Menu
26/05/2005
Liverpool secure Champions crown in ‘unforgettable’ final
Liverpool have been crowned the champions of Europe following a night of unforgettable football that will remain etched in the minds of the thousands of supporters in attendance and the millions who watched on television.
One-nil down after less than one minute and three-nil down by half-time, Rafael Benitez’ team were dead in the water after Milan ran their English rivals ragged in a first half that was almost entirely dominated by the Italians.
Liverpool’s 25,000 strong support where stunned into a shocked silence seconds into the match when Pirlo's free-kick was met by the unmarked Maldini, the veteran Italian defender sweeping a high finish past Dudek in goal.
Worse was to follow when in the last six minutes of the first-half Hernan Crespo – currently on loan from Chelsea – struck twice. First he finished from close range following a magnificent run to get on the end of a cross from Russian striker Shevchenko. Four minutes later, he added a third for Milan when Brazilian Kaka unlocked Liverpool's defence with a perfect pass for the Argentinian to chip the onrushing Dudek from ten yards out.
All but the most die hard Liverpool fans would have doubted that their flayed team could come back from three-nil down.
But fightback they did and only eight minutes into the second half Reds’ captain Steven Gerrard took the game by the scruff of the neck with an exquisite header to give his team some respectability in the scoreline.
However, respectability was not enough for this Liverpool talisman who urged his team forward at every opportunity and was eventually rewarded with a second goal when Vladimir Smicer struck a 25-yard shot that Milan keeper Dida got a hand to but was unable keep out of the net.
The belief was there for all to see as this Liverpool team, which had changed formation at half-time to a 3-4-1-2 system, started to impose themselves more and more on the game.
On the hour Liverpool's recovery was complete when Gennaro Gattuso pulled down Gerrard in the area as he was set to strike home for a third Liverpool goal.
Up stepped Xabi Alonso whose spot-kick was saved but the rebound fell kindly and he was able to slot past the on-rushing Dida.
The game soon settled with both teams pushing for a winning goal but, in what turned out to be a message from the gods, Jerzy Dudek pulled off two miraculous saves in the second half of injury time to ensure a penalty shoot-out was needed to separate both sides.
In the end, some goal line antics by Dudek was sufficient to put off two of Milan’s penalty takers - Serginho and Pirlo missed Milan's first two penalties – while Hamann and Djibril Cisse were on target for Liverpool before Milan substitute Jon Dahl Tomasson put Milan back in contention.
Riise then missed for Liverpool before Kaka scored for Milan, and after Smicer scored for Liverpool, Shevchenko's kick was saved by Dudek to spark wild scenes of celebration.
A gutsy performance that will ensure their fifth European Champions League trophy win is a match that will remain with Liverpool forever.
(MB/SP)
One-nil down after less than one minute and three-nil down by half-time, Rafael Benitez’ team were dead in the water after Milan ran their English rivals ragged in a first half that was almost entirely dominated by the Italians.
Liverpool’s 25,000 strong support where stunned into a shocked silence seconds into the match when Pirlo's free-kick was met by the unmarked Maldini, the veteran Italian defender sweeping a high finish past Dudek in goal.
Worse was to follow when in the last six minutes of the first-half Hernan Crespo – currently on loan from Chelsea – struck twice. First he finished from close range following a magnificent run to get on the end of a cross from Russian striker Shevchenko. Four minutes later, he added a third for Milan when Brazilian Kaka unlocked Liverpool's defence with a perfect pass for the Argentinian to chip the onrushing Dudek from ten yards out.
All but the most die hard Liverpool fans would have doubted that their flayed team could come back from three-nil down.
But fightback they did and only eight minutes into the second half Reds’ captain Steven Gerrard took the game by the scruff of the neck with an exquisite header to give his team some respectability in the scoreline.
However, respectability was not enough for this Liverpool talisman who urged his team forward at every opportunity and was eventually rewarded with a second goal when Vladimir Smicer struck a 25-yard shot that Milan keeper Dida got a hand to but was unable keep out of the net.
The belief was there for all to see as this Liverpool team, which had changed formation at half-time to a 3-4-1-2 system, started to impose themselves more and more on the game.
