Relive the greatest UEFA Champions League finals of the 21st century. From unforgettable comebacks to last-minute drama, these matches defined football history!
The Best Champions League Finals of the 21st Century
The UEFA Champions League final is the pinnacle of club football, where the best teams in Europe battle for ultimate glory. Over the years, the competition has produced some of the most dramatic, unforgettable, and legendary moments in football history.
Since the turn of the 21st century, fans have witnessed thrilling comebacks, last-minute heartbreaks, and breathtaking individual performances that have cemented certain finals as among the greatest ever played.
In this article, we take a deep dive into the best Champions League finals of the 21st century, reliving the moments that made these matches legendary.
1. 2005 – Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan (Liverpool won on penalties)
🗓️ Date: May 25, 2005
📍 Venue: Atatürk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul
⭐ Key Players: Steven Gerrard, Andriy Shevchenko, Xabi Alonso
Dubbed the “Miracle of Istanbul”, the 2005 Champions League final is widely regarded as the most incredible comeback in football history.
AC Milan entered the match as favorites and completely dominated the first half, taking a 3-0 lead with goals from Paolo Maldini and a Hernán Crespo brace. Liverpool looked finished.
However, in the second half, Steven Gerrard sparked an extraordinary comeback, scoring in the 54th minute before Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso completed the fightback within just six minutes.
The match went to penalties, where Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek’s heroics denied Andriy Shevchenko, completing one of the most shocking turnarounds in football history.
2. 2014 – Real Madrid 4-1 Atlético Madrid (AET)
🗓️ Date: May 24, 2014
📍 Venue: Estádio da Luz, Lisbon
⭐ Key Players: Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale
The 2014 Champions League final was an intense Madrid derby, with Atlético Madrid just minutes away from their first European title.
Diego Simeone’s men led 1-0 after Diego Godín’s first-half header, and they defended heroically for 93 minutes. But in stoppage time, Sergio Ramos scored a dramatic header in the 93rd minute, forcing extra time.
Real Madrid then dominated extra time, with Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Cristiano Ronaldo scoring to secure La Décima (Real Madrid’s 10th European title). This final showcased determination, last-minute drama, and Real Madrid’s resilience.
3. 2019 – Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
🗓️ Date: June 1, 2019
📍 Venue: Wanda Metropolitano, Madrid
⭐ Key Players: Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker
The 2019 Champions League final was historic because it was the first all-English final since 2008. While not as dramatic as some other finals, it was significant for Liverpool’s resurgence under Jürgen Klopp.
Liverpool got off to a perfect start when Mohamed Salah scored a penalty in the second minute, after a controversial handball decision against Moussa Sissoko.
Despite Tottenham’s efforts to find an equalizer, Liverpool’s defensive strength, led by Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker, kept them at bay. Late in the match, Divock Origi secured victory with a well-placed finish, giving Liverpool their sixth Champions League title.
4. 2012 – Chelsea 1-1 Bayern Munich (Chelsea won on penalties)
🗓️ Date: May 19, 2012
📍 Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
⭐ Key Players: Didier Drogba, Petr Čech, Arjen Robben
This final was Chelsea’s first-ever Champions League triumph, and they did it in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
Playing in Bayern Munich’s home stadium, Chelsea fell behind to a late Thomas Müller goal in the 83rd minute. But just five minutes later, Didier Drogba equalized with a stunning header, forcing extra time.
In extra time, Petr Čech saved an Arjen Robben penalty, sending the match to a penalty shootout. Drogba then stepped up to take the decisive penalty, sealing Chelsea’s first Champions League title in what became an iconic moment for the club.
5. 2008 – Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (Manchester United won on penalties)
🗓️ Date: May 21, 2008
📍 Venue: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
⭐ Key Players: Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Lampard, Edwin van der Sar
The first-ever all-English Champions League final was an epic battle between two Premier League giants.
Cristiano Ronaldo gave Manchester United the lead in the first half with a brilliant header, but Chelsea equalized through Frank Lampard just before halftime.
The match went to penalties, and it produced one of the most iconic and heartbreaking moments in football history. John Terry had the chance to win it for Chelsea, but he slipped while taking his penalty and missed.
Moments later, Edwin van der Sar saved Nicolas Anelka’s penalty, securing United’s third European title.
6. 2022 – Real Madrid 1-0 Liverpool
🗓️ Date: May 28, 2022
📍 Venue: Stade de France, Paris
⭐ Key Players: Vinícius Júnior, Thibaut Courtois, Mohamed Salah
Real Madrid’s 2022 triumph was a masterclass in resilience and defensive brilliance.
Liverpool dominated the game, but Thibaut Courtois produced one of the greatest goalkeeping performances in a Champions League final, making nine crucial saves to deny Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.
In the 59th minute, Vinícius Júnior scored the only goal, securing Madrid’s 14th Champions League title. This match highlighted Madrid’s ability to win even when they weren’t the better team.
Conclusion: The Champions League Final Never Disappoints
From unbelievable comebacks to last-minute drama, the Champions League final has given fans some of the greatest moments in football history.
Each of these finals had something special—whether it was Liverpool’s miracle comeback in 2005, Chelsea’s dramatic penalty win in 2012, or Real Madrid’s dominance in 2014 and 2022.
Which Champions League final is your favorite? Let us know and continue supporting the magic of Aw8 online casino Singapore! ⚽