I thought I would do this for fun. It should be a good, fun, interesting read for other Liverpool supporters. On May 25, 2005, Two European football club giants met in the most memorable Champions League Final of all time. AC Milan was led by the Italian maestro Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo, a world-class talent himself had the pleasure of supplying service to a deadly attacking trio of Andriy Shevchenko, Hernan Crespo, and Kaka. Behind Pirlo, stood a world-class defensive unit led by Italian and AC Milan stalwart/hero Paolo Maldini. Maldini's defensive unit was a "who's who" of world class defenders containing the likes of Cafu, Jaap Stam, and Alessandro Nesta. And to top it all off, Milan finished their first XI with two quality international players, Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf. Finally, in net, there was Brazil's World Cup winning keeper, Dida. Liverpool was led by Captain Steven Gerrard. The inspirational scouser along with fellow defender, scouser Jamie Carragher, was the heart and soul of a slightly patchwork team. Manager Rafael Benitez was in his first year, and was still trying to mold Liverpool FC into his own team. Carragher was joined in defense by a mistake-prone keeper (Jerzy Dudek) and left back (Djimi Traore). Along with those two, Carragher also ordered around the ever-consistent duo of Steve Finnan and Sami Hyypia. In the midfield and attack, Gerrard was also joined by another motley crew. He was joined by the Spanish two-some of Passmaster Xabi Alonso and the inconsistent-but-brilliant Luis Garcia. Also joining him was one-footed cannon John Arne Riise, oft-injured Harry Kewell, and overrated Czech star Milan Baros. AC Milan had the significant advantage in experience and talent, and the first half they showed it. The Milan legend Maldini opened the scoring in the first minute thanks to some shoddy defensive work. 35 minutes later, Crespo put in Milan's second. And just six minutes after that, Kaka sliced open Liverpool's defense and Crespo niftily finished off his second, Milan's 3rd of the half. While AC Milan had the significant advantage in experience and talent, they were lacking in three key stages: heart of the players, heart of the supporters, and genius of the manager. The two teams came out to the second half to a roaring, Liverpool supporter-filled Ataturk Stadium. Nine minutes in, Steven Gerrard jumped the highest to guide in a John Arne Riise cross. Just two minutes later, first half sub Vladimir Smicer was given too much time and space. He smashed one to the corner, and even though Dida got his fingertips to it he couldn't keep it out. Then, a mere 4 minutes later, in a shaking stadium, Gerrard galloped into the Milan box and won a penalty. Alonso stepped up, had his first penalty saved, but made no mistake with the rebound. The next 30+ minutes of regular time, and the two periods of extra time were filled with all-hands-on-deck defending led by Carragher. The highlights of that time were some great last-ditch tackles by Carragher, and a miraculous double-save on Shevchenko by Dudek. The game went into penalties, where the miracle was complete after a spaghetti-legged Dudek forced a miss and made a save before stopping Shevchenko's shot down the middle to complete the miracle. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEfLpIq_26Q"]2005 Champions League Final[/ame]
Jerzy Dudek Keeper Dudek was mistake-prone. There is no way around it, but what he did on the night of May 25, 2005 was miraculous. Some of his saves, both in regular time, extra time, and penalty kicks were amazing. The next season, Pepe Reina arrived, and Dudek was immediately relegated to second chair. He remained at Liverpool for two more seasons, only making 12 appearances before leaving Liverpool for better first-team opportunities. Stupidly, Dudek chose to go to Real Madrid, and is now sitting behind arguably the best keeper in the world, aka Iker Casillas. Dudek has made only 8 performances for the Spanish giants, but he has received plaudits from press, players, and coaches. His performances haven't led to a call back to the Polish national team where he sits behind Tomas Kucszak and Artur Boruc, despite recent calls by Polish supporters for his return to the Polish fold. Most recently it has been rumored that Dudek is looking set to end his stay at Real Madrid and re-sign with his former club Feyenoord. Feyenoord, the club he played for before Liverpool, is coached by former Polish National Team Manager Leo Beenhakker. Beenhakker gave Dudek his last Polish cap.
