The Reds have had some famous comeback wins in the continental competition. Here are the best of them...
The UEFA Champions League, formerly called the European Cup, has been a happy hunting ground for the Reds. The 18-time English League champions have amassed five trophies in the competition, becoming the most successful British team to take part.
As Liverpool are faced with a must-win clash against Napoli to qualify for the knockout stages of the current edition, Goal brings you the best of the Reds' comebacks in the UEFA Champions League:
1. Liverpool vs AC Milan, 2005 Champions League final
A tie fit for the Gods to get giddy on, the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul was the venue for Liverpool’s fifth and last Champions League title. Trailing to three goals from Milan greats Paolo Maldini and Hernan Crespo at half-time, the Italian heavyweights allowed complacency to tilt the tie to an even keel, with Liverpool surmounting the deficit with goals from Steven Gerrard Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso.
Despite a tight period of extra-time where both teams came close to sealing the tie, penalties woud eventually be the order of the day. Andriy Shevchenko missed the decisive shot from 12 yards as Jerzy Dudek pranced away in jubilation.
2. Liverpool vs Olympiakos, Group Stage, 2004
Liverpool found themselves deep in turgid water when they faced Olympiakos at Anfield in a do-or-die encounter to merely qualify from their Champions League group, needing a 1-0 or a two-goal margin win over the Greeks.
The night got off to their worst possible start as Rivaldo netted an important goal for the visitors from a freekick. However, Neil Mellor and Florent Sinama Pongolle would hand Rafael Benitez’s side a crucial lead heading into the final five minutes. It was at this juncture that Steven Gerrard scored a memorable half-volley, set-up by Mellor, with his shot swerving magically past Antonidis Nikopolidis and sending Liverpool into the final 16 of the competition.
3. Liverpool vs St. Etienne, Anfield, 1977
A Memorable night in the North-West, the Reds came into this tie already trailing to a goal by the French team on aggregate. However, the lead would be short-lived as Kevin Keegan put on his scoring boots to pull Liverpool level just two minutes into the game.
Dominique Bathenay, however, had other ideas as he hauled the visitors back into the lead. Liverpool’s spirit however wouldn’t be suppressed. Ray Kennedy and David Fairclough plundered goals in the second half to push Liverpool through on aggregate 3-2.
zeydnpry
186
A great player he was.Steven Gerrard still loves Liverpool FC so much, no matter what it takes.One character of his that still stands out nowadays is the support he gives to Manager Jurgen Klopp and his team.Not forgetting Kenny Dalglish the support to Jurgen Klopp and his team...it is for everyone to see.. Great family love...Steven Gerrard and others that i don't know, their contribution and love to the Liverpool FC speaks volumes than i can express. This makes the work of Jurgen Klopp and team better though is a bigger mountain to climb...but" We are Liverpool".. Get moving Liverpool FC. In Jurgen Klopp we trust...One day it will be done...
Davichi
80
Steven Gerrard will be forever remembered as one of the greatest legends of Liverpool. I can never forget how he inspired them to win the UCL in 2005 with a MOTM performance against AC Milan (while they were the giant of Italy). Liverpool were 3 goals down by the end of the first half and came back to level 3:3 after Gerrard's beautiful goal. Liverpool eventually won 3:2 via penalties. For me, that is still the best UCL final I have ever watched and the greatest comeback too... full of so much emotions, believe, heart and determination... impossibilities becoming possible. No wonder that final is called "the miracle of Istanbul".