New Champions

I remember saying a few days back that when Liverpool beat Chelsea to make it through to the UEFA Champions League Final it was a glorious day for the red side of Merseyside.

Star-date: 25-May-2005.
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Occassion: UEFA Champions League Final 2005.

It was built up in many ways, one was that it was the 50th European Cup final.

There was also talk of the following:
1. The last time the Pope passed away, Liverpool won the European Cup.
2. The last time Prince Charles got married, Liverpool won the European Cup.
3. Liverpool has worn their prefered red strip for the European Cup finals on four previous occassions, and on each they were victorious.
4. There was talk that if Liverpool lose, Gerrard would leave them at the end of the season.

There was a lot of talk.

Then there was the action. Frankly, there are no words that can describe the action. The match was probably the best European finals ever vitnessed. Fur a soccer purist, it was a great delight to watch the match. It was full of conventional soccer skills, and great tactics.

The first half was totally A.C.Milan showing why they are in the finals. Liverpool on the other hand struggled to get going, and were very vulnerable at the back. There were three goals in the 1st half, all to A.C.Milan:
1. In the very first minute, from a free kick given away by Djimi Traore (who I thought had the worst game ever!), Maldini came in and slotte home neatly. Very good finish.
2. The second goal came off excellent work by Kaka (great ball over Traore to Shevsheko), Shevsheko and a neat finish by Hernan Crespo.
3. The third goal in my opinion was the goal of the Champions League 2004/05. Brilliant, absolutely brilliant pass by Kaka, behind the defense to Crespo who very deftly looped it over the keeper to score his second.

By the break, everyone had given up on Liverpool, but out they came with a plan. Liverpool score 3 times in 6 minutes and 42 seconds and took the match to the Italian club.
1. The first goal was much needed. Would Gerrard stay, would he leave? A good ball from the left wing by Riise (who had a great game) to the 6 yard box, where Gerrard came and headed home well.
2. If the 1st goal lifted the Liverpool crowd, the second really lifted the roof off the stadium. A shot from outside the box by Vladmir Smicer just sneaked in from the corner of the goal. 3-2 still in Milan's favour. But they were rattled.
3. The 3rd goal was a penalty. Gerrard was clear on goal, and would have probably finished it off, but Gatusso pulled him back to gift the Reds a penalty, which Xavi Alonso put in on the rebound!

The rest of the game was more of a mind game. It went on, and by the Extra time, both teams were very tired.

I must say the Ref did an exceptional job. He kept the players in line, and kept the cards in his pocket.

The penalties were very badly taken. I have never seen so many missed. It was finally a victory for Liverpool, because Dudek stopped the penalties very very well.

Congrats to Liverpool F.C. Hope this changes their fortunes in the EPL too, and makes them more competetive there. But will Gerrard stay? Will Liverpool get to defend their Champions League title?