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Liverpool: Famous European comebacks giving Reds hope in Champions League semifinal

By Ashley Anthony

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MAY 25: The electronic scoreboard indicates Liverpool's amazing comeback during the European Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan on May 25, 2005 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY - MAY 25: The electronic scoreboard indicates Liverpool's amazing comeback during the European Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan on May 25, 2005 at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 25: Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso of Spain scores the third goal during the European Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan on May 25, 2005, at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MAY 25: Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso of Spain scores the third goal during the European Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan on May 25, 2005, at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

The one we all remember and talk about whenever the chance arrives, AC Milan versus Liverpool in the Champions League Finals 2005, Istanbul.

There was one winner coming from this game and that was AC Milan. A team oozing world-class talent and the team who took out favourites of the tournament, Man United. After losing to Milan, Sir Alex made the statement AC Milan would go on to win the UCL trophy. He was not far off.

Liverpool went into the game with no one backing them for the European title, but Rafa had other plans. The game started exactly how it was supposed to with the Reds on the back foot. A goal in the first half by Italian great,  Paolo Maldini set Milan on their way to the perfect start. Then two goals five minutes apart by the Argentine attacker, Hernan Crespo confirmed AC will be the new champions of Europe. That also concluded all the action for the first half.

Then came the whistle for the second half to begin and all the Italians had to do was see the second half out, without conceding more than one goal. Like other comebacks launched by the English side, this one was no different.

A goal in the first two minutes of the game settled the nerves of the Anfield side and installed so much believe, the match was far from decided after that point. It was scored by none other than Steven Gerrard. Then BANG! Vladimir Smicer got his name on the scoresheet with a screamer from outside the box. The game was back to going either way again.

Then a few minutes after the first two Liverpool goals, Stevie made a run into the box and was taken down for a decisive penalty. Up steps Xavi Alonso to the spot from 12 yards out and BANG, he missed his dead-ball kick. But thankfully for all the Reds, his effort from the rebound was sure of the third and final goal, confirming the biggest comeback in a Champions League Final.

dark. Next. Liverpool on the Verge of a Different Disappointment

From that point, none of the two teams could score and the tie went beyond the 90 minutes. Extra time needed to be played. The game went to the wire and surpassed the additional time, requiring a penalty shootout to determine who will be crowned the champs of the UCL.

The shootout was something out of a sports movie. The Reds number one was the hero when the shootout commenced. Jerzy Dudek made sure Liverpool finished the penalty battle 3-2 and the team from Merseyside were named the Champions of Europe for the 2004/2005 for the fifth time in their club’s history.

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