While rankings vary by personal preference, these five matches are universally recognised for their monumental impact on the sport.

1. Liverpool 3–3 AC Milan (2005) - "The Miracle of Istanbul"

Commonly cited as the single greatest final in history. AC Milan boasted a legendary, star-studded lineup and surged to a commanding 3–0 lead by half-time. What followed was an unbelievable six-minute blitz in the second half, where Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso dragged Liverpool level.

After surviving extra time, Liverpool completed the impossible by winning 3–2 on penalties.

2. Manchester United 2–1 Bayern Munich (1999)

Bayern Munich led from the sixth minute and entirely controlled the match at the Camp Nou. With Manchester United staring at defeat as the clock hit stoppage time, football produced its ultimate late-show miracle.

Substitutes Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjær both scored from corners in the 91st and 93rd minutes, snatching the trophy and securing a historic treble for Sir Alex Ferguson's men.

3. Real Madrid 4–1 Atletico Madrid (2014) - "La Decima"

A fiercely tense Madrid derby saw Atletico leading 1–0 deep into injury time, ready to claim their first-ever crown. In the 93rd minute, Sergio Ramos rose to power home an iconic header, breaking Atletico hearts and forcing extra time.

A completely exhausted Atletico side collapsed in the extra period, allowing Gareth Bale, Marcelo, and Cristiano Ronaldo to seal Real Madrid's long-awaited 10th European title.

4. Chelsea 1–1 Bayern Munich (2012)

An ultimate underdog story played directly in Bayern's home stadium, the Allianz Arena. Bayern dominated the match and finally scored in the 83rd minute, only for Didier Drogba to equalize with a bullet header five minutes later.

Petr Cech then saved an extra-time penalty from Arjen Robben, paving the way for Drogba to score the winning penalty in the shootout and hand Chelsea their maiden Champions League title.

5. AC Milan 4–0 Barcelona (1994)

While other finals are remembered for late drama, this one is celebrated as the ultimate tactical masterclass. Johan Cruyff's Barcelona "Dream Team" entered the final as heavy favourites.

However, Fabio Capello's Milan dismantled them with absolute perfection. Goals from Daniele Massaro (2), Dejan Savicevic and Marcel Desailly delivered the most emphatic and jaw-dropping blowout victory in Champions League final history.

Bafana cause midweek shake-up in DStv Premiership schedule