Eight famous all-English European ties as Villa & Forest set up semi-final
Last season's Europa League final offered both Tottenham and Manchester United a chance to put their dismal domestic campaigns behind them with silverware - and a route back into the Champions League - on the line. But it was Spurs who ended their 17-year wait for a trophy as Brennan Johnson's first-half goal proved enough to pile more misery on the Red Devils, who went on to finish 15th in the Premier League under Ruben Amorim - two places above their opponents. The long-awaited triumph, however, was not enough to save head coach Ange Postecoglou's job in north London, even though the Australian delivered on his promise to win silverware in his second season at the club.
Luis Garcia fired Liverpool past Chelsea and into a major European final for the first time in 20 years Few European ties have been as emotionally charged as the 2005 Champions League semi-final between Chelsea and Liverpool . Just under two years after Roman Abramovich's takeover , Chelsea were assembling a star-studded squad under Jose Mourinho, while the Reds were seeking a return to the top of continental football after two decades. The two-legged tie was decided by a single moment at Anfield - a controversial Luis Garcia goal.
Liverpool were adamant the ball had crossed the line before William Gallas cleared on the goalline, but those of a Chelsea persuasion vehemently disagreed. But in the pre-technology era and replays also inconclusive, only referee Lubos Michel's opinion mattered. Liverpool went on to complete an extraordinary comeback in the final against AC Milan to lift the trophy in Istanbul, while their rivalry with Chelsea continued to grow.
Tottenham reached the semi-finals of the competition only for the second time in their history This remarkable tie was defined by chaos, controversy and drama involving the video assistant referee (VAR). Tottenham were protecting a 1-0 lead from the first leg but an extraordinary opening 21 minutes from hosts Manchester City put them 3-2 ahead on the night. City looked on course for the semis when Sergio Aguero crashed home a fourth goal after the break but Fernando Llorente struck 17 minutes from time, bundling in from a corner via his hip after a VAR check for handball.
More controversy followed as Raheem Sterling thought he had netted a dramatic late winner - and completed his hat-trick - only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside and send Mauricio Pochettino's side through on away goals. Spurs then beat Ajax in another whirlwind last-four contest to reach their first Champions League final where they fell short against Liverpool in another all-English tie. Chelsea are the third English side to win the Champions League twice Manchester City were still chasing a first Champions League title under Pep Guardiola when they met domestic rivals Chelsea in the 2021 final in Porto .