AC Milan vs Liverpool 2005: OTD 15 years ago, the Reds scripted the Miracle of Istanbul

On May 25, 15 years ago, AC Milan vs Liverpool 2005 Champions League final, aka 'Miracle of Istanbul' unfurled at  Ataturk Olympic Stium. Trailing by three goals at half-time, Rafael Benitez's Liverpool required just six minutes to level scores on night and eventually win Champions League on penalties in most dramatic UCL final in recent history. On 15th anniversary of Miracle of Istanbul, here's a recap of what happened during that famous night in  AC Milan vs Liverpool 2005 Champions League final. 

AC Milan vs Liverpool 2005 - Miracle of Istanbul

Considered by many as one of greatest contests in history of sport, AC Milan vs Liverpool 2005 Champions League final ended with Liverpool claiming ir fifth European crown, under n-manager Rafael Benitez. AC Milan vs Liverpool Champions League final went down to wire with a penalty shootout required to separate two teams and  Reds triumphed in most extraordinary of scenarios. Reds pulled off arguably football's greatest heist from 3-0 down at half-time to eventually hoist  UCL trophy and 15 years on, AC Milan vs Liverpool Istanbul game remains fresh in memory of Liverpool faithful. comeback, drama, historic win and events on night have provided a fitting name for  AC Milan vs Liverpool 2005 Champions League final dubbed as  'Miracle of Istanbul'.

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AC Milan vs Liverpool Istanbul final: Story of first half

Liverpool were widely regarded as underdogs heing into AC Milan vs Liverpool 2005 UCL final as Reds were up against an AC Milan side that h alrey won tournament in 2003 and boasted a star-studded lineup. It wasn't more than 50 seconds after kickoff that Liverpool found mselves 1-0 down as Milan captain Paolo Maldini volleyed into net to give Carlo Ancelotti's side vantage on night. Hernan Crespo was on hand in 39th minute to hand Milan a two-goal cushion with a close-range finish. Argentine grabbed his second on his night after some delightful football from Kaka which left Liverpool 3-0 down at halftime. AC Milan vs Liverpool 2005 final appeared to be done and dusted after just 45 minutes on clock. 

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AC Milan vs Liverpool Istanbul final: Second half and Miracle of Istanbul

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard restored some hope by planting a heer into net from John Arne Riise's cross in 54th minute before substitute Vlimir Smicer drilled a goal to make it 3-2 just two minutes later. On hour mark, Liverpool found mselves back from de and level on night as Xabi Alonso followed up from his saved penalty. With scores level at 3-3, game heed into extra time and Jerzy Dudek produced two miraculous saves to deny Andriy Shevchenko as Liverpool defence clung on to take game to penalties.

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winner of AC Milan vs Liverpool 2005 UCL final was to be decided penalties after over 90 minutes of classic European football. Serginho blazed wide and Andrea Pirlo's effort was saved by Dudek as Liverpool were in touching distance of pulling off a miraculous escape. Riise missed from spot for Liverpool but Reds needed Dudek to make a save off Shevchenko's effort to lift European Cup in most dramatic of circumstances. reliable Pole did just that and sparked bedlam as 40,000-odd Liverpool fans erupted in joy as y stood witness to Miracle of Istanbul.

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AC Milan vs Liverpool Champions League highlights

Here are AC Milan vs Liverpool 2005 UCL highlights and how Miracle of Istanbul transpired.