The UEFA Champions League has delivered some of the biggest upsets in football history. From shocking comebacks to underdog victories, discover the most surprising moments in UCL knockout history.
The Champions League’s Biggest Upsets in Knockout Rounds
The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football, a competition where the best teams battle for ultimate glory. While giants like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United have dominated over the years, the tournament has also seen some shocking upsets that left fans and pundits in disbelief.
In the knockout rounds, where the stakes are highest, underdogs have defied the odds, eliminating heavy favorites with unforgettable performances. Whether through last-minute drama, tactical masterclasses, or sheer determination, these moments define the magic of the Champions League.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest upsets in Champions League knockout history and how they changed the competition forever.
1. Deportivo La Coruña 4-0 AC Milan (2004) – One of the Greatest Comebacks
First Leg: AC Milan 4-1 Deportivo Second Leg: Deportivo 4-0 AC Milan (5-4 aggregate)
In the 2003-04 Champions League quarter-finals, AC Milan were the defending champions and favorites to advance after a convincing 4-1 first-leg victory at the San Siro. With stars like Andriy Shevchenko, Paolo Maldini, and Andrea Pirlo, Milan looked unstoppable.
However, in one of the most unbelievable comebacks in football history, Deportivo La Coruña stunned the Italian giants with a 4-0 win at the Riazor Stadium, securing an incredible 5-4 aggregate victory. Goals from Pandiani, Valerón, Luque, and Fran completed one of the greatest turnarounds in UCL history.
Why It Was an Upset:
- AC Milan were among the strongest teams in Europe at the time.
- Deportivo became the first team to overturn a three-goal first-leg deficit in UCL history.
2. AS Monaco 3-1 Real Madrid (2004) – The Day Morientes Knocked Out Madrid
First Leg: Real Madrid 4-2 AS Monaco Second Leg: AS Monaco 3-1 Real Madrid (5-5 aggregate, Monaco advanced on away goals)
Real Madrid, packed with Galácticos like Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, and Beckham, were clear favorites against AS Monaco in the 2004 quarter-finals. After a 4-2 first-leg victory at the Bernabéu, it seemed like another routine win for Los Blancos.
However, Monaco produced a stunning comeback, winning 3-1 in the second leg. The irony? Their star performer was Fernando Morientes, a striker Madrid had loaned to Monaco. His crucial goal helped Monaco advance on away goals and sent Madrid crashing out.
Why It Was an Upset:
- Real Madrid had one of the strongest squads in UCL history.
- Monaco, despite having young talents like Julián and Giuly, were not expected to compete at this level.
3. Chelsea 2-2 Barcelona (2012) – The Miracle at Camp Nou
First Leg: Chelsea 1-0 Barcelona Second Leg: Barcelona 2-2 Chelsea (Chelsea won 3-2 on aggregate)
Barcelona, led by Lionel Messi, Xavi, and Iniesta, were the defending Champions League winners and strong favorites to defeat Chelsea in the 2012 semi-finals. When John Terry was sent off in the first half of the second leg at Camp Nou, Chelsea seemed doomed.
However, Ramires’ stunning chip and a last-minute counterattack goal by Fernando Torres secured a 2-2 draw, sending Chelsea to the final on aggregate (3-2). This defensive masterclass paved the way for Chelsea’s first-ever Champions League title.
Why It Was an Upset:
- Chelsea played with 10 men for over 50 minutes against the best team in the world.
- Barcelona dominated possession (72%), but Chelsea’s defensive resilience prevailed.
4. Roma 3-0 Barcelona (2018) – A Shocking 4-4 Comeback
First Leg: Barcelona 4-1 Roma Second Leg: Roma 3-0 Barcelona (4-4 aggregate, Roma advanced on away goals)
Barcelona seemed to have one foot in the semi-finals after thrashing Roma 4-1 in the first leg. However, in an astonishing second leg at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in UCL history.
With goals from Edin Džeko, Daniele De Rossi, and Kostas Manolas, Roma won 3-0, leveling the aggregate at 4-4 and advancing on away goals.
Why It Was an Upset:
- Barcelona were undefeated in La Liga and the Champions League at the time.
- Roma’s squad had far fewer star names, yet they delivered a tactical masterclass.
5. Ajax 2-1 Juventus (2019) – The Young Guns Shock Ronaldo
First Leg: Ajax 1-1 Juventus Second Leg: Ajax 2-1 Juventus (Ajax won 3-2 on aggregate)
In the 2018-19 quarter-finals, Juventus were heavily favored to advance, especially after signing Cristiano Ronaldo, the ultimate UCL player. But a fearless Ajax side, led by young talents like Matthijs de Ligt, Frenkie de Jong, and Donny van de Beek, produced a stunning 2-1 victory in Turin, eliminating the Italian champions.
This marked the rebirth of Ajax’s golden era, proving that an exciting, attack-minded team could still thrive against financial giants.
Why It Was an Upset:
- Juventus had Cristiano Ronaldo, the Champions League’s all-time top scorer.
- Ajax’s squad was one of the youngest in UCL history.
6. Villarreal 2-1 Bayern Munich (2022) – The Yellow Submarine Sinks Bayern
First Leg: Villarreal 1-0 Bayern Munich Second Leg: Bayern Munich 1-1 Villarreal (Villarreal won 2-1 on aggregate)
Villarreal, a small club compared to Bayern’s history, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in modern UCL history by knocking out the German giants in the 2022 quarter-finals.
After a 1-0 first-leg win, few expected Villarreal to survive the return leg in Munich. However, a late goal from Samuel Chukwueze sealed the upset, sending Unai Emery’s side to the semi-finals.
Why It Was an Upset:
- Bayern Munich had Robert Lewandowski and a squad filled with stars.
- Villarreal had a fraction of Bayern’s budget, yet their tactical discipline secured victory.
Final Thoughts – The Magic of the Champions League
These shocking Champions League knockout upsets remind us why football is so unpredictable and thrilling. Whether through tactical brilliance, resilience, or last-minute drama, underdogs have proven that anything is possible.
Which UCL upset was your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
Experience the best of football action with YE55! 
