Manchester United produced a stunning second-half fightback to defeat Roma 3-2 in a thrilling Champions League encounter at Old Trafford on Tuesday, easing the pressure on under-fire manager Michael Carrick.
The visitors, unbeaten in their opening 10 Serie A matches, raced into a two-goal lead inside 17 minutes, leaving United staring at a ninth game without a win and deepening the gloom around Carrick's position.
But the Red Devils, who had won just twice all season, roared back after the break with a display of character and quality that had been sorely missing. Captain Bruno Fernandes ignited the comeback from the penalty spot before Matheus Cunha struck twice in three minutes to complete a remarkable turnaround.
What could have been another chastening night for the Old Trafford faithful instead became one to remember, and Carrick could finally afford a smile as his side claimed an unlikely victory.
United's heroics, however, are just the latest chapter in a rich history of dramatic Champions League comebacks. Here are some of the most memorable.
Tottenham's Miracle in Amsterdam
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg of their semi-final against Ajax, Tottenham's hopes looked dead and buried when Matthijs de Ligt and Hakim Ziyech fired the Dutch side into a 3-0 aggregate lead before half-time in Amsterdam.
Spurs needed three goals without reply to progress on away goals, and Lucas Moura gave them a lifeline 10 minutes into the second half. Four minutes later, the Brazilian pounced on a loose ball after Fernando Llorente's shot was saved and curled home to put the hosts on edge.
The comeback was completed in the 95th minute when Moura sealed his hat-trick and sent Tottenham into their first Champions League final on away goals, leaving Ajax's players devastated on the turf.
Liverpool's Anfield Miracle
Just 24 hours before Tottenham's heroics, Liverpool had orchestrated their own three-goal turnaround against Barcelona. The Reds had been beaten 3-0 at the Nou Camp and were without the injured Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
But Divock Origi gave them hope after seven minutes, and the tie flipped in the space of 166 seconds after half-time when substitute Georginio Wijnaldum scored twice. Trent Alexander-Arnold then produced a moment of quick thinking, catching Barcelona's defence off guard with a low corner that Origi converted to spark wild celebrations at Anfield.
Roma's Revenge on Barcelona
Roma's 3-0 win over Barcelona in the 2018 quarter-finals, sealed by Kostas Manolas' late header, was another unforgettable night. After losing the first leg 4-1 at the Nou Camp, Roma needed a miracle at the Stadio Olimpico.
Edin Dzeko's late away goal gave them belief, and the Bosnian struck early in the return leg. Daniele de Rossi atoned for his own goal in the first leg with a second-half penalty, and with eight minutes left, Manolas headed home a corner to send Roma through on away goals and end their 34-year wait for a semi-final place.
La Remontada: Barcelona 6-1 PSG
Perhaps the greatest comeback of all, Barcelona's 6-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 is so iconic it is simply known as La Remontada. Trailing 4-0 from the first leg, Barcelona needed a miracle at the Nou Camp.
Luis Suarez scored after three minutes, and an own goal from Layvin Kurzawa gave them hope. Lionel Messi's penalty made it 3-0, but Edinson Cavani's away goal seemed to have killed the tie. Neymar then scored a free-kick in the 88th minute and a penalty in the 91st to level the aggregate score at 5-5, but PSG were still ahead on away goals.
With 20 seconds of added time remaining, Neymar chipped a pass to Sergi Roberto, who turned it home to complete the most improbable of comebacks and make Barcelona the first team to overturn a four-goal deficit in the Champions League.
Deportivo's Shock Win Over Milan
Deportivo La Coruna's 4-0 win over AC Milan in 2004 is another classic. Trailing 4-1 from the first leg, Deportivo were given little chance against the Italian giants.
But Walter Pandiani, who had scored at the San Siro, opened the scoring at the Riazor. Juan Carlos Valeron and Albert Luque then struck to wipe out Milan's aggregate lead within 43 minutes. Fran added a fourth to confirm one of the greatest upsets in Champions League history and send Carlo Ancelotti's side crashing out.
