VideoOn this day in 2005: Liverpool's Champions League miracle in Istanbul
One of the greatest, and almost-inexplicable, nights in Liverpool FC history occurred on this day 19 years ago.
Inside the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul, the Reds’ fairy-tale 2004-05 run to the Champions League final under Rafael Benitez had begun to turn into a nightmare.
They trailed to AC Milan within a matter of seconds, Paolo Maldini meeting a free-kick into the middle from the right flank with a strike that thudded into the ground and back up into Jerzy Dudek’s net.
By half-time, the deficit was three, Hernan Crespo having twice more found the target for a vintage Milan side of Andrea Pirlo, Kaka, Andriy Shevchenko et al.
A frantic interval featured reshuffles of personnel and tactics inside the dressing room as Liverpool – soothed and inspired by You’ll Never Walk Alone from the stands – sought to stem the tide and preserve dignity.
Nobody could have predicted what followed.
Fifteen minutes after the restart, the score was 3-3, a sublime Steven Gerrard header preceding a Vladimir Smicer strike and a Xabi Alonso penalty converted at the second attempt.
A miraculous comeback was complete.
Still, they needed a sensational, scarcely-believable double save from Dudek to keep out Shevchenko and force a penalty shootout, during which the goalkeeper’s ‘spaghetti legs’ routine helped the Reds triumph and get their hands on the European Cup for the fifth time.
“At half-time we thought we were going to be losers,” said Gerrard. “To come back and score three goals against possibly one of the best sides in Europe, credit to the boys and we’re just really happy.”
Relive how it all unfolded in the video below…
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Watch on YouTubeThis article has been automatically translated and, while all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some errors in translation are possible. Please refer to the original English-language version of the article for the official version.