Liverpool's Miracle of Istanbul

The Liverpool's 2005 Team Create Miracle of  Istanbul

There have been few events in sports that have had the level of resounding shock and awe as Liverpool's Miracle of Istanbul in the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan.However, that was not the end of it, as the first half came to a close with two quick strikes from Hernan Crespo, putting the six-time champions on top 3-0 after the 43rd and 44th minute goals.

But, the night proved to be young, and Liverpool came out in the second half with their fans behind them and charging for something to happen, and happen it did. Rafael Benitez substituted Steve Finnan as the Irishman made way for Dietmar Hamann, with the Reds going to three at the back to push more men forward.

Steven Gerrard Kiss UCL Trophe

Steven Gerrard scored on 54 minutes to give the Reds hope of a revival in the last half hour, but it would only take two minutes for Vladimir Smicer to make it 3-2, as Liverpool could not believe their luck.

AC Milan were stunned and still struggling to recover from Liverpool's continuous attack of the last five minutes Gennaro Gattuso fouled Steven Gerrard, awarding the Reds a penalty.

Xabi Alonso stepped to the spot and had his penalty saved, but blasted home the rebound and it was game on with the match now tied at 3-3 in one of the most magical—for Liverpool—and devastating—for AC Milan—moments in UEFA Champions League history.

There were still 30 minutes of action left, but neither side could end the deadlock in the last half hour nor through two 15 minutes periods of extra time and the game now headed to spot kicks.

Serginho stepped to the spot first for Milan and fired over the bar. Liverpool sub Dietmar Hamann then converted to send the Reds to their first lead of the night. Andrea Pirlo was next to the spot for Milan, and Jerzy Dudek dove right stopping the shot.

Djibril Cissé was next for Liverpool and was the second straight substitute to convert from the spot.

Liverpool were now two goals to the good, but scores from Jon Dahl Tomasson and Kaka with a block on John Arne Riise in between saw the match level once again, with the Reds' third substitute of the game, Vladimír Šmicer, now at the spot, who converted to send his club back on top.

The last man standing for Milan was Ukrainian hit man Andriy Shevchenko, who fired straight down the middle, only for a diving Dudek to save clear with his trailing left hand and give the Reds their fifth European title in what to me is the greatest Champions League Final of all time.

Here is the Liverpool's miracle of Istanbul

Champions League Final 2005

May 25, 2005

Kemal Ataturk Olympic Stadium, Istanbul

Referee: Manuel Mejuto Gonzalez

Attendance: 70 024 people

AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool (2-3 on penalties)

(Paolo Maldini 1 ', Hernan Crespo 38', 42 '; Steven Gerrard 54 ', Vladimir Smicer 56', Xabi Alonso 60 ')

AC. Milan

1 - Dida

2 - Cafu

3 - Paolo Maldini

31 - Jaap Stam

13 - Alessandro Nesta

21 - Andrea Pirlo

8 - Gennaro Gattuso / 10 - Rui Costa (112 ')

20 - Clarence Seedorf / 27 - Serginho (86 ')

22 - Kaka

7 - Andriy Shevchenko

11 - Hernan Crespo / 15 - Jon Dahl Tomasson (85 ')

Liverpool F.C

1 - Dudek

3 - Steve Finnan / 16 - Dietmar Hamann (46 ')

21 - Djimi Traore

23 - Jamie Carragher

 4 - Sami Hyypia

14 - Xabi Alonso

10 - Luis Garcia

 6 - John Arne Riise

8 - Steven Gerrard

 7 - Harry Kewell / 11 - Vladimir Smicer (23 ')

5 - Milan Baros / 9 - Djibril Cisse (85 ')