Last night Bayern Munich handed Barcelona one of their most lopsided and embarrassing Champions league knockout stage losses in club history. It got us thinking about some of the greatest whoopings in Champions League era. We've gone through the history books and humbly submit for you approval and/or debate our Top 10 greatest beat downs in Champions League knockout stage history.
Honorable MentionsAC Milan 2 0 3 0 Inter Milan 2003/04 Quarterfinals
Lyon 7 2 Werder Bremen 2005/06 Quarterfinals Second Leg
10. Inter Milan 2 5 Schalke 04 2010/11 Quarterfinal First Leg
The defending Champions League winners were unceremoniously crushed at home 5 2 in their quarterfinal first leg match against the German outfit Schalke 04. Inter actually took the lead twice in the first half of the second leg but Schalke equalized both times. Things got really bad in the second half as the Germans scored three times including an own goal by Andrea Ranocchia. Somewhere Jose Mourinho was smiling and nodding his head.
9. Manchester United 4 0 FC Porto 1996/97 Quarterfinal First Leg
This blowout made the list for two reasons. First it was a splendid performance from Manchester United as they picked apart Porto at Old Trafford. Second is the video that looks like a bad VHS United propaganda film proclaiming the victory as a warning to all of Europe. United were completely shut down in the semifinals by eventual champions Borussia Dortmund.
8. Barcelona 4 0 Bayern Munich 2008/09 Quarterfinals First Leg
Pep Guardiola took over at Barcelona in the summer of 2008 and promptly sent Ronaldinho Deco and Samuel Eto'o packing. Some were stunned but clearly Pep knew what he was doing as Barcelona marched to a Champions League title in his first season in charge. This game is also made even more interesting thanks to yesterday's result in Munich.
7. AC Milan 4 1 Bayern Munich 2005/06 Round of 16 Second Leg
A year after their soul crushing defeat against Liverpool in the final Milan made it to the knockout rounds once again. After a 1 1 draw in the first leg of this tie they took out their frustrations on Bayern. Filippo Inzaghi's brace led Milan.
Highlights AC Milan 4 1 Bayern Munich 2006 by Maestro21Channel6. Liverpool 4 0 Real Madrid 2008/09 Round of 16 Second Leg
Remember the good 'ol days when Liverpool were a European power This match from 2009 was a great example of that as Liverpool entered the day with a 1 0 aggregate lead and absolutely pasted Real Madrid. A big part of the reason Liverpool won was Fernando Torres who had signed from Atletico Madrid the year before. Torres scored a goal and reeked havoc all night against the Madrid defense.
5. AC Milan 4 1 Deportivo La Coru a 2003/04 Quarterfinals First Leg
Milan were masterful in the first leg against Deportivo handing the Spanish side a heavy loss that looked sure to put the Italians into the semifinals. However an early headed goal by Depor's Walter Pandiani would prove crucial however in the second leg which is No. 4 on this list.
Tiziano Crudeli was certainly thrilled by the first leg...
4. Deportivo La Coru a 4 0 AC Milan 2003/04 Quarterfinals Second Leg
Deportivo pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history after their 4 1 first leg defeat advancing past Milan in the second leg. Depor scored three times in the first half to pull even on aggregate and while they would have advanced on away goals Fran's goal in the 76th minute secured the victory.
3. Barcelona 5 1 Chelsea 1999/2000 Quarterfinal Second Leg
After Chelsea won 3 1 in the first leg at Stamford Bridge the Blues felt their chances of advancing were pretty good even with the second leg at the Camp Nou. Instead Barcelona staged a fantastic comeback and won 6 4 on aggregate. Rivaldo and Figo put Barca up 2 0 by halftime pulling the home side even on aggregate. Chelsea erased Barcelona's away goal advantage thanks to Tore Andr Flo's goal 15 minutes into the second half. Barca scored again in the 83rd minute forcing extra time but they could have won if not for a missed PK by Rivaldo. Barca scored twice in extra time including a goal from Rivaldo who made up for his miss to secure the victory.
2. AC Milan 4 0 Barcelona 1993/94 Final
Barcelona were the favorites going into the match pegged to win their second European title in three years. Instead Milan who'd lost in the 1993 final pulled off the most lopsided victory in a final of the Champions League era crushing Barcelona.
1. Manchester United 7 1 Roma 2006/07 Quarterfinals Second Leg
There have been some severe beat downs in the Champions League knockout rounds over the years but few stack up to Manchester United's complete dismantling of Roma in 2007. The Italians held a 2 1 lead after the first leg in Rome but an early goal from Michael Carrick open the floodgates and Roma never recovered. For my money this is the greatest knockout round beat down ever.
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