Steve Finnan Right Back Irish right back Steve Finnan was nearly an ever-present in the starting lineup at Anfield for five years. Finnan joined Liverpool Football Club from Fulham in 2003. He didn't have much of an impact on the Istanbul Final, and was substituted at halftime for midfielder Dietmar Hamann. After the Miracle of Istanbul, Finnan continued to be an important part of Liverpool FC. He won the FA Cup with Liverpool, and started and played most of the 2007 Champions League Final loss to AC Milan. However, the next season, Finnan's age began to slow and he started losing playing time to Spaniard Alvaro Arbeloa. In the summer of 2008, Finnan was involved in a transfer deadline-day deal which sent him to Espanyol for an undisclosed fee. Finnan signed a 2-year deal with Espanyol, but he has yet to make a real impact for the La Liga side. Finnan has only appeared 4 times for Espanyol, mainly due to injuries. Despite not having an effect, Espanyol's manager, Mane is confident that he will be an important part to the club and has tried to fend off interest from Premier League sides, most notably Arsenal, Tottenham, and Aston Villa. Finnan left Liverpool FC because of his rise in age and his decline in fitness and pace. Liverpool brought in Phillipp Degen, and Finnan was also feeling pressure from the ever-improving Arbeloa and the youngster Stephen Darby. Finnan left on good terms, and all LFC supporters still hold the Irishman in high regard.
Jamie Carragher Center Back Along with the performances of Jerzy Dudek, Scouse-born center back Jamie Carragher's performances will live in the memory of all LFC supporters who experienced the Miracle of Istanbul. While the first half may have been one to forget for the experienced center back and the entire LFC defense, the second half and extra time was a perfect example of while all LFC supporters "Dream of a Team of Carraghers". Carragher's last-ditch tackles, inspirational field generaling, and a never-say-die attitude helped lift Liverpool supporters and the club to a 5th Champions League trophy. Carragher is one of the few players still remaining from the team that won the 2005 Champions League Final. He continues to lead by example through strong belief, hard work, and a collection of last-ditch tackles, goal-line saves, and brave aerial challenges. Despite recieving stiff competition for a spot from younger center backs Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel, Carragher continues to be one of the first names on the team sheet for Liverpool. Carragher has appeared for Liverpool 500+ times, and many supporters expect him to stay with the club in some type of role for many years to come.
Sami Hyypia Center Back Sami Hyypia, the big Finnish center back, affectionally know by LFC supporters as "Big Sami" has been a big part of Liverpool for ten years. Hyypia started alongside Jamie Carragher, a common occurrence, during the 2005 Champions League Final. Much like Carragher, Hyypia battled through a poor first half to play a big part in the historic comeback. Despite his age, Hyypia continued to be an important part of Liverpool Football Club still to this day. Just as he did against Juventus in the 2005 European campaign, Hyypia manages to pop up every once in awhile with a key goal from a set piece. He also provides great cover and experience at the back. It may be an overused statement but Hyypia is a model professional, despite being moved back to fourth choice center back behind Carragher, Daniel Agger, and Martin Skrtel. Much like Steve Finnan, Hyypia holds a special place in Liverpool supporters hearts. When he does leave the club, through retirement or transfer, many of those connected with Liverpool will be calling for a testimonial match. I would hope that he would eventually come back to Liverpool in some kind of coaching role, because he has forgotten more about being a top-class center back than many center backs will ever learn. Ian Rush gave Hyypia the highest of praises saying, "He’s got to be up there with the best signings the club has ever made."
