Champions League Classic – Deportivo Stun AC Milan

Most AC Milan fans shudder at the memory of the 2005 Champions League final when they conceded a 3-0 half-time lead to eventually lose on penalties to Liverpool.


But many will also be quick to tell that it wasn't the first time they saw a side claw back a considerable disadvantage. The previous year when Deportivo La Coruna inflicted just as an improbable comeback.


The Spanish outfit were 4-1 down after the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the San Siro against a Milan side who were not only 2003 holders but 2004 tournament favourites in the Champions League best odds and had yet to concede an away goal in the competition.


They were soon fetching the ball out of their net though as Deportivo raced into a 3-0 first half lead at a thunderously loud Riazor stadium. First Walter Pandiani, Deportivo's scorer at San Siro, slotted home after just five minutes. Then a header from Juan Carlos Valeron on34 and a fierce drive from Albert Luque a minute from half-time wiped out stunned Milan's lead.


It was until 14 minutes from time though until we saw the next goal. Depor substitute Fran volleyed home to put his side 5-4 up - a lead they never relinquished. It was a massive upset compared to the Champions League predictions.


It was the first time a team has ever recovered from a three-goal first-leg deficit to win in the 12-year history of the Champions League and sent them through to a semi-final date with Porto. Milan were left to lick their wounds and rue what might have been.


Sadly for Deportivo that is where their journey ended, with Jose Mourinho's Porto going through to the final, where they beat Monaco in a tournament that was full of shocks and surprises.