In the latest chapter of memorable UEFA Champions League semifinals, PSG kicked off their epic win against Bayern Munich with a thrilling first leg. This match joins a collection of unforgettable ties in the history of the competition, including iconic comebacks by Liverpool, standout performances by players like Robert Lewandowski, and record-breaking achievements by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The ongoing 2025-26 UEFA Champions League season marks the 33rd edition to reach the semifinal stage. Over the years, several semifinal ties have left a lasting impact on fans and players alike.
In the 1994-95 season, Ajax stunned Bayern Munich with a 5-2 aggregate victory after a goalless first leg. Jari Litmanen’s brace, supported by goals from Finidi George, Ronald de Boer, and Marc Overmars, propelled Ajax to their fifth European Cup final.
Another memorable clash took place in the 1998-99 season when Bayern Munich narrowly edged past Dynamo Kyiv 4-3 on aggregate. Despite a valiant effort by Dynamo, Bayern’s late goals secured their spot in the final.
In the 1998-99 season, Manchester United produced a remarkable comeback against Juventus, winning 4-3 on aggregate. Roy Keane’s inspirational performance, along with goals from David Beckham, Dwight Yorke, and Andrew Cole, sealed the victory for the English side.
The 1999-2000 season witnessed Valencia’s dominant display against Barcelona, winning 5-3 on aggregate. Barcelona faced a tough challenge as Valencia’s Miguel Ángel Angulo and Gaizka Mendieta orchestrated their downfall.
Real Madrid emerged victorious against Barcelona in the 2001-02 season, ending Barcelona’s 19-year unbeaten home record. Zinedine Zidane, Steve McManaman, and Raúl González led Real Madrid to a convincing win over their rivals.
The 2002-03 season saw Juventus narrowly defeating Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate, despite Zinedine Zidane’s late consolation goal. Juventus’ Pavel Nedvěd’s suspension for the final added drama to the tie.
AC Milan survived a scare against PSV Eindhoven in the 2004-05 season, winning on away goals after a tense 3-3 aggregate draw. Massimo Ambrosini’s crucial goal salvaged Milan’s campaign against a resilient PSV side.
In the 2012-13 season, Borussia Dortmund overcame Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate, with Robert Lewandowski’s stunning four-goal performance in the first leg. Despite Real Madrid’s efforts in the return leg, Dortmund secured their spot in the final.
The 2013-14 season witnessed Real Madrid’s dominant 5-0 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich, with Cristiano Ronaldo setting a new goal-scoring record in the competition.
Liverpool’s dramatic victory over Roma in the 2017-18 season, with a 7-6 aggregate win, showcased their resilience and attacking prowess. Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and others played key roles in Liverpool’s thrilling journey to the final.
In one of the most remarkable comebacks in the competition’s history, Liverpool overturned a three-goal deficit to defeat Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate in the 2018-19 season. Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum were instrumental in Liverpool’s stunning victory.
Tottenham’s miraculous comeback against Ajax in the 2018-19 season, winning on away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw, highlighted the unpredictable nature of football. Lucas Moura’s heroics in the second leg secured Tottenham’s place in the final.
Real Madrid staged a thrilling comeback against Manchester City in the 2021-22 season, winning 6-5 on aggregate after extra time. Karim Benzema’s decisive penalty in extra time sealed the victory for Real Madrid.
The 2023-24 season featured a pulsating clash between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, with Real Madrid edging past Bayern 4-3 on aggregate. Vinícius Júnior and Joselu were the heroes for Real Madrid in a dramatic encounter.
In the 2024-25 season, Inter and Barcelona played out a thrilling tie that ended 7-6 in favor of Inter. Raphinha and Davide Frattesi were the heroes for Inter in a memorable showdown.
In the current 2025-26 season, PSG and Bayern Munich delivered a scintillating first leg, with PSG securing a 5-4 victory. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and others showcased their talent in a high-scoring encounter, setting the stage for an exciting return leg in Munich.
