The Greatest Loss (for AC Milan)

Losses are something every fan has to deal with. At their best, they’re expected, and their worst – heart breaking. For me, the 2005 Champions League final was definitely the latter.

Looking back on it now, time hasn’t healed any wounds. In fact, as the following decade has passed and these players have now finished incredible careers or faded away, it’s now, easier than ever to analyse just how much of a shock, and just how unexpected this loss was.

First, let’s look at the team that lost that fateful night in Istanbul. With the aid of hindsight, we can see that this is simply a team of stars. On both defence and attack this team features some of the most gifted players the game has ever seen. Featuring a backline with Cafu and Maldini almost seems unfair, today, they are regarded as to of the best defenders the sport has ever seen. A midfield with the sheer might of Clarence Seedorf, a player who would win the champions league 3 times with 3 different teams, coupled with the grace of Andrea Pirlo in his peak, ensured this was a midfield capable not only defending any attack, but just as easily taking apart defences. Going forward, Ricardo Kaka, playing at his peak led the line, at this point in his career he was considered one of the elite attackers in the game, throughout the tournaments many teams found his pace and guile impossible to deal with.

During the first 45 minutes of this match it seemed like this Liverpool squad were out of their depth. Milan attacked with pace and were deadly on the counter. Maldini scored within the first minute, before Crespo added 2 goals just before half time. The third goal in particular ranks amongst my favourite of all time. Kaka received the ball in midfield and, with a single pass, cuts 4 Liverpool defenders out of the game before Crespo finished the move by chipping the rushing Dudek. I remember sitting back during half time with such a sense of relief, I had been worried about the match for most of the day, and seeing Milan go out there and take apart Liverpool was extremely gratifying.

If the first half was a dream, the second was a nightmare. Our masterful defence that had dealt with Liverpool with ease for 45 minutes now seemed to be struggling. Gerrard and Alonso were marauding forward with ease and when Gerrard scored in the 54th minute it opened the floodgates. 2 more goals followed, Smicer shooting from range before Alonso converted a penalty. The match then turned into a battle of stamina for the next hour, both teams were clearly tiring but not giving an inch, in the penalty shootout, Liverpool’s Dudek was the hero. I remember as clear as day the shock and disbelief I felt, seeing those great players in such an inconsolable state reminded me that despite their superstar status, worldwide adoration and multi-million pound deals, at that point we shared the same feeling - and it was awful.