Top 10 Champions League matches this century – 5 to 1.

Sorry I took so long to put up the completed list. If you haven’t caught my 10-6 list, check it out here!

Where were we? Yes, let’s get to the top 5!

5. Manchester United vs. Real Madrid | 2002-03 Quarterfinal, Second Leg.

April 23, 2003 | Old Trafford, Manchester

Manchester United 4 – 3 Real Madrid

Ronaldo — You have to be a truly special player to get a standing ovation at the Theatre of Dreams.

For the home side (in this instance, of all teams, Manchester United) to give a standing ovation for the player on the opposition, you have to do something truly special. Ronaldo’s hat trick that decimated Manchester United will forever be remembered as one of the all-time great European performances.

The match itself was an incredible display of attacking football by two world class teams. And on that pitch, filled with some of the greatest players to ever play the game, Ronaldo Fenomeno shined the brightest. As he was hooked in by Vincent del Bosque midway through the second half after *that* screamer to complete the treble, the Old Trafford faithful saw it fit to give probably the greatest striker in the game a fitting sendoff.

Ruud van Nistelrooy had cancelled out Ronaldo’s first goal, and an own goal from Ivan Helguera saw the scores level in the 52nd minute. However Ronaldo’s stunning third killed off the match despite David Beckham’s late brace which included a trademark free-kick. Beckham tapped in another with five minutes left on the clock, but despite the 4-3 scoreline, the aggregate was 5-6 in Madrid’s favour, which saw United crash out after a heroic battle.

A shame too, as the final that year would be played at the Theatre of Dreams.

4. Barcelona vs. Chelsea | 2011-12 Semifinal, Second Leg.

April 24, 2012 | Camp Nou, Barcelona

Barcelona 2 – 2 Chelsea

Fernando+Torres+FC+Barcelona+v+Chelsea+FC+R-WXhQ9uaUpl — Fernando Torres silences Camp Nou.

The game remembered for Fernando Torres’ last minute goal which silenced the Camp Nou, and resulted in Gary Neville’s unforgettable goalgasm (which will never get out of your head once you witness the goal). Chelsea heroically held Barcelona 1-0 at Stamford Bridge, but no one was convinced they’d keep up the momentum at the famous Camp Nou stadium. Well, except the Chelsea players, of course.

Andres Iniesta had just waltzed through Chelsea’s crumbling defence and slotted home to leave Roberto Di Matteo’s side two goals down and without their captain John Terry, who was sent off for kneeing Alexis Sanchez in the back. Now the only question was not whether Barcelona could win, but how many they’d score.

But Chelsea were on top on away goals via Ramires’ perfect chip over Victor Valdes into the net. Minutes after the second half started, Didier Drogba fouled Cesc Fabregas in the box, which resulted in a penalty for the Catalans. Leo Messi stepped up to take it. Misses. Unfortunate, but with his track record, not that surprising, despite the Argentine having the best season of his life at that period of time.

The rest of the half was Barcelona throwing everything they had at Chelsea’s back line, but the Londoners refused to buckle under pressure.

And then, in the first minute of injury time, at the height of the pressure, Ashley Cole cleared the ball up-field, which was brilliantly controlled by Fernando Torres, who subsequently waltzed past Victor Valdes and slotted the ball into the empty net as the Nou Camp watched in horror. Cue celebrations. Cue Gary Neville orgasm sounds.

Chelsea went on to win the final in Munich.

3. Deportivo la Coruna vs. AC Milan | 2003-04 Quarterfinal, Second Leg.

April 7, 2004 | Estadio Riazor, A Coruna

Deportivo 4 – 0 Milan

Soccer - UEFA Champions League - Quarter Final - First Leg - AC Milan v Deportivo La Coruna — Deportivo’s Juan Valeron getting away from Andrea Pirlo.

