The Champions League is a competition that has always brought out the best in fans. Let’s explore some of the best atmospheres in recent history. There have been some memorable occasions where crowds have inspired players to do incredible things.
Another great European night at Anfield
Liverpool triumphed over Manchester City in this Champions League quarter-final first leg from 2018. The Sky Blues went into the match as favourites and would finish their Premier League campaign with 100 points. Many thought they would overpower Liverpool in this tie. However, those firm supporters in The Kop had other ideas. A stunning performance saw them win the first leg 3-0 and ultimately progress to the semi-final. The Reds would reach the final, where they would lose to Real Madrid. They were, nonetheless, European champions for the sixth time 12 months later.
All in all, a seventh title at the end of this campaign would add more gloss to their history in the competition. The latest Champions League odds have City and Liverpool priced as joint-favourites at 6/5 to win it this time around.
A passionate Old Trafford crowd inspires United
Very few Manchester United fans or players will forget their 7-1 thrashing of Roma back in 2007. Their home support has occasionally been criticised for its lack of noise, but they came alive for this game. They were trailing 2-1 from the first leg against Roma and needed the crowd on their side. They duly obliged and created an incredible atmosphere. The players responded with one of the best attacking performances ever seen at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils would ultimately come unstuck in the next round against AC Milan, but would be European champions at the end of the next campaign. Roma too have since had some memorable European nights of their own.
“Roma have risen from their ruins!”
This game saw an incredible second-leg comeback from Roma. Barcelona won the first leg 4-1 and were favourites to progress to the semi-final. When defender Defender Kostas Manolas scored the vital third goal on the night, the Stadio Olympico made an incredible noise and fans celebrated like they had won the competition. Barcelona were shell-shocked, and the fans played a part in this unbelievable performance.
Celtic defy the odds
Celtic had shocked Manchester United the season before, and they would put in a similar performance here to beat another big European side in AC Milan. The Italian giant had some great players at the time, including Ballon d’Or winner Kaka, and were the reigning European champions. That didn’t faze the boys in green and white, as they won 2-1.
They do have a great history in the competition. The Glasgow side were the first British club to win it in 1967. In more recent times, they have struggled to progress to the latter stages but have been capable of putting on a show, usually helped by that passionate crowd at Celtic Park.

And the one where it didn’t quite come off
Ajax faced Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of the 2019 semi-final knowing that a draw would see them reach their first final since 1996. They were 2-0 up half-time and seemed destined to progress. However, Tottenham’s three second-half goals devastated everyone at the Amsterdam Arena. Unfortunately for Ajax, this is the best they’ve done in recent years. Perhaps this game is a perfect example that whilst fans can have a huge impact, sometimes it’s just not enough.
This competition is the gift that keeps on giving, so it will undoubtedly produce more historic games.
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