The Champions League is back this Tuesday, and for three of the remaining eight teams, the challenge is monumental. While Inter`s 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich keeps their tie open, other matches seem almost decided after the first leg.
Aston Villa needs to overturn a two-goal deficit against Paris Saint-Germain at home. Real Madrid requires three goals against Arsenal to force extra time. If Borussia Dortmund defeats Barcelona, they would become only the second team in Champions League history to qualify after losing the first leg by four goals.
But history shows it`s possible. From “Super Depor” to memorable ball boy assists and “La Remontada,” the Champions League is full of stunning comebacks. Three teams have already achieved what Real Madrid must do. Villa overcoming PSG would make them the tenth team to reverse a two-goal deficit at home. Let`s explore past Champions League triumphs to inspire this week`s underdogs:
1. Madrid Must Repeat Deportivo`s Feat
2003-04 Champions League Quarterfinal
First Leg: AC Milan 4 (Kaka 45`, 49`, Shevchenko 46`, Pirlo 53`), Deportivo La Coruna 1 (Pandiani 11`)
Second Leg: Deportivo La Coruna 4 (Pandiani 5`, Valeron 35`, Luque 44`, Fran 76`), AC Milan 0
The era`s best defense arrived in Spain with a three-goal lead – sound familiar to Arsenal 2024-25 facing Real Madrid? AC Milan in 2003-04, with Maldini and Nesta, presented a tougher challenge for Deportivo than Real Madrid faces. Milan, the reigning European champions, had a defense that conceded only five goals in nine Champions League games before this second leg. They were road specialists, conceding no away goals in the competition.
However, Walter Pandiani scored early, igniting hope at the Riazor and seemingly unsettling Milan. Cafu, Dida, and Maldini misjudged a cross, allowing Juan Carlos Valeron to double Deportivo`s lead. Nesta`s error let Albert Luque score, leveling the tie at 4-4, with Deportivo ahead on away goals. Fran`s goal sealed an impressive victory, sending the Galicians to their first (and only) European semifinal.
Lessons for Madrid: An early goal is crucial. Madrid must be relentlessly energetic from the start, like the “crazy buzz bombs” Andrea Pirlo described Deportivo in his autobiography.
2. Villa Park Needs to Unnerve PSG
2018-19 Champions League Semifinal
First Leg: Barcelona 3 (Suarez 26`, Messi 75`, 82`), Liverpool 0
Second Leg: Liverpool 4 (Origi 7`, 79`, Wijnaldum 54`, 56`), Barcelona 0
Aston Villa`s task is daunting, but Liverpool faced a similar challenge against Barcelona in the 2018-19 semifinals. A 3-0 loss at Camp Nou and key players like Salah and Firmino missing made even Klopp call it “impossible,” except for his team. Divock Origi`s early goal sparked jitters in Barcelona.
Flashback to the previous season: Barcelona led Roma 4-1 after the first leg. It seemed over, but Edin Dzeko and Kostas Manolas led Roma to a stunning comeback. Barcelona, having made history with their own comeback, then became the victim of one.
Lionel Messi and Barcelona felt the Anfield pressure. Georginio Wijnaldum`s quickfire brace leveled the score, and Barcelona looked lost. A quick corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold to Origi sealed Liverpool`s historic win, on their way to becoming European champions.
Lessons for Aston Villa: A fervent home atmosphere is vital, and Villa Park will be electric. The key is exploiting PSG`s potential nerves. This PSG team is different, but they have a history of faltering in big European moments. Memories of missed chances against Dortmund and Benzema`s Real Madrid masterclass could haunt them if Villa starts strong.
3. Dortmund Needs Forward Magic
2016-17 Champions League Round of 16
First Leg: Paris Saint-Germain 4 (Di Maria 18`, 55`, Draxler 40`, Cavani 72`), Barcelona 0
Second Leg: Barcelona 6 (Suarez 3`, Kurzawa 40` o.g., Messi 50` pen., Neymar 88`, 90+1 pen., Roberto 90+5`), Paris Saint-Germain 1 (Cavani 62`)
Only one team has achieved the seemingly impossible after a 4-0 first-leg deficit: Barcelona in the 2016-17 Round of 16 against PSG. Di Maria and Cavani dominated the first leg, but with Messi, there was always hope. Barcelona went 3-0 up, needing one more for extra time. Then Cavani`s volley seemed to end it. Barcelona now needed three goals in just over 30 minutes.
Barcelona faced pressure before Neymar stepped up. A brilliant free kick, a penalty, and a perfect pass to Sergi Roberto completed “La Remontada.” Neymar`s brilliance was crucial.
Lessons for Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund needs a prime Messi-level player and another elite forward at their peak. While a miracle at Westfalenstadion is possible, replicating Barcelona`s superstar-driven comeback seems unlikely.
Dominic Ashworth