (2017)
- Greatest goal: Zidane volley (2002 Final)
- Greatest save: Dudek vs Shevchenko (2005 Final)
- Youngest player: Youssoufa Moukoko
- Oldest player: Marco Ballotta
Those six moments span almost every aspect of what makes the Champions League unique: controversy, drama, skill, resilience, and longevity.
