UEFA Champions League
Five biggest Champions League Final upsets
This year’s Champions League Final is arguably one of the most one-sided in recent memory, with Pep Guardiola’s imperious Manchester City side just 1/5 to complete a historic Treble in Istanbul on Saturday.
With Italian side Inter Milan conversely priced at 10/3 to lift European footballs’ biggest prize, could they pull off one of the great Champions League Final shocks?
We look back at the five biggest Champions League Final upsets over the years.
Liverpool – 2005
Despite Liverpool being one of Europe’s best-performing teams throughout Rafa Benitez’s spell, they were actually far from being world-beaters during his first season in charge, finishing fifth in the Premier League and largely experiencing an underwhelming domestic campaign. However, their remarkable resilience and determination shone through on the European stage as they won their first Champions League title since its inception in 1992.
Needless to say, their achievement was made all the more spectacular by their daunting 3-0 deficit at halftime against AC Milan, who under Carlo Ancelotti were easily one of Europe’s best outfits. The Reds however displayed an extraordinary comeback, scoring three goals in a mere six minutes and subsequently winning the game on penalties.
Liverpool’s approach during that era leaned towards a tactical mindset. Their ability to outwit Juventus in the quarter finals and maintain an impenetrable defence over 180 minutes against Jose Mourinho’s dominant Chelsea in the semi-finals showcased their strategic prowess. While they may not have always dazzled with their performances, the unforgettable heroics of the final will never be overlooked.
Chelsea – 2012
It’s difficult to think of a bigger underdog winner in the modern Champions League era than Roberto Di Matteo’s Chelsea team. After parting ways with Andre Villas-Boas midway through the season, the Blues were staring down the barrel of a round of 16 exit after losing their first leg encounter with Napoli 3-1.
However, rejuvenated by the arrival of Di Matteo, Chelsea dramatically fought back to win 4-1 in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge, before slithering past Benfica in the quarters and somehow seeing off Barcelona in the semi-finals. Their final date against Bayern Munich in their own back yard was touted as an easy victory for the German side, but the west Londoners had other ideas.
An incredible defensive display, which saw Chelsea offer next to nothing in attack, saw the Blues limit Bayern to just one goal before Didier Drogba’s header took the game to extra time. After Petr Cech made some crucial penalty saves both in extra time and the shootout, Drogba stepped up for the final penalty and sent Chelsea fans into delirium, with Bayern players scarcely believing what they had just witnessed.
Ajax – 1995
Despite frequently tussling with PSV for the domestic title for most of the 1980s and 90s, European success had often seemed to elude Dutch teams for a lengthy period of time. However, in the 1994-95 season, a young and inexperienced Ajax side achieved a historic feat that set the two sides apart, emerging victorious in the UEFA Champions League and establishing themselves as Europe’s finest. Remarkably, Louis van Gaal’s side accomplished this feat by maintaining an unbeaten record throughout the entire tournament, adding to their previous triumph in 1973.
In the final showdown against formidable opponents AC Milan, Ajax secured a narrow victory with a solitary goal scored by Patrick Kluivert in the 85th minute. Despite AC Milan’s dominance in recent editions, reaching their third consecutive final and starting as the heavy favourites, they succumbed to a stunning upset at the hands of the Dutch side. Notably, this victory marked the last time a Dutch club has clinched the prestigious Champions League title, and the pursuit for another triumph continues to this day.
Borussia Dortmund – 1997
Borussia Dortmund’s success in the 1997 Champions League Final was a game that will be largely remembered for Lars Ricken’s iconic second half strike. Just 16 seconds after stepping onto the pitch as a substitute, Ricken astounded fans by deftly lobbing the ball over Milan goalkeeper Angelo Peruzzi, sealing a sensational 3-1 victory against the heavily favoured and reigning champions, Juventus.
While Ricken’s contribution rightfully stands out, there were other significant heroes that played pivotal roles. Midfielder Paulo Sousa secured the trophy for the second consecutive year, triumphing over his former club, while Karl-Heinz Riedle notched a brace during the first half to give the Germans a two-goal lead at the break. Despite pulling one back through Alessandro Del Piero, the Italians could not mount a comeback after Ricken’s finish, and will feel they missed out on a European trophy against a much more inexperienced opponent.
Marseilles – 1993
Marseilles remain the only French team to win the Champions League since its rebranding in the 1992/93 season and tasted success in that very year against AC Milan, who, once again, were unable to convert their heavy favourites tag before the match into a good result.
Marseilles were a brilliant side, with Didier Deschamps at the heart of their midfield, while the experienced German veteran Rudi Voller and the young Alen Boksic formed a formidable attacking duo. Their well-deserved 1-0 victory on the night however came against the odds, with Basile Boli’s fantastic header securing the decisive goal, and while they were subsequently stripped of their Ligue 1 title for their owner attempting to fix a domestic match, their European success remains untouched.
