The greatest Champions League games featuring British clubs

Jack Bradshaw11 April 2012

On the back of Manchester United and Chelsea playing out another exhilarating Champions League Quarter-final, we remember some of the greatest European encounters involving British clubs.

Liverpool 4-4 Chelsea - 2009 Quarter-Final Second Leg

Meeting in the Champions League knockout-stages for the fourth time in five years; Chelsea held a 3-1 lead from the first leg. But goals from Fabio Aurelio and Xabi Alonso gave the visitors the advantage at the break. The game twisted and turned as Drogba, Alex and the inspirational Frank Lampard hit back for Chelsea before Liverpool struck twice more late on to renew hope.

Lampard however secured victory for the hosts as Chelsea advanced 7-5 on aggregate after one of the most dramatic European nights in history.

Manchester United 4-3 Real Madrid - 2003 Quarter-Final Second Leg

Ronaldo (the fat one) scored a virtuoso hat-trick for Madrid in a match boasting sparkling attacking football. In one of his last games for United before he joined the opponents on the night, David Beckham was a shock omission from the line-up and scored twice after his introduction; his first being a trademark free-kick to vindicate his case for a starting-place.

United won the game but the 2003 Spanish Champions went through 6-5 on aggregate after a magical evening at Old Trafford.

Arsenal 2-1 Barcelona - 2011 Last-16 First Leg

In a replay of the 2010 quarter-final tie, arguably the two best footballing sides in Europe played out another breathtaking spectacle for all fans to savour. The Gunners struck twice late on to complete a stirring comeback against the tournament favourites, as their trademark passing football paid dividend.

Despite Barcelona going on to win comfortably in the second leg, this game was a testament to both sides' style of play and one that all neutrals could greatly appreciate.

Inter 4-3 Tottenham - 2010 Group Stage

A remarkable encounter which will be forever remembered for a stunning hat-trick from Gareth Bale; who nearly managed to pull off the most unlikely comeback single-handedly. The defending champions ripped Spurs apart to lead 4-0 before half-time with goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes seeing red.

The North London outfit looked thoroughly out of their depth before Bale eased past Maicon, widely regarded as the best right-back in the world, to score two exceptional solo-goals before rounding off his hat-trick. The game was up however but this was the night in which the flying Welshman announced himself on the world stage.

Leeds 3-0 Deportivo - 2001 Quarter-Final First Leg

David O'Leary's young side gave a wonderful performance to put the La Liga champions to the sword as Elland Road played host to an electrifying night of football.

It was the first time in 26 years that a Yorkshire club had reached this stage of the competition and the home crowd witnessed a display fitting of the occasion. Goals from Ian Harte, Alan Smith and Rio Ferdinand made sure it was a night to remember as Leeds took a huge step towards the semi-finals of the competition.

Chelsea 4-2 Barcelona - 2005 Last-16 Second Leg

A classic clash with the Spanish giants saw Jose Mourinho's Chelsea advance thanks to a stunning 5-4 aggregate win. A tense first leg saw Barca bring a slender advantage to Stamford Bridge which was quickly lost as the home side raced into a three goal lead after only 19 minutes.

Ronaldinho, the 2004 and 2005 World Player of the Year, responded with a brace including a stunning second to ruffle some Chelsea feathers, but captain John Terry scored a powerful header to secure a memorable victory.

Inter 1-5 Arsenal - 2003 Group Stage

Having lost 3-0 to Inter at Highbury earlier in the group stages, Arsenal arrived at the San Siro needing a victory to keep hopes of advancing in the tournament alive. Thierry Henry inspired the Gunners with two brilliant goals as the Serie A runners-up were rattled. Second half goals from Edu, Freddie Ljungberg and Robert Pires gave Arsenal the perfect revenge on a brilliant night for English football.

Juventus 2-3 Manchester United - 1999 Semi-Final Second Leg

United reached their first European Cup final in 31 years after an amazing away win in Turin. Filippo Inzaghi had put the Italian giants two goals to good but a stirring comeback from Sir Alex Ferguson's men saw them draw level trough Dwight Yorke and captain Roy Keane before Andy Cole rounded off the historic victory late on.

United went on to face Bayern Munich in the final who they would of course defeat to complete the treble that year.

Newcastle United 3-2 Barcelona - 1997 Group Stage

With Alan Shearer injured, Faustino Asprilla steeped in and scored a scintillating hat-trick to power Newcastle to famous win over Barcelona. After 48 minutes, the Colombian had put United 3-0 up as the Spaniards faced humiliation at St. James' Park.

Rivaldo and Luis Figo inspired a fightback but heroics from Shay Given ensured a brilliant night in the North-East.

Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan - 2005 Final

And last but certainly not least, one of the greatest comebacks in the history of European football. 3-0 down at the break, Liverpool needed a minor miracle and they got it when a Steven Gerrard inspired revival saw Rafael Benitez's side score three times in six minutes to draw level and then go on to win on penalties. The Reds secured their fifth Champions League triumph on a memorable night in Istanbul.

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