The recent Champions League thriller between PSG and Bayern Munich, which ended 5-4, has reignited debate over the most dramatic matches in football history. Here are six of the finest, starting with the 2022 World Cup final, widely considered the most entertaining in the tournament's 96-year history. Lionel Messi scored twice and dictated play, while Kylian Mbappé netted a hat-trick, including two goals in 95 seconds, to force extra time. Ángel Di María and goalkeeper Emi Martínez also shone, with Martínez making a crucial extra-time save and a penalty shootout stop. The match will forever be remembered as Messi's World Cup, where he finally emerged from Diego Maradona's shadow.
The 2005 Champions League final, known as the Miracle of Istanbul, saw Liverpool recover from 3-0 down against AC Milan to win on penalties. Manager Rafa Benítez's half-time changes, including the introduction of Dietmar Hamann, and Steven Gerrard's leadership turned the game. Jerzy Dudek's double save from Andriy Shevchenko in extra time and his decisive stop in the shootout sealed the victory. Andrea Pirlo later wrote of the 'absolute impotence' he felt as destiny unfolded.
In 2011, a Brazilian classic between Santos and Flamengo showcased the brilliance of a young Neymar and an ageing Ronaldinho. Neymar scored twice, including a stunning solo effort that won the Puskas Award, and provided a bicycle-kick assist. Ronaldinho responded with a free-kick and a late winner as Flamengo came from 3-0 down to win 5-4. The match catapulted Neymar towards his move to Barcelona.
The 1970 World Cup semi-final between Italy and West Germany, dubbed 'The Match of the Century', featured five extra-time goals in Mexico's high-altitude heat. After Italy took an early lead, West Germany equalised in stoppage time despite Franz Beckenbauer playing with a dislocated shoulder. Gerd Müller scored twice, but Italy twice equalised before Gianni Rivera struck the winner. Had he not scored, the game would have been decided by a coin toss.
Barcelona's 2017 comeback against PSG, known as 'La Remontada', remains the biggest in Champions League history. Trailing 4-0 from the first leg, Barcelona scored three goals in the final seven minutes at Camp Nou to win 6-1 on aggregate. Neymar's free-kick, a controversial penalty converted by Messi, and Sergi Roberto's last-gasp goal completed the turnaround. French newspaper L'Équipe called it 'unspeakable'.
Finally, the 1954 World Cup final, the 'Miracle of Bern', saw West Germany recover from 2-0 down to beat Hungary 3-2. Hungary had thrashed West Germany 8-3 in the group stage and were unbeaten in four years, but the Germans' resilience, aided by new boots and rain, secured an unlikely victory. The match is credited with restoring German pride after the war.
