Liverpool stopped one of Europe’s greatest sides against all odds to win the Champions League in 2005
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The fixture remains an integral chapter in Liverpool’s history, a true “where were you” moment eulogised by Reds to this day. However, for Milan, the games marks one of their darkest hours on the big stage.
Despite claiming revenge over Liverpool in Athens two years later, the Miracle of Istanbul still cuts deep. Ex-midfielder Kaka – who won the Ballon d’Or at the San Siro following their Champions League triumph in 2007 – took valuable lessons from the “unbelievable” final 48 months earlier.
“In 2005 we were so close to winning the Champions League,” he told 90min. “Beating a team like Liverpool 3-0 at half-time. The pass to Hernan Crespo (for his goal) is one of the best assists of my career.
“In my opinion, (we had) one of the best defences in the history of football, but we conceded three goals in six minutes. That final is really unbelievable. It’s unfortunate that we lost, but I participated in an amazing game.
(The) 2005 (final) is a really special moment. Of course, it was a loss, but I still feel lucky to witness that miracle moment in my life, even if it’s on the wrong side. And for me, it was a very good lesson that I took from that game.”
“The most important lesson for me from that game was that I couldn’t control the result, all I could control was the process. So after that, I started to be more professional, to be thinking more about the details, and then two years later I had the opportunity to be in the final again and win. I believe miracles are made when professionalism meets passion.”