Djimi Traore Left Back When Liverpool beat Milan on penalties in the 2005 Champions League, Djimi Traore became the first Malian to ever win a UEFA Champions League Winners Medal. Traore was incredibly inconsistent and was an all-around poor player. His positional sense was poor, his skill on the ball was limited, and his decision-making was terrible. That being said, he was in the starting lineup when Liverpool made their tremendous comeback and he made an important clearance off the goal-line as a shot was definitely headed to the back of the net. Like many Liverpool players, Traore had a shining moment (above), but he actually had a pretty decent game. The next season, Traore was moved down the pecking order by Stephen Warnock and John Arne Riise who played more left back than the season before. Traore was solded to Charlton for around 2 million pounds. He then moved to Portsmouth before being loaned to Birmingham City. Despite his appearance in the Champions League Final, most LFC supporters will remember the bad of Traore. This includes his disastorous own goal against Burnley.
John Arne Riise Left Midfielder John Arne Riise, the fiery red-headed Norwegian, started at left midfield for Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League Final. Riise, able to play left midfield and left back, assisted the first goal by playing in a beautiful cross for a soaring Steven Gerrard. However, in penalties, Riise had his penalty saved by Milan's Dida. Riise was a fan favorite at Liverpool, due to his demeanor and his knack for only scoring spectacular goals. His left foot was known around Europe as being an absolute cannon. After the 2005 Champions League Final, Riise continued to feature regularly for Liverpool Football Club. He continued wowing supporters with his smashing drives, but he also continued to frustrate them with his poor defending. Though he scored many great goals, his most memorable was an unfortunate own-goal that gave Chelsea the upper-leg in a Champions League tie they eventually went on to win. Despite that goal, Liverpool supporters and players supported Riise tremendously. However, due to congestion at the left back position with Fabio Aurelio, Andrea Dossena, and Emiliano Insua all battling for the spot. Riise and the club thought it was best to move on. In the summer of 2008, Riise was sold to Roma for 4 million pounds.
Xabi Alonso Center Midfielder Xabi "The Passmaster" Alonso was brought to Liverpool as one of Rafa Benitez's first buys. Alonso was a vital part in the Liverpool's 2005 Champions League Success. He, like many of the other players, struggled in the first half. However, with the introduction of Dietmar Hamann in the second half, Alonso was freed up and was able to better control the game. Alonso put away his own rebound after Dida saved his penalty for Liverpool's 3rd goal. Alonso is one of the players still remaining with the club. Alonso is having one of his best seasons to-date, and is one of the first names on the teamsheet as Liverpool continue to push for the league title. Alonso was under pressure this summer, because after a season of mediocre performances Rafa was really pushing to bring in Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry. While this past summer, Alonso was being shopped around, he is now off the market and continues to pull the strings and thrive in Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 formation.
Steven Gerrard Center Midfielder Captain Steven Gerrard was and still is the driving force of Liverpool Football Club. "Captain Fantastic" truly was fantastic in the second half of the Champions League Final. He scored the first, and made the third by driving into the box forcing the Milan defenders to bring him to the turf. The Champions League Final victory was a big part of a big season for the Scouser captain. He flirted with Chelsea, and then went on to score a bucketload of goals including a smashing half-volley against Olympiakos. That goal put the club into the knockout stages. Gerrard truly carried Liverpool on his back during the 2004-2005 season. After the Champions League Final, Gerrard was still listening to the tempting overtures from Stamford Bridge. However, in a dramatic u-turn, Gerrard signed on and pledged to stay at Liverpool until the club tells him they don't want him. To this day, Gerrard continues to lead Liverpool by word and by example. Like Alonso, Gerrard is flourishing with his position in Liverpool's 4-2-3-1 and he has created a devastating attacking force with Fernando Torres. Simply put, Steven Gerrard is Liverpool and Liverpool is Steven Gerrard.
Luis Garcia Attacking Midfielder Another fan favorite, "Little" Luis Garcia was a utility attacking player brought in by Rafa Benitez around the same time as fellow Spaniard Xabi Alonso. Garcia was known for being frustratingly inconsistent and incredibly talented. While he didn't have a huge stand out part to play in the 2005 Champions League Final, he did play a huge role in the knockout stages scoring two vital goals. His first, a tremendous volley from distance beating then best keeper in the world Gigi Buffon. His second, the only goal in the Semi-finals against Chelsea. He toe poked it just over the line. Two years later, Garcia asked to leave the club on good terms. Which he did. Liverpool sold Garcia to Atletico Madrid. When he left, Garcia wrote a heart-felt letter to all Liverpool supporters thanking them for the support they showed him. Supporters still remember "Little" Luis and think back fondly on some of his best moments, goals, and skills. Garcia has been at Atletico for two seasons and has mustered some 40-odd appearances. He appeared against Liverpool in both matches when the two teams met in the Champions League group stages.