Before the 6-1 comeback by Barcelona against PSG, there was Deportivo la Coruna’s 4-0 comeback to trump Carlo Ancelotti’s legendary AC Milan side. One of the greatest comebacks as well as one of the greatest upsets in Champions League history. Milan had thumped Deportivo 4-1 in the first leg at the San Siro with goals from veritable footballing legends Kaka, Andriy Shevchenko and Andrea Pirlo.

Deportivo fans travelled to Estadio Riazor with no hope at all. The second leg seemed to be a mere formality. An early goal from Deportivo’s Walter Pandiani raised the home fans’ hopes.

Juan Carlos Valeron turned in a second in the 35th minute. It was turning out to be Mission Impossible now. Albert Luque scored a third due to a mistake made by legendary defender Alessandro Nesta. They were now in the lead on away goals. Tensions were on a high, but Fran’s fourth for the home side sent Deportivo la Coruna into the semifinals and it’s fans into delirium.

A lot of today’s football fans may not know about this game, but I saw it fit to include it as my third, as it is my opinion that this match deserves more recognition.

2. Barcelona vs. PSG | 2016-17 Round of 16, Second Leg.

March 8, 2017 | Camp Nou, Barcelona

Barcelona 6 – 1 PSG

Sergi — The goal that completed the seemingly impossible comeback.

I still remember Edinson Cavani’s celebration after scoring the goal which put PSG still well into the lead and Barca needing three goals to beat them. It was as if they had already won it.

The Uruguay frontman drove home a half-volley in the 62nd minute. He had stopped any hope of a Barcelona comeback and sent PSG into the quarterfinals, cementing their place as one of Europe’s top sides.

Except he hadn’t.

Up till that point, goals from Luis Suarez and own goal from Layvin Kurzawa and a Lionel Messi penalty saw the host 3-0. They were 3-1 after Cavani’s intervention. The Catalans refused to give up. They needed 3 goals to win the match. It was well into the 80s with less than two minutes left for 90 minutes to be completed.

Neymar delivered an inch perfect free kick into the top right corner. Injury time. 5 minutes. 2 goals to win. Luis Suarez felt a challenge and collapsed like a sack of potatoes, earning a penalty. Neymar slotted it in. 5-5. There was hope that the impossible would happen.

Last minute of the game. The unstoppable Neymar chips a cross into the PSG penalty area. La Masia product Sergi Roberto gets in behind and flings himself at the ball, and gets it past Kevin Trapp into the net.

Hysteria. Fans piling themselves on top of each other, failing to control their tears. Coaches running on to the field. A contrast of emotions. PSG and Unai Emery holding their heads in shame and disappointed. Barcelona and Luis Enrique running the length of the field, hugging as many people as possible.

An historic comeback.

1. Liverpool vs. AC Milan | 2004-05 Final.

May 25, 2005 | Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul

Liverpool 3 – 3 AC Milan (Liverpool 3-2 on penalties)

That night in Istanbul.

No team has been completely outclassed and completely outclassed the opposition in the same match like Liverpool had that night. Possibly the greatest European night in their long and storied history.

The best defender in the world Dejan Lovren, and his heroics against Dortmund *just* missed out on that title.

Milan captain Paulo Maldini gave the Rossoneri an early lead, before Hernan Crespo’s first half brace put the scoreline at 3-0 to Milan.

His second goal, a classy chip over Jerzy Dudek solidified the feeling that Milan were a class above the English side.

Milan continued their dominance over Liverpool after the interval, as Dudek managed to deny Andriy Shevchenko. And not for the last time. Liverpool were devoid of hope.

Until Steven Gerrard headed in John Arne Riise’s cross. Liverpool sparked to life, regaining their confidence. Just two minutes later, Vladimir Smicer, in his last game for Liverpool, drove home a shot from 20 yards. 3-2. They were now unstoppable. Milan were desperately trying to contain them.

Gennaro Gatusso fouled Steven Gerrard in the box, and a penalty was awarded. Xabi Alonso was tasked with the chance for his team to draw level.

