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Top Tens: Champions League final moments

John Terry's slip proved costly for Chelsea in 2008 © Getty Images

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Manchester United and Barcelona resume their rivalry in the Champions League final on Saturday as Sir Alex Ferguson's troops look to avenge their heartbreaking defeat of two years ago. In a game of such importance, the outcome of the match is likely to hinge on a defining moment. When there is so much at stake, all it takes is a flash of genius or an act of stupidity amid the heat of battle to turn the game on its head. We've trawled through the archives to bring you some of the most significant moments in the history of European Cup finals.

John Terry, 2008

Oh John! When Terry walked up and placed the ball on its spot, it appeared inevitable that Mr Chelsea would slam his penalty home and kick-start effusive celebrations with his team-mates. Moments later, however, he cut a forlorn figure, the Blues' skipper seen wiping away tears as Manchester United got their hands on the coveted trophy for a third time. The showpiece between the Premier League rivals - a first final meeting between two English clubs in the history of the competition and only the third time that two clubs from the same country had battled it out in the final - certainly lived up to its billing. Cristiano Ronaldo headed United in front midway through the first half before Frank Lampard drew Chelsea level ahead of the interval. Chelsea, transformed by the equaliser, looked the more likely side to go on and win, Didier Drogba hitting the post from 25 yards and Lampard clattering the bar in extra-time. In a dramatic finale, Drogba saw red for slapping Nemanja Vidic and the contest went to the dreaded penalties. Ronaldo's miss looked to have cost United but Sir Alex Ferguson's men were saved when Terry slipped on the wet grass at the crucial moment and his effort cannoned off the post. Consequently, the tide swung in United's favour, and three successful penalties later Edwin van der Sar kept out Nicolas Anelka's effort to crown United kings of Europe once again, 50 years on from the Munich air disaster.

Zinedine Zidane, 2002

Zidane, unfortunately, may forever be remembered for that infamous head-butt on Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup final, but it is his footballing genius that should remain at the forefront of people's minds. Heading into the 2002 final against German outfit Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid were the clear favourites, but it took a moment of individual brilliance from the French legend to separate the two teams. The Spanish giants grabbed the opener through Raul after nine minutes, but they were pegged back by a determined Leverkusen when Lucio headed past Cesar Sanchez. The decisive moment of the game arrived on the stroke of half-time, Roberto Carlos sending over a high, hanging cross which seemed to take an age to drop. When it did, almost vertically, Zidane, luring just inside the box, unleashed a brutal left-footed volley which thundered past Jörg Butt into the top corner. Zidane's missile proved to be enough to secure Real Madrid their ninth European Cup, ending their centenary year in the best possible way.

Teddy Sheringham, 1999

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dominated the headlines after his poacher's goal completed a shocking turnaround to hand Manchester United a thrilling 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich. Arguably, however, it was England striker Teddy Sheringham's late equaliser that was the defining moment of this compelling final. Bayern, who took the lead in the sixth minute, led for 85 minutes of the match and looked a certainty to claim a fourth European crown. In a cruel twist of fate, the Germans capitulated in injury time. With three minutes of added time awarded, United looked dead and buried - despite their heroic efforts in the last quarter of the match. Never knowing when they're beaten, however, United poured forward and, when Ryan Giggs turned a David Beckham corner back into the box, substitute Sheringham steered it home to spark chaotic scenes. In that moment, Bayern Munich released their grip on the trophy and moments later Solskjaer put the seal on the most unlikely of comebacks with another close-range finish.

Teddy Sheringham sparked Manchester United's stunning comeback against Bayern Munich with a 91st minute equaliser © Getty Images

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Lisbon Lions, 1967

The trailblazers for future British success in Europe, Celtic made history in 1967 when they became the first British club to conquer Europe and lift the cup. Incredibly, all 11 members of the team were born within 30 miles of Glasgow and the close bond between the players was obvious as they celebrated their incredible achievement at the Estadio Nacional in Lisbon. Celtic's eye-catching attacking football was a far cry from Inter's pessimistic, yet highly effective, style and the two clubs played out an intriguing showdown on Portuguese soil. Alessandro Mazzola put Inter in command with an early penalty, after Jim Craig felled Renato Cappellini and the Italian club proceeded to assemble an 11-man wall in a bid to close out a narrow victory. Their ultra-defensive plan - which saw them not claim a single corner - backfired, however, after Celtic finally broke down their stubborn resistance. Making up for his earlier misdemeanour, Craig laid off the ball for Tommy Gemmell to fire home past Giuliano Sarti. In that instant the momentum shifted and in the 84th minute Gemmell fed Bobby Murdoch, whose long-range effort deflected in off Steve Chalmers to secure a stunning triumph for Celtic, who incidentally remain the only Scottish club ever to have reached the final.

