Football can be a cruel, cruel mistress. Fans have learned this lesson the hard way very well over the years. For every glorious triumph, there is a heartbreaking defeat. In certain cases, it seems baffling that it's actually happened.
These five slip-ups, from players and teams, highlight how you can never say "never" in this sport. Just when you think it's over, you can have the rug pulled out from under your feet.
Poor old John. This was the perfect moment for him to cement his legacy. One penalty was all that was needed for him to win the Champions League for his team. Unfortunately, on that cold night in Moscow, the captain slipped and saw his big chance fall away. United went on to win the shootout and the tournament, leaving the Englishman and his fans to ponder his mistake.
This is another example of a club legend allowing an occasion to get the better of him. With Liverpool just a few wins away from securing their first ever Premier League title, Gerrard slipped in a vital game against Chelsea, which allowed Demba Ba to score. The goal led to the Reds losing the game and eventually losing their place at the top of the league. A true heartbreaker.
Now to more light-hearted memories for Stevie G. The miracle of Istanbul is one of the greatest accomplishments in footballing history, and if you haven't heard about it yet you must be living under a rock. With 45 minutes remaining in the Champions League Final, AC Milan were coasting to a 3-0 victory until a dramatic second half collapse saw them miss out on victory.
This is one is a touch more old school, from the 1954 World Cup Final. Hungary were the favorites to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy with a string of top players in their team, including Ferenc Puskas. But somehow, some way, against all the odds, Germany came from 2-0 down to defeat them leaving the Hungarians stunned. They haven't reached such lofty heights since.
It just had to be. When you're 1-0 up in the Champions League Final with just a few minutes to go, you need to be able to see out the game. Unfortunately Bayern Munich didn't accomplish that, conceding two goals in injury time against Manchester United. It was a sign of even more UCL heartbreak in years to come for Bayern, but this one will sting more than any other.
