Top 5 Champions League finals: Solskjaer’s strike and Liverpool miracle

Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich (1999)

In an era where United were synonymous with dramatic comebacks, this was the finest of the lot.

Having already lifted the Premier League and FA Cup, United’s treble hopes took a hit when Mario Basler’s sixth-minute free-kick broke the deadlock. And Bayern continued to press, with Mehmet Scholl hitting the post.

But United held firm, and finally showed their clinical edge. In the 91^st minute, Teddy Sheringham turned a Ryan Giggs strike into the net. And two minutes later, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prodded home from a corner to seal an unforgettable victory.

Liverpool (p) 3-3 AC Milan (2005)

‘The Miracle of Istanbul’ was a breathtaking night in Liverpool FC history. But at 3-0 down at half-time in Ataturk Olympic Stadium, continental glory seemed impossible.

The talismanic Steven Gerrard started the fightback on 54 minutes with a bullet header. Two minutes later, it was 3-2 as substitute Vladimir Smicer netted from range. And on 60 minutes Xabi Alonso produced a leveller.

Then the goals stopped. A nervy hour passed, with extra-time ending 3-3. Penalties were needed to settle it. Reds keeper Jerzy Dudek was the hero with two decisive saves. The trophy was Liverpool’s.

Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United (2011)

Pep Guardiola’s Barca produced a masterclass in 2011, with their tiki-taka football too much for United to handle. Pedro’s neat opener gave the Spaniards the upper hand, only for a fine Wayne Rooney strike to level things before the break.

But Barca’s dominance showed after the break. Lionel Messi’s fine solo goal made it 2-1 on 54 minutes. David Villa killed the game off 15 minutes later, to confirm a second UCL crown in three seasons for the Catalan club.

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