The Champions League is back this Tuesday, and for three of the remaining eight teams, the task ahead is nothing short of monumental. While Inter`s 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich keeps their tie balanced for the return leg, other matchups seem decisively settled after the first games.
Aston Villa faces a two-goal deficit at home against Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid needs to overcome a three-goal disadvantage against Arsenal, and Borussia Dortmund, to advance past Barcelona, must achieve something incredibly rare – qualifying after a four-goal first-leg loss.
However, history shows it is possible. From Deportivo La Coruna`s stunning turnaround to Liverpool`s unforgettable night against Barcelona, the Champions League is full of incredible comebacks. Three teams have already achieved what Real Madrid needs to do this week. If Villa defeats PSG, they will become the tenth team to reverse a two-goal deficit at home. Let`s delve into Champions League history to find inspiration for this week`s underdogs:
1. Madrid Can Look to Deportivo`s Miracle
2003-04 Champions League Quarterfinal
First Leg: AC Milan 4 (Kaka 45`, 49`, Shevchenko 46`, Pirlo 53`), Deportivo La Coruna 1 (Pandiani 11`)
Second Leg: Deportivo La Coruna 4 (Pandiani 5`, Valeron 35`, Luque 44`, Fran 76`), AC Milan 0
AC Milan, with one of the best defenses of their time, arrived in Spain with a three-goal lead. Sounds familiar for Real Madrid facing Arsenal? Milan in 2003-04, anchored by Maldini and Nesta, presented a formidable challenge. They were reigning European champions, with a defense that had conceded only five goals in nine Champions League games before the second leg. Away, they were defensively solid, conceding no goals on the road in the competition.
Then, Walter Pandiani scored early for Deportivo, igniting hope in the Riazor stadium. The atmosphere seemed to unnerve Milan. How else to explain mistakes from Cafu, Dida, and Maldini on the cross that led to Valeron`s goal? Or Nesta`s misjudgment that allowed Luque to score, leveling the aggregate score at 4-4, with Deportivo ahead on away goals? Fran added another, securing a historic semifinal for Deportivo.
Lessons for Madrid: An early goal is crucial. Madrid must start with relentless energy, becoming the `crazy buzz bombs` that Pirlo described Deportivo as.
2. Villa Park Must Become PSG`s Nightmare
2018-19 Champions League Semifinal
First Leg: Barcelona 3 (Suarez 26`, Messi 75`, 82`), Liverpool 0
Second Leg: Liverpool 4 (Origi 7`, 79`, Wijnaldum 54`, 56`), Barcelona 0
Aston Villa`s task is daunting, but Liverpool faced an even greater challenge against Barcelona in the 2018-19 semifinals. A 3-0 loss at Camp Nou and key players missing made it seem `impossible` even to Klopp. But Origi`s early goal sparked doubt in Barcelona.
To understand this, recall Barcelona`s collapse against Roma the previous season after a 4-1 first-leg lead. Dzeko inspired Roma`s comeback, culminating in Manolas` decisive header. Barcelona, after their own miracle comeback against PSG, seemed cursed to be on the receiving end.
At Anfield, with the crowd roaring, Barcelona faltered. Wijnaldum`s quickfire double leveled the tie. Then, a moment of genius: a quick corner from Alexander-Arnold to Origi sealed Liverpool`s victory. They went on to win the Champions League.
Lessons for Aston Villa: A fervent home atmosphere is vital. Villa Park will surely be electric. The key is to exploit any PSG nerves. This PSG team may be different, but they have a history of collapsing in crucial European moments. Memories of past failures could haunt them if Villa starts strongly.
3. Dortmund Needs Forward Magic
2016-17 Champions League Round of 16
First Leg: Paris Saint-Germain 4 (Di Maria 18`, 55`, Draxler 40`, Cavani 72`), Barcelona 0
Second Leg: Barcelona 6 (Suarez 3`, Kurzawa 40` o.g., Messi 50` pen., Neymar 88`, 90+1 pen., Roberto 90+5), Paris Saint-Germain 1 (Cavani 62`)
Only Barcelona has achieved a comeback from a 4-0 first-leg deficit in the Champions League. Di Maria and Cavani overwhelmed Barcelona in the first leg, but with Messi, hope remained. Barcelona went 3-0 up, needing one more for extra time. Cavani`s stunning volley seemed to end the tie, making Barcelona need three more goals in just over 30 minutes due to the away goals rule.
But Barcelona fought back. Neymar led the charge with a brilliant free kick, a penalty, and an assist for Roberto`s dramatic winner. Neymar`s brilliance was key to `La Remontada`.
Lessons for Borussia Dortmund: Dortmund might need a performance of Messi-esque brilliance, paired with another world-class forward playing at their peak. A miracle at Westfalenstadion is possible, but replicating Barcelona`s superstar-driven comeback will be incredibly difficult.