The penalty was saved by Dida, but Alonso sent the rebound crashing into the net. 3-3. No one had seen this coming. Liverpool held on, defending heroically against Milan’s array of football heavyweights. Dida made a number of wonder saves, especially during extra time. Extra time ends. 3-3.

The game went to penalty shootouts. Dudek proved the hero one final time, saving from Shevchenko (again). Champions League number 5 for Liverpool. Manic celebrations from the Reds.

And thus ended the greatest Champions League match ever played.

Thanks for reading. Apologies for the delay in uploading. I’ll be back with more content.

Sarma out.

Champions League Football is back! Top 10 Champions League matches this century – 10 to 6.

At the time of writing, it is a little over 24 hours left for the first couple matches of this season’s UEFA Champions League to kick off. The biggest competition in club football history. The competition to see which club can finally beat Real Madrid in the finals (I kid, of course). Initially named the European Champion Clubs’ Cup, or simply the European Cup, this famed competition has seen a plethora of football teams lift the trophy. But ever since it’s inception, no club has gone close to surpassing the team which won the first edition in 1955-’56, who coincidentally also happen to be the reigning Champions, Real Madrid. Los Blancos won their 13th title (their third consecutive win) after *another* display of fantastic football from Zinedine Zidane’s boys. But now that Zizou’s packed his bags, and their golden boy, Cristiano Ronaldo left for Italy, it is doubtful that they’ll be making that number 14 this season. But hey, that’s just me.

Over the decades, we have seen countless matches, moments and goals that’ll forever remain etched in the minds and hearts of football matches everywhere. Who can forget Zinedine Zidane’s volley in the 2002 Champions League final? Or Manchester United’s incredible comeback in the 1999 final to snatch the title away from Bayern Munich? Steven Gerrard’s (typical) stunner against Olympiakos in the 2004-’05 season. John Terry’s slip in the 2008 final during shootouts (United fans, where y’all at?!). Only a handful of moments.

Now what I’m gonna do is put together a list. A list of what I think are the 10 best Champions League matches played in the 21st century. For those of you who still think 20 years ago means 1990, take a reality check. It’s almost 2020 now (yikes). I might have missed out on a couple according to some, so please forgive me if I have, because there have been PLENTY of matches to choose from. Since there’s gonna be a LOT to read, and I’m pretty sure you lot might not read the whole thing, I’m going to split the list between two posts. This article will reveal my 10-6 greatest matches this century.

So let’s get to it.

10. Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid | 2013-’14 Final.

May 24, 2014 | Estadio da Luz, Lisbon

Real Madrid 4 – 1 Atletico Madrid

Sergio Ramos with the header from the set piece. What else is new?

Do not let this scoreline give you any idea about how this match was played out. Diego’s Simeone’s Atletico Madrid, who were chasing the double after winning the La Liga, were absolutely heroic in defence, and were a unit for almost the whole match. After taking the lead in the 36th minute through Diego Godin, Atletico were able to repel the best efforts of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Angel di Maria for the remainder of the 90 minutes. That is, until a certain Sergio Ramos popped up with one of his trademark headers to equal the scores during injury time. But even till the first half of extra time, the score remained level. But the last 15 minutes of the match was open season on Atletico, with Bale, Marcelo and Ronaldo (try keeping him out of the scoresheet) finding the net, resulting in Real Madrid’s coveted La Decima – their 10th European Cup. A hard fought, but deserved victory.

9. FC Barcelona vs. Manchester United | 2010-’11 Final.

May 28, 2011 | Wembley Stadium, London

Barcelona 3 – 1 Manchester United

When Sir Alex Ferguson, a manager who has literally seen it all, done it all and won it ALL calls this Barcelona team the greatest team he ever faced, you’d have to imagine what they had to do in order for Sir Alex to hold them in such high regard. There is no other way to say this, painful though it is for me, Pep Guardiola’s men wiped the floor with United. An absolute masterclass. Tiki-taka football at it’s finest. Leo Messi, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta at the height of their powers. This team ran circles around United, with players like Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand, Nemenja Vidic and Edwin van der Saar playing for the club.