Harry Kewell Attacking Midfielder Harry Kewell, the oft-injured Australian forward/midfielder, is best known for having to be replaced by Vladimir Smicer just 23 minutes into the 2005 Final. It was just another injury for the frustratingly talented and fragile Kewell. Smicer ended up making a big impact in the match, while Kewell still got a Champions League Winners Medal. Also ironically, Kewell wore the number 7 shirt, initially worn by Smicer. Kewell came to Liverpool from Leeds United in controversial circumstances. He always had problems with injuries, and nothing was different with his move to Liverpool. Kewell's best season at Liverpool came during the season after the Champions League Final. This was the same season that Kewell vowed to repay Benitez for having faith in him. Kewell put in a number of good performances before succumbing to an injury in the 2006 FA Cup Final. After two more years of good performances and unfortunate injuries, Kewell turned down a reduced pay contract to stay at Liverpool. The summer of 2008, Kewell made a free transfer to Galatasaray and signed a 2-year contract. To this day he has scored 6 goals in 19 performances, and is affectionally known as "Harry Potter" and "The Wizard of Oz" by Galatasaray supporters and Turkish media.
Milan Baros Striker Milan Baros started as the lone striker during the 2005 Champions League Final, and battled valiantly until being substituted in the 85th minute for French striker Djibril Cisse. Baros wasn't really involved in any of the goals, but he still put in a good performance for the Reds. Baros came to Liverpool in 2002, but he didn't really hit his top stride until the 2004-2005 season. He came back from Euro 2004 as the top scorer of the tournament. With Emile Heskey and Michael Owen sold on, and Djibril Cisse injured, Baros was considered the top senior striker for Liverpool. Baros finished the season as the club's joint top-scorer with 13 goals. He notoriously dropped the Champions League trophy during the celebration. Despite the dent, the club didn't fix the trophy because it added "character". At the beginning of the 2005-2006 season, Milan Baros fell down the pecking order due to the return of a fit Cisse and new striker Peter Crouch. Baros was sold to Aston Villa for 6.5 million pounds. Then he moved onto Lyon to join former Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier. He was then loaned to Portsmouth, and finally joined Galatasaray on a 5.5 million pound transfer. Baros, having linked up with former LFC teammate Harry Kewell, has scored a tremendous 25 goals in 33 appearances.
Used Substitutes Vladimir Smicer Attacking Midfielder Vladimir Smicer scored Liverpool's second goal in the 2005 Champions League Final. He scored on a 25 yard blast that just got past the outstretched fingertips of Milan's keeper Dida. Smicer also went onto make Liverpool's final taken penalty in the penalty shootout. He didn't start the match, but he came on for injured Harry Kewell. Smicer had a rough Liverpool career, and the Champions League Final was Smicer's last match for Liverpool. Rafa Benitez had it clear before and after the match that he wasn't going to renew the oft-injured, inconsistent midfielder's contract. Despite his struggles in his Liverpool career, Smicer or "Vladi" will always hold a place in Liverpool supporters hearts for the excellent performance he put in. He went on a free transfer to French club Bordeaux, but unfortunately missed out on playing Liverpool because of injury. He scored 3 goals and made 28 appearances before the French club. However, he suffered a major knee injury that threatened his club and his country career. In 2007 he transferred back to his initial club of Slavia Prague. Smicer continues to struggle with injuries and he has only made 28 appearances, scoring 5 goals. Smicer helped Prague win their first league championship in 12 years.
