The recent Champions League semi-final clash between Inter Milan and Barcelona has already sparked discussions among football enthusiasts, securing its place as one of the greatest encounters in Champions League history. Inter managed to edge past the illustrious Barcelona with an aggregate score of 7-6, leading them to the finals set to take place in Munich. This match mirrored the sheer thrill and excitement that Champions League semi-finals are meant to deliver. As one reader aptly put it, “Football needed that tie.”
This thrilling showdown begs the question of where it ranks alongside other iconic semi-final matches throughout the history of the Champions League. To this end, a selection of the ten most unforgettable semi-final moments has been compiled, including the instant classic that unfolded at the San Siro on Tuesday night. Fans are invited to read through these highlights and decide where each match stands in their own hierarchy of memorable moments.
Starting with the Inter Milan vs. Barcelona encounter, the match took a dramatic turn late on. Inter found themselves trailing 3-2 on the night and at risk of elimination. However, with just minutes left in stoppage time, veteran defender Francesco Acerbi found the net, leveling the aggregate score. The match was eventually decided in the first period of extra time, with substitute Davide Frattesi curling in a beautiful shot, securing a place in the finals for Inter.
The 2022 semi-final matchup between Real Madrid and Manchester City is another astonishing contest worth remembering. Manchester City initially took a commanding 4-3 lead before the second leg, only for Madrid to come storming back. Late drama ensued, featuring a remarkable turn of events that culminated in Karim Benzema scoring a decisive penalty in the dying moments, booking Los Blancos a final spot and leaving City devastated.
In 2019, Barcelona faced Liverpool in a semi-final that produced its own high drama. Liverpool came back from a 3-0 first-leg deficit at Camp Nou to pull off one of the most remarkable comebacks in football history at Anfield. With key players missing, unlikely hero Divock Origi pulled through for the Reds, resulting in a final where Liverpool bested Tottenham, further solidifying their comeback story.
Another iconic battle occurred between Tottenham and Ajax in the same year. Ajax dominated the first leg, leaving Spurs at 1-0 down, and by the second leg, they extended their lead to 3-0. However, Lucas Moura led a remarkable comeback for Tottenham, scoring a hat-trick, including the decisive away goal that put them through to the final.
One must also highlight Borussia Dortmund’s fiery encounter against Real Madrid in 2013. Known for his remarkable night, Robert Lewandowski scored a stunning four goals in the first leg at Westfalenstadion, setting the stage for a memorable semi-final. Despite Real Madrid’s resolve, Dortmund held firm, overcoming a late fightback to secure their place in the finals.
More historic moments stem from the rivalry between Chelsea and Barcelona, famously in 2012, where Chelsea emerged victors after a nail-biting battle that featured crucial goals and an infamous miss from Lionel Messi. Similarly, Chelsea faced Liverpool in another heart-pounding semi-final in 2008, with Didier Drogba playing a pivotal role in steering Chelsea toward victory.
No account of semi-finals would be complete without mentioning displays of brilliance from teams like AC Milan and Juventus in 2007 and 2003, respectively, each leaving their mark on football history with skillful plays and dramatic moments.
As fans reminisce across the ages about the intensity and excitement of past Champions League semi-finals, the ongoing debate about the greatest match will likely continue. Each of these historical encounters contributes uniquely to the cherished legacy of football’s most esteemed tournament, securing their respective places in the history of the beautiful game. The seeds of memories sown by these remarkable encounters endure, prompting fans to both celebrate past achievements and anticipate future showdowns on the global stage.