The Champions League has seen some stunning upsets over the years. From underdogs knocking out European giants to last-minute heartbreaks, here are the top 10 shock eliminations in Champions League history.
Top 10 Champions League Shock Eliminations
The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of European club football, where the biggest teams compete for ultimate glory. But sometimes, the unexpected happens—giants are humbled, and underdogs rise to produce some of the most shocking eliminations in football history.
From last-minute drama to stunning comebacks, let’s relive the top 10 most shocking eliminations in Champions League history.
1. Barcelona vs. Roma (2017-18) – The ‘Romantada’
- 🏆 Aggregate Score: 4-4 (Roma won on away goals)
- ⚽ Key Moment: Manolas’ decisive header in the 82nd minute
Barcelona entered the second leg of the 2017-18 Champions League quarter-finals with a comfortable 4-1 lead over AS Roma. But what followed was one of the greatest comebacks ever.
Roma dominated the second leg, scoring three unanswered goals to knock Barcelona out. Kostas Manolas’ header in the 82nd minute sealed the shock elimination as the Italian club celebrated an iconic moment in their history.
2. PSG vs. Manchester United (2018-19) – VAR Drama in Paris
- 🏆 Aggregate Score: 3-3 (Manchester United won on away goals)
- ⚽ Key Moment: Rashford’s 94th-minute penalty
Paris Saint-Germain seemed to be cruising after a 2-0 win at Old Trafford in the first leg. With Manchester United missing key players like Paul Pogba, Martial, and Lingard, nobody expected a comeback.
But an inspired Romelu Lukaku scored twice, and in stoppage time, VAR awarded United a controversial penalty for handball. Marcus Rashford smashed it into the net, and United completed an improbable 3-1 win in Paris, knocking PSG out on away goals.
3. Real Madrid vs. Ajax (2018-19) – The End of an Era
- 🏆 Aggregate Score: 5-3 (Ajax won)
- ⚽ Key Moment: Tadić’s magical assist for Neres
Real Madrid, the three-time defending champions, were expected to ease past Ajax after a 2-1 away win in the first leg. But what happened at the Bernabéu was a footballing masterclass from Ajax.
The Dutch side destroyed Madrid 4-1, with Dusan Tadić playing the game of his life, assisting one goal and scoring a stunner. The result ended Real Madrid’s European dominance and was one of the most shocking eliminations in UCL history.
4. AC Milan vs. Deportivo La Coruña (2003-04) – The Impossible Turnaround
- 🏆 Aggregate Score: 5-4 (Deportivo won)
- ⚽ Key Moment: Deportivo scoring 4 goals in the second leg
AC Milan, the reigning European champions, crushed Deportivo 4-1 in the first leg of the quarter-finals. The Spanish side looked dead and buried.
However, in an unbelievable second leg, Deportivo scored FOUR goals to complete a stunning 4-0 win and eliminate Milan. It remains one of the biggest shocks in Champions League history.
5. Chelsea vs. Barcelona (1999-2000) – Stamford Bridge Stunned
- 🏆 Aggregate Score: 6-4 (Barcelona won after extra time)
- ⚽ Key Moment: Rivaldo and Figo’s brilliance in extra time
Chelsea won the first leg 3-1, but Barcelona turned the tie around with an incredible 5-1 extra-time victory at the Camp Nou. Rivaldo, Luis Figo, and Patrick Kluivert ran riot, sending Chelsea crashing out in a shock elimination.
6. Bayern Munich vs. Villarreal (2021-22) – Unai Emery’s Tactical Masterclass
- 🏆 Aggregate Score: 2-1 (Villarreal won)
- ⚽ Key Moment: Chukwueze’s late winner in the second leg
Bayern Munich, one of the big favorites to win the UCL, were expected to brush aside Villarreal, but Unai Emery’s men had other plans.
After a 1-0 win in the first leg, Villarreal held Bayern to a 1-1 draw in Munich, with Samuel Chukwueze scoring a late equalizer to send the Spanish side through. It was a huge shock, as Bayern were one of the tournament favorites.
7. Inter Milan vs. Schalke (2010-11) – The German Giant Slayers
- 🏆 Aggregate Score: 7-3 (Schalke won)
- ⚽ Key Moment: Schalke’s 5-2 demolition at the San Siro
Inter Milan, the defending Champions League winners, were expected to dominate Schalke, but what followed was one of the most humiliating defeats in Inter’s history.
Schalke stunned the San Siro with a 5-2 away victory before finishing the job with a 2-1 win in the second leg. It was an unforgettable upset.
8. Manchester City vs. Lyon (2019-20) – Guardiola’s Tactical Nightmare
- 🏆 Score: 3-1 (Lyon won, one-leg knockout due to COVID format)
- ⚽ Key Moment: Dembele’s late brace
Manchester City were heavy favorites in the 2019-20 quarter-finals but collapsed against Lyon, losing 3-1 in a one-off tie.
Guardiola’s tactics backfired, and Lyon took full advantage, with Moussa Dembélé scoring twice late on to stun City.
9. Arsenal vs. Monaco (2014-15) – Wenger’s Nightmare
- 🏆 Aggregate Score: 3-3 (Monaco won on away goals)
- ⚽ Key Moment: Berbatov’s cold finish in the first leg
Arsenal were heavily favored to beat Monaco, but they self-destructed in the first leg, losing 3-1 at home. Despite a 2-0 win in the second leg, they were eliminated on away goals.
Monaco’s shock win left Arsenal fans in disbelief.
10. Liverpool vs. Atlético Madrid (2019-20) – Anfield’s Fortress Breached
- 🏆 Aggregate Score: 4-2 (Atlético won)
- ⚽ Key Moment: Marcos Llorente’s two goals in extra time
Liverpool were the defending champions and hadn’t lost a UCL knockout game at Anfield in years. But Atlético Madrid shocked the football world by winning 3-2 in extra time, thanks to a brilliant display from Marcos Llorente.
Final Thoughts – When Giants Fall
The Champions League never fails to deliver drama, and these eliminations prove that anything can happen in football. Whether it’s a stunning comeback or an underdog shocking the world, these moments remind us why we love the game.
Which shock elimination do you think was the most unbelievable? Share your thoughts and keep supporting AW8 Pro! ⚽🔥
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