Thursday, May 26, 2005
Kings of Europe! - 9:15 AM
What a match, what a come back! After the first half, I thought everything was gone. The whole world must have thought so too. But Liverpool are Kings of Europe once again after claiming the trophy for a fifth time with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over AC Milan yesterdae night.On what will go down as THE most incredible night, the Reds amazingly fought back from a 3-0 half-time deficit and won the on penalties. Jerzy Dudek was the hero, saving the decisive spot-kick from Andriy Shevchenko, but every player in Red was a hero on an unforgettable occasion in Istanbul. A first minute goal from Paolo Maldini and a double strike from Hernan Crespo just before the break looked to have left the Reds' hopes of Champions League glory seemingly in tatters before an amazing fightback saw them draw level.
It was captain Steven Gerrard who got the comeback underway with a glancing header on 54 minutes. At the time it seemed nothing but a mere consolation but when Vladimir Smicer, in his last game for the club, then fired a long-range effort past Dida two minutes later belief and hope rung around the ground. In the 59th minute Gerrard was brought down in the box and from the resultant spot-kick it was 3-3. Alonso's first effort was saved by the diving Dida but he gloriously made no mistake with the rebound to spark ecstatic scenes among the travelling Liverpool fans. The most miraculous of comebacks saw the Reds send this dramatic match into extra-time. There was to be no further scoring, although Liverpool had Jerzy Dudek to thank for a stunning double late save to deny Shevchenko, and for the second time a European Cup Final involving Liverpool was to be settled by the lottery of a penalty shoot-out. Hamann, Cisse and Smicer scored, Riise's effort was saved but Serginho blazed over and Dudek saved from Pirlo and Shevchenko to win the cup for Liverpool.
After supporting Liverpool for 10 years, This is one of the proudest moments I ever had. One thing for sure, Liverpool have taught me nothing is impossible, as long as you believe! reds, you are the best!