The Champions League isn’t just home to the biggest clashes in European football. It’s also a stage for raw emotion, unforgettable drama, and the most incredible turnarounds. There are nights when everything seems lost—until one team, driven by pride, revenge, or pure belief, writes history.
Only four teams have ever done the impossible: qualifying after losing the first leg by three goals or more. These moments have become legendary. Let’s revisit these iconic comebacks, and ask: Could Real Madrid be the next club to join this elite group?
🔥 1. Barcelona vs PSG (2017) – The Original Remontada
First Leg: PSG 4-0 Barcelona
Second Leg: Barcelona 6-1 PSG
The word “remontada” entered football history after this match. No team had ever overturned a 4-0 deficit. But at Camp Nou, led by a magical Neymar, Barça crushed PSG in one of the most surreal games ever. Three goals in the last seven minutes, a penalty, and Sergi Roberto’s last-second strike… Total madness.
⚡ 2. Roma vs Barcelona (2018) – The Roar of the Colosseum
First Leg: Barcelona 4-1 Roma
Second Leg: Roma 3-0 Barcelona
A year later, it was Roma’s turn to flip the script—this time against Barcelona. A single goal would’ve been enough for Roma on away goals… but they went even further. The Olimpico erupted as Džeko, De Rossi, and Manolas pulled off one of the most unforgettable European nights in the club’s history.
🏆 3. Liverpool vs Barcelona (2019) – The Anfield Hurricane
First Leg: Barcelona 3-0 Liverpool
Second Leg: Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona
Yes, Barcelona again—this time humbled by a ferocious Liverpool side. Without Salah, without Firmino, the Reds stormed back with insane intensity. Alexander-Arnold’s quick corner to Origi became an iconic image. That year, they didn’t stop at a comeback—they went on to lift the trophy.
💥 4. Deportivo La Coruña vs AC Milan (2004) – The Forgotten Masterclass
First Leg: Milan 4-1 Deportivo
Second Leg: Deportivo 4-0 Milan
Perhaps the most underrated of them all. Reigning champions AC Milan were destroyed at the Riazor. Pandiani, Valerón, Luque, Fran… It was a masterclass, both in attack and defense. A night the Galician fans will never forget.
👀 Is it Real Madrid’s Turn?
In this exclusive group, Real Madrid could be the next to join. Losing by three or more goals in a first leg is a nightmare—but if one team in Europe has the pedigree to defy the odds, it’s the club with 14 Champions League titles.
With a squad full of talent—rising stars like Bellingham and Vinícius, experienced leaders like Kroos, Modrić, and Courtois, and the tactical genius of Ancelotti—nothing is impossible. The Santiago Bernabéu has witnessed miracles before. Just look back at their 2022 run against PSG, Chelsea, and City.
💭 Football Reminds Us: Nothing’s Ever Truly Over
The Champions League isn’t just a competition. It’s a mindset. A passion. A stage where mentality can triumph over tactics, and where legends are born.
So the question remains: Can Real Madrid defy history and pull off another iconic comeback?
With Los Blancos, you can never count them out.
