During his interview with Il Corriere dello Sport newspaper, former Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez revealed how the Reds managed to win the Champions League in 2005, recovering from three goals down against Milan in Istanbul.
The Spaniard had taken charge of the Premier League champions in the summer and won the Champions League in his first season at the club. The Reds lifted the trophy after one of the most incredible Finals in the history of the competition.
Milan were 3-0 up at half time, but conceded three goals in the space of six minutes in the second half and lost the match on penalties.
“It was the most incredible and exciting match in the history of the Champions League,” said Benitez.
“You can win the cup beating your opponents 5-0, but you’d never what we felt that night. When we walked into the dressing room at half time, we could hear our fans singing to support us.
“That love motivated us to go back into the pitch and turn the game around. We scored three goals in six minutes and you know how the penalty shootout ended.”
During the same interview, the former Everton coach previewed the upcoming Champions League clash between Liverpool and Inter (read it here). His ex clubs will meet at the Stadio Meazza in the first leg of the Round of 16 on Wednesday night.
C’mon FI.. it’s Champions League in 2005, not 2004
The secret was having Dudek come 1 to 2 yards off his line for every penalty lol.
Hard to believe they weren’t retaken.
The match was a nightmare for me ,dudek rob Milan. leverpool did play good football , they’re just lucky to win the final
Your fans signing had nothing to do with it. You were just extremely lucky. That match was one the most one sides finals in the history of CL, yet Milan for some reason switched off for only 6 minutes and somehow Liverpool ended up winning on penalties in the end.
Liverpool were arguably stronger in the repeat final two years later while Milan were much weaker.
Please…no more about this…it was devastating.
What a total BS. I saw this match and all the luck in the world were with Liverpool. They never ever deserved to win that match.
I’m having PTSD right now. Ferban, one small observation in response to your comment: I think that had more to do with UEFA not regulating keepers staying on the line until the ball was struck at that time. I think they later started really enforcing this. If you watch the PKs between Milan and Juve in the 2003 final you will see Dida also comes way off his line. Anyway, this was a game Milan lost and they only have themselves to blame. Even Sheva had a golden opportunity to make it 4-3 in extra time inside the 6 yard box and just couldn’t put it in. Unbelievable.