5 biggest upsets in UEFA Champions League history

Where does Sheriff Tiraspol's 2-1 defeat of Real Madrid rank on the list of Europe's greatest upsets?
Where does Sheriff Tiraspol's 2-1 defeat of Real Madrid rank on the list of Europe's greatest upsets?

#3 BATE Borisov 3-1 Bayern Munich (October 2012)

Borisov's greatest Champions League night came against Bayern Munich.
Borisov's greatest Champions League night came against Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich won their first treble in the 2012-13 season after dominant campaigns in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League. However, their journey was sometimes rocky, especially on that fateful night in Belarus when minnows BATE Borisov pulled off a stunning 3-1 victory over them.

Jupp Heynckes fielded a strong team featuring Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, Franck Ribery and Mario Mandzukic. Yet the German behemoths came away unstuck in Borisov.

Goals from Alyaksandr Pawlaw and Vitali Rodionov either side of half-time had the hosts cruising 2-0 by 78 minutes, before Ribery pulled one back in stoppage-time.

That gave the visitors a slim chance of a comeback. Howeer, those hopes were soon squished when Renan Bressan scored a third for the Zholto-Sinie in the 94th minute, sending shockwaves around Europe.


#2 Barcelona 1-2 Rubin Kazan (October 2009)

Kazan made the world sit up and take notice of them at the Camp Nou.
Kazan made the world sit up and take notice of them at the Camp Nou.

Barcelona are no longer the European force they used to be. But back in 2009, they were, so when they succumbed to an unexpected defeat to little-known Rubin Kazan at home, it was a huge upset.

The Russian outfit, given 22-1 odds to win before the game, stunned the defending champions 2-1 at the Camp Nou. Barcelona had all their key players in the starting line-up like Lionel Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Dani Alves, Gerard Pique, Victor Valdes and Yaya Toure.

Yet Aleksandr Ryazantev put the visitors in front inside the opening two minutes of the game with a stunning 30-yard volley.

Ibrahimovic equalised just before half-time. But despite Pep Guardiola's side dominating the second period, they couldn't prevent Rubinovye from retaking the lead as Gökdeniz Karadeniz stunned the crowd with a 73rd-minute winner.


#1 Real Madrid 1-2 Sheriff Tiraspol (September 2021)

Sheriff Tiraspol have announced themselves to Europe in style, winning both their group matches so far.
Sheriff Tiraspol have announced themselves to Europe in style, winning both their group matches so far.

Real Madrid have seen numerous insane results under Carlo Ancelotti, both good and bad. But this one is right up there at the top of the list. Or perhaps, in their history.

The Champions League behemoths were left embarrassed by the Moldovan minnows on matchday two of the season last month, going down 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos obviously dominated the statistics (possession, shots, passes, etc.), but the Wasps held firm, absorbing a barrage of attacks before hitting Madrid on the break.

Karim Benzema thought to have at least secured a point by bringing the hosts level from the penalty spot. But Sebastien Thill stunned Los Blancos with an audacious volley in the 89th minute to seal all three points for the visitors. Real Madrid struggled to respond as one of the greatest Champions League upsets ensued.

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Edited by Bhargav
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