Much has changed in Champions League football in the past five years – and few clubs illustrate that greater than fallen giants Barcelona.
In 2017, Barca thrashed Paris Saint-Germain 6-1 in the most remarkable Champions League turnaround ever.
They became the only side to overturn a four-goal first-leg deficit in the competition’s history.
Neymar and Lionel Messi – the two stars of that Blaugrana side – are preparing to play Real Madrid as PSG players.
Meanwhile, Barca is not even in the Champions League knockout stages, instead of facing Galatasaray in the Europa League last 16 while battling to return to UEFA’s flagship competition next season.
Indeed, Barca’s recent European past has found them on the wrong end of epic Champions League comebacks.
But that PSG classic still ranks among the tournament’s most excellent two-legged recoveries.
2019: Liverpool 4-0 Barcelona (4-3 on aggregate)
Barca fans will not remember so fondly a couple of examples: Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool had been well beaten at Camp Nou, with the 3-0 scoreline flattering the Catalans but making them clear favourites complete their semifinal task at Anfield.
Liverpool was without injured Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino for the second leg.
Yet, two goals each from Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum saw the hosts defy the odds in sensational style.
Origi had the final word thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s quick thinking from a 79th-minute corner.
Consequently, Messi, Coutinho, and Suarez left Barcelona devastated.
But, at the same time, Klopp’s men celebrated reaching the final, where they would win a sixth title.
2019: Ajax 2-3 Tottenham (3-3 agg)
The night after Liverpool’s win, Ajax looked sure to join the Reds in the final when they extended their 1-0 first-leg lead to 3-0 in Amsterdam with first-half goals from Matthijs de Ligt and Ziyech.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham took inspiration from Liverpool’s stunning fightback 24 hours earlier.
Though, and Lucas Moura stepped up to emerge as their hero.
The Brazilian forward scored an incredible hat-trick in the second half, the vital third goal coming deep into stoppage time, as Spurs won on away goals.
2018: Roma 3-0 Barcelona (4-4 agg)
Barcelona was stunned in the Italian capital as Roma completed one of the most unlikely quarter-final turnarounds – another that benefited from an away goals rule that has since been scrapped.
Eusebio Di Francesco’s side came back from a 4-1 first-leg deficit to progress to the last four after a thrilling 3-0 win in front of their home fans.
Dzeko, De Rossi and Manolas secured the 4-4 aggregate draw and sent the Stadio Olimpico into raptures.
2017: Barcelona 6-1 Paris Saint-Germain (6-5 agg)
Those humblings at the hands of Roma and Liverpool make for painful memories for those of a Blaugrana persuasion, but this remains the ultimate ‘Remontada’.
Trailing 4-0 from their last-16 tie with PSG, Suarez and Messi scored either side of a Kurzawa own goal.
With Edison Cavani Scoring the decisive away goal for the Parisian.
However, two quickfire Neymar goals – brought it back to 5-5, meaning Barca needed just one more.
Then, Sergi Roberto struck from Neymar’s cross in the fifth minute of stoppage time to create Champions League history.
2004: Deportivo La Coruna 4-0 Milan (5-4 agg)
Deportivo were among Spain’s significant forces just after the turn of the century.
One of their finest moments in Europe came in April 2004 when, despite being 4-1 down from the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final with Milan, they stunned the Rossoneri at the Riazor.
Walter Pandiani, Juan Carlos Valeron and Albert Luque had Depor ahead on away goals before half-time.
With veteran Fran Gonzalez scoring the fourth to ensure their passage.
Porto defeated eventual winners Deportivo in the semifinals.
But this comeback stood as arguably the best in Champions League history until Barca went one better.
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