Lionel Messi, 2009

"If it does come down to Messi against Ronaldo, well, Messi is one of the best players in the world, but give me Ronaldo. Messi is wonderful on the right but Ronaldo is terrific on the right, the left and through the middle as well. He also scores goals with his head, which Messi couldn't do even if they put a top hat on him." Those were the thoughts of former England boss Terry Venables prior to the 2009 final between Manchester United and Barcelona in Rome. Well 'El Tel' was soon eating his words as Messi made a mockery of his pre-match assertions with a headed goal of pure quality. Already chasing the game after Samuel Eto'o had given the Catalan club a 10th-minute lead, United's fate was sealed with 20 minutes left on the clock when Messi met Xavi's pinpoint cross, angling the ball back across goal and leaving a stunned Edwin van der Sar rooted to his spot. Will Venables dare cast any predictions ahead of Saturday night's clash?

Heysel Stadium disaster, 1985

At the 1985 European Cup final between Liverpool and Juventus in Brussels, 39 Italian fans were crushed to death at the Heysel Stadium after a wall collapsed during a stampede by Liverpool supporters. The tragic incident occurred an hour before the final was due to kick-off, after rioting between the two sets of fans boiled over. Juventus fans retreated into a concrete retaining wall but the vast number of people caused the wall to fall, killing 39 and injuring 600. The awful incident resulted in all English football clubs being banned by Uefa from all European competitions for five years, meaning an Everton side that had just been crowned league champions and won the European Cup Winners' Cup two weeks prior were left reeling. Unable to offer European football, Everton, hailed as the best team in Europe, lost star players and were hurt by the loss of income and prestige.

Jens Lehmann, 2006

Jens Lehmann's heroics in goal carried Arsenal into the Champions League final in 2006 - he went 853 minutes without conceding - but he suffered the cruellest of exits in the decider against Barcelona, being dismissed on 18 minutes for a professional foul on Samuel Eto'o. Arsenal's gameplan went out the window as Robert Pires made way for replacement keeper Manuel Almunia, who was at fault for Barcelona's winner. Although Sol Campbell gave the Gunners the lead with a bullet header, the Spanish side scored twice in the last 14 minutes, with Samuel Eto'o prodding the sides level before Juliano Belletti beat Almunia at the near post. Despite his brief involvement in the final, Lehmann was still named Champions League Goalkeeper of the Year.

Jerzy Dudek denies Andriy Shevchenko in 2005 © Getty Images

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Jerzy Dudek, 2005

When reflecting on 'The Miracle of Istanbul', it's easy to gloss over the part Jerzy Dudek played in helping Liverpool overturn a three-goal deficit and win the European Cup for a fifth time. Dudek didn't have his finest 45 minutes as AC Milan opened up a three-goal lead at half-time. However, after Steven Gerrard and Co. had hauled Liverpool back on level terms, Dudek made an incredible point blank save in extra time. He surpassed that act of heroism in the ensuing penalty shootout, keeping out Andrea Pirlo's effort before saving the decisive penalty from Andriy Shevchenko to seal one of the greatest comebacks of all time.

Lars Ricken, 1997

Borussia Dortmund's first, and to date only, Champions League crown was a night to remember, particularly for starlet Ricken. With Dortmund holding a slender 2-1 advantage over favourties Juventus, the match was heading for a tense final quarter. On 70 minutes, Ottmar Hitzfield brought on the fleet-footed Ricken in a bid to catch Juventus on the break and put the game to bed with a third goal. His substitution worked a treat as the 20-year-old, who had only been on the pitch 15 seconds, scored with his first touch to take Dortmund out of sight. Ricken raced on to a through ball and casually lofted the ball over the keeper with his first touch since coming on - becoming the youngest and fastest scorer of a goal in a Champions League final.

Steaua Bucharest's triumph, 1986

After a fairly demure 120 minutes of action, the 1986 final between Bucharest and Barcelona came to life in a thrilling penalty shootout. Helmuth Duckadam was Bucharest's hero, saving four spot-kicks to stun Barcelona and claim a memorable triumph. Despite their defeat, Barcelona were soon to rise again under the guidance of Johan Cruyff. After Terry Venables was fired at the beginning of the 1987-88 season, Luis Aragones took the reins. He didn't last long, however, with Cruyff soon taking over and assembling the 'Dream Team' - which won four consecutive La Liga titles from 1991, the Cup Winners' Cup in 1989 and the European Cup in 1992.

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