Football is a game of fine margins, but sometimes, those margins are razor-thin—so thin that a single goal, a controversial decision, or a heart-stopping moment on the final day can decide an entire season.
Throughout history, we’ve witnessed title races that left fans on the edge of their seats, players in tears, and managers either celebrating like madmen or staring blankly into the abyss.
Here, we take a thrilling ride down memory lane to relive 10 of the most dramatic title races in football history, when championships were decided in the most nail-biting fashion.
1. Manchester City vs. Manchester United (2011/12) – AGUEROOOOOO!
Few words in football evoke more emotion than “AGUEROOOOOO!”—Martin Tyler’s iconic commentary as Sergio Aguero shattered Manchester United’s hearts and delivered Manchester City their first Premier League title in 44 years.
Going into the final day, Manchester City and Manchester United were level on points, but City had a superior goal difference. While United secured a 1-0 win at Sunderland, City were shockingly losing 2-1 at home to QPR deep into stoppage time. Then, madness ensued. Edin Dzeko equalized in the 92nd minute before Aguero’s legendary winner in the 94th minute sent the Etihad into pure chaos. City snatched the title at the very last second!
2. Arsenal vs. Liverpool (1988/89) – “It’s up for grabs now!”
A script so unbelievable it felt like fiction! Arsenal had to win by two clear goals at Anfield against a Liverpool side that had been dominating English football.
Liverpool were expected to win or, at worst, lose by one goal and still lift the trophy. But Arsenal, against all odds, led 1-0 going into stoppage time. Then came Michael Thomas, charging through the midfield and coolly finishing past Bruce Grobbelaar. Arsenal won 2-0, snatching the title on goal difference and breaking Liverpool hearts.
3. Bayern Munich vs. Schalke (2000/01) – The “4-minute champions”
A title race so wild that Schalke fans celebrated winning the Bundesliga… only for it to be ripped away minutes later!
On the final day, Schalke needed Bayern to slip up. Bayern were drawing 1-1 with Hamburg, and when Schalke’s match ended, their fans erupted in celebrations, believing they were champions. But in the dying seconds, Bayern’s Patrik Andersson scored from an indirect free-kick inside the box, securing the title for Bayern!
Schalke thought they had done it, but Bayern’s late, late goal crushed their dreams.
4. Juventus vs. Roma (2001/02) – The Perugia Rain Scandal
Lazio needed Juventus to drop points on the final day to hand Roma the title. But Juve’s match against Perugia was delayed for over an hour due to heavy rain. When it restarted, a single goal from Alessandro Del Piero was enough to seal the title for Juve—in a match that many still believe should have been postponed entirely.
Roma fans felt robbed, and the drama of the rain delay only added to the chaos.
5. Deportivo La Coruña vs. Barcelona (1993/94) – The Penalty That Never Was
Imagine needing a simple penalty to win your first-ever league title… and missing it. That’s exactly what happened to Deportivo La Coruña.
Going into the final day, Deportivo just needed a win. They were awarded a last-minute penalty, but Miroslav Đukić stepped up and missed. Barcelona, who had won their game, stole the title on goal difference in one of the most gut-wrenching finishes ever.
6. Rangers vs. Celtic (2002/03) – Helicopter Sunday
A title race so dramatic it has its own name!
Rangers and Celtic were neck and neck on the final day. With just minutes left, Celtic were winning 4-0 against Kilmarnock, while Rangers were only drawing 1-1 against Dunfermline—meaning Celtic were champions.
But Rangers scored three goals in the final 10 minutes, winning 6-1 and snatching the title on goal difference! Even the helicopter carrying the SPL trophy had to change direction mid-air.
7. PSV vs. Ajax (2006/07) – A Title Decided by ONE Goal
The closest-ever Eredivisie finish!
Three teams—PSV, Ajax, and AZ Alkmaar—were all level on points on the final day. AZ were the favorites but shockingly lost. Ajax thought they had done enough, winning 2-0. But PSV, led by Phillip Cocu, won 5-1, and thanks to their superior goal difference by just ONE goal, they won the title.
8. Real Madrid vs. Barcelona (2006/07) – The “Head-to-Head” Title
A rare case where goal difference didn’t matter—it was about head-to-head results.
Barcelona and Real Madrid finished level on points. But because Madrid had won the head-to-head tiebreaker, they were crowned champions despite Barcelona’s superior goal difference.
Barcelona fans were stunned—they had scored more goals, but Madrid’s results in El Clásico proved decisive.
9. Manchester United vs. Blackburn (1994/95) – Ferguson’s Mind Games Fail
A rare case where Sir Alex Ferguson’s mind games didn’t work.
United needed a win and for Blackburn to drop points. Blackburn lost 2-1 to Liverpool, meaning a United victory would have won them the title. But they could only manage a 1-1 draw at West Ham, handing the title to Blackburn.
10. Benfica vs. Sporting Lisbon vs. Porto (2012/13) – The Kelvin Miracle
Porto snatched the Portuguese title in the 91st minute!
Benfica were leading the league and winning their game, but Porto’s Kelvin scored a stunning goal in the 91st minute to steal the title. Benfica fans were in tears as their rivals celebrated.
