Liverpool are back in the big time this season as they return to the Champions League for the first time since March 2023. Jurgen Klopp guided this side to third in last season’s Premier League before his departure, with new manager Arne Slot hoping to build on his bright start to life in charge of the Reds and surprise those betting on football in Europe.
In their first game back, Liverpool passed a tough test at the San Siro as they claimed an assured 3-1 victory at AC Milan on their return to the Champions League.
Christian Pulisic opened the scoring for Milan in the third minute, but Liverpool responded with headed goals from Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk before Dominik Szoboszlai sealed a dominant win in the second half.
That victory in Italy reignited memories of one of the most iconic matches in football history—20 years since Liverpool and AC Milan clashed in Istanbul in what many consider the greatest Champions League final of all time.
In this article, we reflect on Liverpool’s incredible 2004/05 season and that unforgettable night in Istanbul.
The road to Turkey
Liverpool’s journey to the final was anything but smooth in Rafa Benitez’s first season. They needed a moment of magic to progress from the group stage, which came from Steven Gerrard’s dramatic late strike against Olympiacos, sending them through to the knockout rounds.
In the round of 16 and quarter-finals, the Reds showed their resilience with solid performances, dispatching Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus, the latter without regular goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek.
The ghost goal against Chelsea
In the semi-finals, Liverpool faced Chelsea, who were dominating English football and had already secured the Premier League title under José Mourinho.
The second leg at Anfield featured Luis García’s infamous “ghost goal,” which gave Liverpool a 1-0 aggregate win and secured their place in the final. The controversy surrounding the goal only added to the drama and magic of Liverpool’s European run.
The Miracle of Istanbul
The 2005 Champions League final was set to be a tough encounter, with AC Milan boasting a side full of world-class talent.
The likes of Andrea Pirlo, Kaka, and Andriy Shevchenko formed the backbone of a truly formidable team captained by the legendary Paulo Maldini—one that dominated the first half of the match in a way that seemed to end Liverpool’s dream before it had even begun.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side raced to a 3-0 lead by half-time, Paolo Maldini scoring in the opening minute and Hernán Crespo adding two more. Liverpool were left stunned, and many thought the game was over, with Milan’s quality on full display throughout the opening 45 minutes.
However, Liverpool produced one of the most extraordinary comebacks in football history. In just six minutes, Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer, and Xabi Alonso’s rebound from an initially saved penalty brought Liverpool level at 3-3, defying all expectations. The atmosphere was electric as Liverpool’s spirit and determination sparked hope among their fans.
Benitez’s substitutions, notably bringing on Dietmar Hamann at half-time, were crucial in shifting momentum and helping Liverpool mount their comeback.
After extra time could not separate the sides, the match was decided by penalties after some resilient defending from Liverpool’s players, which included blocks from Jamie Carragher and Djimi Traore, as well as Gerrard filling in as an auxiliary full-back to keep Serginho and Cafu quiet.
Dudek became a hero, saving two spot-kicks and distracting the Milan players with his unorthodox movements.
Liverpool triumphed 3-2 in the shootout, completing one of the greatest comebacks the sport has ever seen.
Gerrard’s inspirational performance was key to Liverpool’s success, with his leadership driving the team forward when all seemed lost.
The victory not only cemented his place in Liverpool folklore but also represented a high point in the club’s illustrious European history, embodying the belief that anything is possible in football.
The Reds have since reached three more Champions League finals, winning one under Klopp when they beat Tottenham Hotspur in 2019.