Used Substitutes Dietmar Hamann Holding Midfielder Dietmar Hamann didn't start the Champions League Final, but he is arguably one of the key pieces to the second-half success. Coming on for a struggling Steve Finnan, Hamann immediately made an impact. Hamann's introduction allowed Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso more time and space to operate. Hamann scored Liverpool's first penalty in the shootout, despite having a broken foot. Hamann was brought to Liverpool FC from Newcastle United for 8 million pounds. Over seven years, he established himself as an influential midfielder for the club. He moved onto play for Manchester City, but he was saddened with the move, but he realized it was a better move for his career. His age, Xabi Alonso's talent, and the transfer in of young Malian midfielder Momo Sissoko contributed to Hamann's decision to move on. Hamann is still at Manchester City, but he only plays sparingly. The "Kaiser" as he is affectionally known by Liverpool supporters was a very important part of Liverpool for seven years. And he is continually remembered as an integral part to the Champions League winning side. He has made over 50 appearances in 3 years for the blue side of Manchester.
Used Substitutes Djibril Cisse Striker Djibril Cisse didn't start the Champions League Final, but he came on in relief of Milan Baros at the end of regular time. Cisse continued Baros' tireless job of lone striker, but he was unable to score any goals. Cisse converted Liverpool's second penalty during the penalty shootout. Cisse was bought by Liverpool from Auxerre in a deal worth over 14 million pounds. Cisse was an international striker and was known for his pace and acceleration, as well as his intense demeanor and equally intense hairstyle choices. Cisse played mainly as a striker, but in the season after the final, manager Rafa Benitez began using him more and more on the right wing. Cisse was an inconsistent finisher, and he could never quite get the being onsides thing right. Cisse returned back to France and played for Olympique Marseille. He was on loan for awhile, but he finally signed a permanent deal. Currently, Cisse is on loan at Sunderland. This season, Cisse has scored 10 goals in 31 appearances. Though Cisse played in the 2005 Champions League Final, he is better known for scoring in another the 2006 FA Cup Final, another cup final comeback for Liverpool.
Unused Substitutes Josemi and Antonio Nunez Defender and Midfielder Josemi and Antonio Nunez were two unused substitutes in the 2005 Champions League Final. Josemi and Nunez were considered unsuccessful signings by Rafa Benitez. Both arrived from Spain, and then returned almost as quickly. Both only spent one season at Liverpool. Nunez returned to Spain and transferred to Celta Vigo. He currently plays for Real Murcia. Josemi returned to Spain and transferred to Villarreal. He currently plays for Real Mallorca. Both left Spain with a Champions League Winner Medal and 1 goal between them.
Unused Substitutes Scott Carson and Igor Biscan Goalkeeper and Defender/Defensive Midfielder Scott Carson and Igor Biscan were both unused substitutes in the 2005 Champions League Final. Scott Carson was technically at Liverpool for 3 years. However, he spent most of the time on loan, and only made 4 appearances for Liverpool. His best moment for Liverpool was his start and performance in Liverpool's Champions League home victory over Juventus. After loan spells at Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic, and Aston Villa, Carson finally was transferred to West Brom for a fee of 3.25 million pounds. Igor Biscan was at Liverpool for five years. He made more appearances for Liverpool when Houllier was boss, but he was often played out of position. However, once Benitez became boss, Biscan somewhat fell out of favor. However, due to an injury crisis, Biscan performed a vital role in Liverpool's Champions League run. He played in Champions League matches against Bayern Leverkusen, Juventus, and Chelsea. At the end of the 2005 season, Biscan was released from Liverpool. He signed a contract with Panathinaikos, but transferred back to his former club Dinamo Zagreb. After the departure of Luka Modric, Biscan was named captain of Zagreb.
Bump. I thought I would complete this thread. With the "Where Are They Now? - Milan Side" THE REAL QUESTION IS... WHERE ARE THEY NOW!?