Messi was at his otherworldly best up front along with Pedro and David Villa, while the midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Sergio Busquets with their intricate passing, movement and possession gave United none of the ball. Pedro’s finish put the Catalan club in front, but it was cancelled out by Wayne Rooney’s brilliant finish after a excellent move by the Red Devils. But that only forced Pep’s team to shift the team up several gears, and they were untouchable. Messi surged forward, regained the lead for Barcelona, and David Villa’s curler from outside the box gave Barcelona the title. I don’t think you’ll be seeing any of Pep’s future teams play like this ever again.

8. Bayern Munich vs. Juventus | 2015-’16 Round of 16, Second Leg.

March 16, 2016 | Allianz Arena, Munich

Bayern Munich 4 – 2 Juventus

The Allianz Arena was prepared for a thriller, after a wild 2-2 draw in Turin in the first leg. Paul Pogba gave Juventus the first goal, while an excellent counter attack orchestrated by Juventus’ Alvaro Morata was finished off brilliantly by Juan Cuadrado. After over 70 minutes, all seemed lost for the Bavarians. Robert Lewandowski cut the deficit by one in the 73rd minute. Juve held on till the death, which was when Thomas Muller added in a second to send the match to extra time.

Goals from Thiago and Kingsley Coman (on loan from Juventus) in the second period of extra time sent Coman’s parent club crashing out, and the Germans through to the quarter finals. A banger of a match.

7. Borussia Dortmund vs Malaga | 2012-’13 Quarterfinal, Second Leg.

April 9, 2013 | Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund 3 – 2 Malaga

Borussia Dortmund - FC Malaga — die Schwarzgelben in hysterics.

Malaga were on track to become the story of the 2012-’13 UEFA Champions’ League. That story was sadly cut short by Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund. Managed by Manuel Pellegrini, this Malaga team, spearheaded by a young winger by the name of Isco (heard that name somewhere, haven’t you?), Malaga had already shocked the world by reaching the quarterfinals in their first ever campaign. The first leg saw a 0-0 draw in Spain. Now Malaga had to face Borussia Dortmund in Signal Idunal Park in front of their famed Yellow Wall. Not only did they brave that, they excelled for most of the match.

Joaquin gave Malaga a shock lead in the 25th minute, but Robert Lewandowski restored parity just before half time. In the 82nd minute, it was Portuguese winger Eliseu who had almost certainly booked the Spanish club’s place in the semis. Nothing short of two goals would reverse the tie for Dortmund, and the first didn’t even arrive until the first minute of stoppage time.

That goal was scored by Marco Reus. Malaga tried to hold on, but tragically lost as Dortmund, through Felipe Santana snatched victory from the jaws of defeat.

Malaga’s main man, Isco, left for Real Madrid the following summer. He has won 4 Champions Leagues till date.

Malaga haven’t returned to the Champions’ League since that heartbreaking defeat.

6. Chelsea vs. Liverpool | 2008-’09 Quarterfinal, Second Leg.

April 14, 2009 | Stamford Bridge, London

Chelsea 4 – 4 Liverpool

There’s only one expression you can think of when you see this scoreline. Goal fest. Chelsea had virtually put this draw to bed when they won 3-1 at Anfield in the first leg. But a Fabio Aurelio free kick and a Xabi Alonso penalty brought the Reds level by half time. Chelsea turned on the style with Didier Drogba goal from an almost impossible angle. This was followed by a bullet of a free kick from Alex five minutes later. Frank Lampard added a third, making the score 3-2 in Chelsea’s favour. Lucas and Dirk Kuyt tried to lead a fightback by adding two more goals for the Reds, but Lampard’s late strike made the aggregate 7-5, ending any chances of a Liverpool win. A match for the ages.

Got this far? Good. I’ll be putting out my top 5 very soon. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for the rest of this article.

Sarma out. For now.