On the hour Liverpool's recovery was complete when Gennaro Gattuso pulled down Gerrard in the area as he was set to strike home for a third Liverpool goal.
Up stepped Xabi Alonso whose spot-kick was saved but the rebound fell kindly and he was able to slot past the on-rushing Dida.
The game soon settled with both teams pushing for a winning goal but, in what turned out to be a message from the gods, Jerzy Dudek pulled off two miraculous saves in the second half of injury time to ensure a penalty shoot-out was needed to separate both sides.
In the end, some goal line antics by Dudek was sufficient to put off two of Milan’s penalty takers - Serginho and Pirlo missed Milan's first two penalties – while Hamann and Djibril Cisse were on target for Liverpool before Milan substitute Jon Dahl Tomasson put Milan back in contention.
Riise then missed for Liverpool before Kaka scored for Milan, and after Smicer scored for Liverpool, Shevchenko's kick was saved by Dudek to spark wild scenes of celebration.
A gutsy performance that will ensure their fifth European Champions League trophy win is a match that will remain with Liverpool forever.
(MB/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 May 2015
Six Men Jailed After Whiskey And Chocolate Theft
Six men have been sentenced after lorries carrying whiskey and chocolate were stolen in Kent during April 2013. The thefts occurred in the Dover area. Police said high value whiskey with a retail price of £23,000 was stolen from the trailer of a lorry parked in a haulage yard in Lyndden.
Six Men Jailed After Whiskey And Chocolate Theft
Six men have been sentenced after lorries carrying whiskey and chocolate were stolen in Kent during April 2013. The thefts occurred in the Dover area. Police said high value whiskey with a retail price of £23,000 was stolen from the trailer of a lorry parked in a haulage yard in Lyndden.
15 March 2012
'Drunken Fans' Blamed For Hillsborough Tragedy
Confidential government documents have revealed a senior Merseyside police officer blamed "drunken Liverpool fans" for causing the Hillsborough disaster. The BBC has seen leaked briefings sent to former PM Margaret Thatcher about Britain's worst sports tragedy.
'Drunken Fans' Blamed For Hillsborough Tragedy
Confidential government documents have revealed a senior Merseyside police officer blamed "drunken Liverpool fans" for causing the Hillsborough disaster. The BBC has seen leaked briefings sent to former PM Margaret Thatcher about Britain's worst sports tragedy.
05 August 2009
Brothers 'Win' Hospital Poisoning Case
An eight-year legal battle has been won after a Merseyside hospital admitted effectively poisoning two brothers. Liam McNeely, 35, and his brother Paul, 39, received blood transfusions for a rare form of anaemia at the Royal Liverpool Hospital.
Brothers 'Win' Hospital Poisoning Case
An eight-year legal battle has been won after a Merseyside hospital admitted effectively poisoning two brothers. Liam McNeely, 35, and his brother Paul, 39, received blood transfusions for a rare form of anaemia at the Royal Liverpool Hospital.
17 October 2007
More Talks Due In Postal Dispute
The leaders of the Communication Workers' Union are due to meet with Royal Mail management for further talks on Thursday to decide whether to recommend an offer on pay and conditions to their members. The union reportedly wants to clarify outstanding issues of the deal.
More Talks Due In Postal Dispute
The leaders of the Communication Workers' Union are due to meet with Royal Mail management for further talks on Thursday to decide whether to recommend an offer on pay and conditions to their members. The union reportedly wants to clarify outstanding issues of the deal.
13 March 2009
Inter Milan Deny Mourinho Assault Allegations
Inter Milan have denied allegations that manager Jose Mourinho assaulted a fan after Wednesday's Champions League match. Mourinho allegedly punched the Manchester United supporter in the face close to the Inter team bus as he left Old Trafford following his team’s defeat.
Inter Milan Deny Mourinho Assault Allegations
Inter Milan have denied allegations that manager Jose Mourinho assaulted a fan after Wednesday's Champions League match. Mourinho allegedly punched the Manchester United supporter in the face close to the Inter team bus as he left Old Trafford following his team’s defeat.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
