Best Away UCL Performances by Premier League Teams
With the international break now stopping club football in its tracks, we here at EPLNews have decided to take an in-depth look at the top 5 away UCL performances by Premier League teams.
This particular trip down Nostalgia Lane has reminded us why EPL teams will always be a force to be reckoned with on the European stage thanks to the grit, drama, and skill that English clubs bring to the table.
Manchester United vs Juventus – 1999 UEFA Champions League Semi-Final
The evening of April 21, 1999, is etched into Manchester United’s storied history, as they faced Italian giants Juventus in the Champions League semi-final second leg at the Stadio delle Alpi in Turin. The first leg had ended in a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, leaving the tie evenly poised but favouring Juventus, who boasted home advantage.
Juventus stormed into the lead with two goals in the first 11 minutes, both scored by Filippo Inzaghi, as they looked to bury United’s hopes early. But Manchester United, undeterred and resilient, mounted an astonishing comeback led by captain Roy Keane.
Keane’s leadership that night was inspiring, especially as he faced the bitter pill of missing the final due to a yellow card received during the game. Undeterred, he scored a header to pull United back into the match, showcasing both courage and tactical brilliance. Dwight Yorke then equalised, capitalising on Juventus’ momentary lapse in defence, and just before the end of the first half, the aggregate score was level.
As the game wore on, the tension in the stadium was palpable, with both sides fighting for control. Finally, in the 84th minute, Andy Cole struck to secure United’s place in the Champions League final with a 3-2 win. It was a night that encapsulated the “never-say-die” spirit of Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, setting them on the path to their historic treble.
Chelsea vs Barcelona – 2012 UEFA Champions League Semi-Final
The match on April 24, 2012, between Chelsea and Barcelona at the Camp Nou has become legendary in Chelsea’s history, an incredible feat of resilience against one of the greatest teams of the era. Chelsea arrived with a slender 1-0 lead from the first leg, but in Barcelona’s fortress, they were expected to struggle.
The situation for Chelsea turned dire as they quickly went two goals down after Barcelona scored through Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta. To make matters worse, Chelsea’s captain John Terry was sent off after a controversial red card, leaving Chelsea to fight with ten men.
However, in first-half stoppage time, Ramires produced a moment of pure brilliance, chipping Barcelona’s goalkeeper Victor Valdés to score a crucial away goal. This goal tilted the tie in Chelsea’s favour on aggregate, though they knew they still had 45 minutes of intense pressure to withstand. Early in the second half, Barcelona had a chance to turn the tide completely when Lionel Messi stepped up to take a penalty, but to the shock of fans, he missed, hitting the crossbar.
As the match drew to a close, Chelsea’s Fernando Torres found himself one-on-one with Valdés. He calmly rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net, sealing Chelsea’s place in the final with a 3-2 aggregate win.
This victory was not just about tactical resilience but embodied the essence of Chelsea’s grit and tenacity, eventually leading them to lift their first Champions League trophy.
Liverpool vs AC Milan – 2005 UEFA Champions League Final in Istanbul
Though technically not an away game, Liverpool’s legendary comeback against AC Milan on May 25, 2005, in Istanbul deserves mention for its European context. Widely known as “The Miracle of Istanbul,” Liverpool was underdogs against an AC Milan side brimming with talent, including Paolo Maldini, Kaka, and Andriy Shevchenko.
The match seemed over by halftime as Milan led 3-0, with goals from Maldini and two strikes from Hernán Crespo. Liverpool fans were despondent, but the second half saw an extraordinary revival.
Liverpool’s comeback began with captain Steven Gerrard, who scored with a header in the 54th minute, energising the team and fans. Just two minutes later, Vladimir Smicer struck from distance to make it 3-2, and shortly after, Xabi Alonso scored off a rebounded penalty to level the score. Suddenly, Liverpool was back in the game, and the match moved into extra time and eventually a penalty shootout.
Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek produced some iconic saves, including one off Shevchenko, to clinch the trophy. This victory was not just about Liverpool lifting their fifth European Cup; it marked one of the most incredible turnarounds in football history.
Arsenal vs Real Madrid – 2006 UEFA Champions League Round of 16
On February 21, 2006, Arsenal arrived at the Santiago Bernabéu to face Real Madrid with an injury-riddled squad, a daunting prospect given Madrid’s star-studded lineup, which included Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and David Beckham. Arsenal’s starting XI was filled with young players, and the defence included an out-of-position Mathieu Flamini at left-back. Against this backdrop, Arsenal played with remarkable composure and tenacity.
In the 47th minute, Thierry Henry scored what would be the only goal of the match, embarking on a sensational solo run through Madrid’s defence before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Iker Casillas. Arsenal’s makeshift defence held firm for the rest of the match, securing a clean sheet against the likes of Zidane and Ronaldo.
HENRY ON FIRE! | Real Madrid 0-1 Arsenal | Champions League highlights | Feb 21, 2006
This win set Arsenal on a path that would see them reach the Champions League final, proving that even a depleted Arsenal side could shine on the grandest of European stages.
Tottenham Hotspur vs AC Milan – 2011 UEFA Champions League Round of 16
Tottenham’s return to European competition under Harry Redknapp brought several thrilling moments, none more memorable than their 1-0 win at the San Siro on February 15, 2011, in the Champions League round of 16.
Spurs entered the match as underdogs, facing a formidable AC Milan side featuring Zlatan Ibrahimović and Robinho. Missing star player Gareth Bale due to injury, Spurs showed a defensive resilience that kept Milan at bay, with goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes making key saves.
In the 80th minute, Tottenham struck on the counter. Aaron Lennon raced down the wing, leaving Milan’s defence behind, before squaring the ball to Peter Crouch, who coolly slotted home to give Spurs the lead. The final minutes saw Milan pressing hard, but Tottenham held firm, clinching a historic victory and advancing to the quarter-finals.
This result confirmed Tottenham’s ability to compete on the European stage and marked a significant moment for the club in their Champions League history.
Conclusion
These matches are more than just scores and stats; they are defining moments that showcase the enduring strength, courage, and skill of Premier League clubs in Europe.
From United’s resilience in Turin to Chelsea’s improbable triumph in Barcelona and Liverpool’s miracle in Istanbul, each performance has left an indelible mark on European football. Arsenal and Tottenham’s triumphs added to the legacy, proving that even when facing tough odds, English teams are capable of extraordinary feats away from home.