Ranking Real Madrid's Top 10 Champions League Comebacks of the 21st Century

Sports Football

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-13 08:47:45 |

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Florentino Perez’s Real Madrid exudes a sense of entitlement that can rub some people the wrong way. However, there’s no denying the effectiveness of this confidence.

Players may come and go at the Santiago Bernabeu, but one thing remains constant: the belief that the European Cup belongs to Madrid. No matter the situation, they always find a way to win. This mindset has created a cycle of success, as Real continually proves themselves the best team in the Champions League simply because they believe it to be true. Time and again, when facing defeat, Madrid has shown a resilience and fighting spirit, often teetering on the edge of arrogance, but earning respect through their never-say-die attitude.

Here, we take a look at some of Real Madrid's most remarkable comebacks in the Champions League since the start of the 21st century.

Real Madrid 1-3 Juventus (2018)In the 2018 quarterfinals, Juventus looked poised to pull off a remarkable comeback after losing 3-0 in the first leg. At the Bernabeu, they leveled the aggregate score with goals from Mario Mandzukic and Blaise Matuidi, and appeared to have the momentum. But in the seventh minute of injury time, Medhi Benatia’s foul on Lucas Vazquez led to a controversial penalty, awarded by referee Michael Oliver. Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was sent off for his protests. Cristiano Ronaldo stepped up to score from the spot, sending Real Madrid to the semi-finals and securing their second consecutive Champions League title.

Real Madrid 4-2 Bayern Munich (2017)Having won the first leg 2-1 in Munich, Real Madrid faced Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu needing to finish the job. Despite a second-half equalizer by Ronaldo, Bayern regained the lead through an own goal by Sergio Ramos. With six minutes left, Arturo Vidal was sent off for a questionable second yellow card, which shifted the balance. But the real turning point came when Ronaldo scored the decisive goal in extra time, despite being offside. Madrid added two more goals, including a hat-trick from Ronaldo, sealing a 4-2 victory and advancing to the semi-finals. Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti voiced his frustration over the referee's decisions.

Liverpool 2-5 Real Madrid (2023)In their 2023 round of 16 clash, Liverpool started strong, taking a 2-0 lead early on. But Real Madrid showed their pedigree, leveling the tie by halftime with two goals from Vinicius Jr and Eder Militao. Karim Benzema then scored twice in the second half to secure a 5-2 win, effectively making the second leg a formality. Despite Liverpool’s strong start, Benzema highlighted the team’s ability to bounce back, saying, "After those first 15 minutes we saw the true Real Madrid."

Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid (2025)In their 2025 round of 16 tie against Manchester City, Real Madrid found themselves 2-1 down with only minutes left. However, Madrid’s resilience came through once again. Brahim Diaz equalized shortly after coming on, and then Jude Bellingham put Madrid ahead after exploiting City’s mistakes. Vinicius Jr, who had been taunted by City fans, played a pivotal role. “When opposition fans do things, it always gives me more strength,” he said, as Madrid completed the stunning comeback.

Real Madrid 3-0 Wolfsburg (2016)Real Madrid’s 2016 comeback against Wolfsburg is often overlooked. After losing 2-0 in the first leg, Madrid’s task seemed daunting. But Cristiano Ronaldo had other plans. By the 17th minute of the return leg, Ronaldo had already scored two goals, drawing Madrid level on aggregate. He completed his hat-trick with a stunning free-kick, sending Madrid through to the semi-finals and securing their second Champions League title in three years.

Real Madrid 2-1 Bayern Munich (2024)In their 2024 semi-final, Madrid needed a dramatic comeback after drawing the first leg 2-2. Bayern took the lead in the second leg with a goal from Alphonso Davies, and Madrid seemed out of ideas. But substitute Joselu turned the game around, scoring twice in the final minutes. His first goal came from a mistake by Bayern’s Manuel Neuer, and his second secured Madrid's victory in injury time. Bayern thought they had equalized late on, but a controversial offside decision denied them. Madrid’s dramatic late surge sent them to the final.

Real Madrid 2-3 Chelsea (2022)In the 2022 quarter-finals, Madrid appeared to be in control after a 3-1 win in the first leg at Stamford Bridge. But Chelsea stunned the Bernabeu with a 3-0 lead in the second leg, putting them 4-3 ahead on aggregate. However, Luka Modric’s exquisite assist to Rodrygo helped Madrid fight back, and Benzema’s extra-time header sent them through to the semis.

Real Madrid 3-1 Paris Saint-Germain (2022)PSG took a commanding 1-0 lead in the first leg at Parc des Princes, and were 2-0 up on aggregate after Kylian Mbappe’s goal in Madrid. However, a costly mistake from PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma gave Madrid the lifeline they needed. Karim Benzema then completed a hat-trick in just 17 minutes to complete one of the most thrilling comebacks in recent memory, sending Madrid to the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (2014)In the 2014 Champions League final, Madrid were facing defeat against their city rivals Atletico, with the score at 1-0 in Atletico's favor late in the game. However, Sergio Ramos' injury-time header forced extra time. Madrid took advantage of Atletico’s exhaustion, with Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Cristiano Ronaldo adding further goals to secure their long-awaited ‘La Decima’ (10th European title).

Real Madrid 3-1 Manchester City (2022)Trailing 4-3 from the first leg, Madrid faced Manchester City at the Bernabeu in the 2022 semi-finals. Things seemed bleak when Riyad Mahrez extended City’s lead to 5-3, but Madrid weren’t done yet. Rodrygo scored twice in the final minutes to force extra time, and Karim Benzema netted the decisive penalty, completing another iconic comeback in Madrid’s storied Champions League history.

Go!