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Steven Gerrard's Personal Highlights From The 2005 Champions League Final Are Perfect

Steven Gerrard's Personal Highlights From The 2005 Champions League Final Are Perfect

The Liverpool legend led his side from 3-0 down against AC Milan in the final in Istanbul to win the Champions League on penalties.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

With no football for the foreseeable future now is as good a time as any to remember some of the classic performances, and Steven Gerrard's vs AC Milan definitely fits the bill.

Back in 2005 Gerrard was captain of Rafael Benitez's side. It was far from the all conquering side of modern day and the Reds could only finish fifth in the league, behind local rivals Everton.

However they had a decent season in the cups and reached the final of the League Cup, only to lose to Chelsea, and also reached the final of the Champions League.

In Istanbul Gerrard really came of age with a phenomenal performance against Italian giants Milan in Istanbul.T

The Reds looked like they might go out of the tournament in the Group Stage and needed to beat Olympiakos in Liverpool by two goals on Matchday Six.

Rivaldo gave the Greek side the lead and all looked lost for Benitez's side. Florent Sinama Pongolle equalised minutes after coming on at half-time before Neil Mellor put the English side ahead with nine minutes to go.

With time running out Gerrard smashed the ball home from just outside the area leading to Andy Gray's infamous 'You beauty! What a hit son, what a hit!' line in commentary.

The captain came to the fore once again in the final when they faced Carlo Ancelotti's side in Istanbul, arguably the best team in Europe at the time.

Legend Paolo Maldini put the Italian's ahead from a corner after just one minute and a Hernan Crespo double in the 39th and 44th minutes seemed to end all hopes from the English side.

Benitez brought on Vladimir Smicer after 23 minutes and at half time Dietmar Hamann was brought on.

In six crazy minutes from the 54th to 60th minutes the tie turned around. Gerrard got things started with his goal, Smicer made it 3-2 and Xabi Alonso made it 3-3 with half an hour to go.

Gerrard had an incredible night in Istanbul. Image: PA Images
Gerrard had an incredible night in Istanbul. Image: PA Images

Goalkeeper saved an Andrey Shevchenko penalty at 3-2 and the 'keeper' would pull off an incredible double save in extra time, with the Ukrainian denied twice in quick succession.

The match went down to penalties and Gerrard wasn't needed at the Reds won 3-2 with a spot kick to spare.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Serie A, Premier League, England, AC Milan, Champions League, Steven Gerrard, Italy

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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@Sidler28