Dida Keeper The 2005 Champions League Final will be unforgettable for Dida, but not for the same reasons as it was for his counterpart Jerzy Dudek. In the first half it hardly looked as if Dida was going to have to truly make a save. Then Steven Gerrard powered an unstoppable header past Dida to make it 3-1, and it all went downhill for the Brazilian shot-stopper after that. Vladimir Smicer made it 3-2 on a shot that Dida probably could have done better on. Finally, Xabi Alonso made it 3-3 after scoring on the rebound of his own penalty (which Dida managed to save but only push out right back to Alonso). Once the game went to penalties, Dida didn't fair as well as Dudek did, he only saved one penalty (John Arne Riise). Some think the night haunted Dida for awhile. He struggled through a mistake and injury riddled 2005-2006 Serie A season. The 2006-2007 season marked a revival in his career, though it only lasted for a little bit because of injuries and lack of form. Dida has been involved in two notorious fan incidents (Inter supporter hit him with a flair and a Celtic supporter touched him when he invaded the pitch). As of now Dida is the starter for AC Milan, though only because regular 2008-2009 starter Christian Abbiati is out with a long-term injury.
Cafu Right Back Cafu was the right back of the vaunted Milan defense (Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Maldini) of the 2004-2005 season. Cafu is considered one of the best right backs of the last 10-15 years. He won 2 World Cups (Brazil) and 1 Champions League Trophy (Milan). After the 2005 Final he played with Milan until the end of the 2008 season. He scored in his final game for the Rossoneri, and AC Milan VP Adriano Galliani has left the door open for Cafu to return and work for the club. In December, Cafu was rumored for a short return to football with Northern Premier League Division One North side Garforth Town. Garforth Town is known for signing players like Sócrates, Careca, and Lee Sharpe to short-term, month-long contracts to play for them.
Jaap Stam Center Back The Dutch giant Jaap Stam, former Manchester United center back, played for Milan from 2004-2006. He was one of two legendary center backs playing for Milan in the 2005 Champions League Final. After 2006, Stam joined Dutch club Ajax for two years. He played for Ajax for a little over a year winning 2 Johan Cruyff shields and 1 KNVB Cup. In October of 2007 Stam announced his immediate retirement from professional football. As of October 2008, Stam had returned to Manchester United as a scout for the club. He is responsible for scouting in South America.
Alessandro Nesta Center Back Another good Italian defender. Nesta moved to Milan in 2002 from Lazio. He instantly helped Milan become successful. After Milan lost to Liverpool in the 2005 Champions League Final, Nesta struggled with injuries but was still very successful. He was apart of Milan's triumphant Champions League team in 2007. He also won the World Cup with Italy in 2006. Injury problems forced him off the pitch for the entire 2008-2009 season, and despite having a contract that ties him to Milan until 2011 there are questions on whether he will ever return to competitive football.
Paolo Maldini Left Back Captain A true living legend, Maldini is the most decorated player in the history of Italian football. In the 2005 Champions League Final Maldini scored Milan's first goal (in a record time of 51 seconds). After the loss, Maldini described the 2005 final as the worst moment of his career. Maldini stayed at Milan for the rest of his career, lifting the 2007 Champions League trophy (the fifth of his career!). Maldini played his 900th match for Milan on May 17, 2009. He played his last match in the San Siro on May 24, 2009 (where he was jeered and insulted by some of the Milan supporters). Finally, he will end his playing career on May 31, 2009 when Milan travel to play at Fiorentina. Milan plan to retire Maldini's number 3 jersey, with the club only allowing one of Maldini's sons to wear it if they come through the club.
Andrea Pirlo Holding Midfielder Andrea Pirlo, a dead-ball specialist, is more of a holding midfielder/deep-lying playmaker. He has pulled the strings in the Milan midfielder for 8 years now. He missed a penalty during the penalty shootout in the 2005 Final. Even after the disappointment of the 2005 Final, Pirlo's talent, form, and attitude didn't fall off (contrary to other Milan players involved in the final). In 2006 he won the World Cup with Italy. He led Milan in minutes played in 2006-2007. Finally, he was nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year. He also collected a number of personal awards including his inclusion in the 2006 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament. Pirlo is still considered an important player for both AC Milan and the Italian National Team.