The best teams from Europe’s top leagues compete for the UEFA Champions League title, and the odds are often stacked against the underdogs. However, there have been several occasions when these underdogs have defied the odds and lifted the trophy.
Here are some of the best underdog triumphs in Champions League history:
Nottingham Forest (1978-80)
In the 1978-79 season, Nottingham Forest was the only English club in the competition, and they were facing some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Barcelona, Dynamo Kyiv, and AEK Athens. Without a doubt, they were seen as the underdogs. However, Trevor Francis led their strong defence and clinical attack helped them overcome the challenges presented.
In the semi-final, they were up against Dynamo Kyiv. Their first leg 1-0 win, and 0-0 draw in the second, helped them advance to the final. This is where they then met the relatively unknown Swedish team, Malmö FF. This didn’t scare Forest though, who won 1-0 and claimed their very first European title.
Red Star Belgrade (1990-91)
Red Star was the first time from outside of Western Europe to win the European Cup. In the final they faced the defending champions and tournament favourites Olympique de Marseille. The game was very close throughout, however Darko Pančev scored the crucial goal outside the penalty area into the top corner in the 87th minute.
Red Star’s victory was a huge upset, in fact, throughout the tournament they weren’t the most talented of teams but their resilience, and their determination is what led them to victory.
Borussia Dortmund (1996-97)
When it came to the 1996-97 Champions League, Dortmund was far from being the favourites, and in the semi-finals were facing defending champions Barcelona. In the first leg the managed to hold Barcelona to a 1-1 draw and won the second leg 3-1 to advance on to the final where they would face Juventus.
The final itself was very closely contested and after going to extra time, the game ended 3-3 leading to penalties. It was extremely close, ending 5-4 for Dortmund, where they were then able to lift the Champions League trophy.
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Credit: UEFA | Source: https://editorial.uefa.com/resources/0250-0c50f0a3022d-46d60dcb9983-1000/1997_bv_borussia_dortmund.jpeg
Porto (2003-04)
In the 2003-04 Champions League, Porto were considered the underdogs. They weren’t expected to win their group, let alone the actual competition.
Despite being the underdogs, Porto were able to defeat huge clubs like Monaco, Manchester United, and Real Madrid on their way to the final. It was their victory in the semi-finals against Real Madrid that was the most impressive, with a 0-0 draw in the first leg, and a second leg win of 3-2.
The final itself was against Monaco and the match was tied at 0-0 so headed to extra time. This seemed it was where Porto found their second win, scoring three goals to take the victory.
Liverpool (2004-05)
Without a doubt, Liverpool’s victorious comeback in the 2004-05 Champions League final against AC Milan is legendary. Come half time they were trailing 3-0. However, in the second half, they managed to level the game by scoring three powerful goals, forcing the game to a 3-3 draw and extra time.
The score remained the same during extra time and eventually headed to penalties. A nerve-wracking moment for any time. But Liverpool went on to win the shootout in spectacular fashion. Even today it is considered one of the most iconic moments.
It’s Liverpool’s ‘Never say die’ attitude that brought them back from what seemed an impossible position, that continues to inspire football fans around the world.
These are just a few of the best underdog triumphs in Champions League history. These teams defied the odds and achieved something exceptional. They are an inspiration to all football fans, and their stories will be told for generations to come.
