Football’s greatest gift is that it is never quite over. We ranked the comebacks on the size of the deficit, the stage, and the disbelief they left behind.

1. 1

   Liverpool 3–3 AC Milan

   2005 Champions League final

   Three goals down at the break against the best side in Europe, and somehow champions by midnight.

2. 2

   Barcelona 6–1 Paris Saint-Germain

   2017 Champions League

   A four-goal aggregate deficit overturned with three goals in the closing minutes — La Remontada.

3. 3

   Liverpool 4–0 Barcelona

   2019 Champions League

   Without two first-choice forwards, Liverpool erased a 3–0 deficit against Messi’s Barcelona.

4. 4

   Manchester United 2–1 Bayern Munich

   1999 Champions League final

   Losing into stoppage time, United scored twice to snatch the treble.

5. 5

   Real Madrid’s 2022 run

   2022 Champions League

   Comeback after comeback — PSG, Chelsea and City all undone late on the way to the title.

6. 6

   Deportivo 4–0 AC Milan

   2004 Champions League

   A 4–1 first-leg deficit wiped out by a fearless Deportivo at the Riazor.

7. 7

   Newcastle 4–4 Arsenal

   2011 Premier League

   Four down inside half an hour, Newcastle clawed back to a point that defied belief.

8. 8

   West Germany 3–2 England

   1970 World Cup quarter-final

   Two goals down, West Germany roared back to knock out the holders in extra time in León.

9. 9

   Roma 3–0 Barcelona

   2018 Champions League

   A three-goal deficit overturned on an unforgettable Roman night.

10. 10

    Manchester City 3–2 QPR

    2012 Premier League

    Two goals down deep into stoppage time on the final day, City scored twice to win the title.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.