On this day in 2005, Liverpool did the impossible in Instanbul to become European Champions! Video

¤The Champions League finals have been played in several stadia since the commencement of the new format in 1992 but one venue that stands out is the Ataturk Stadium, Instanbul – due to the classic final it hosted – Liverpool vs AC Milan.

It wasn’t a “David and Goliath” final because both teams had top-quality players even though one might argue that Carlo Ancelotti’s Milan had a slightly better squad than Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool.

Just like it is said in the local parlance, “life comes at you fast”, so it was with Liverpool, three first-half goals from Maldini and a brace from Crespo almost sealed the victory for AC Milan.

However, Rafa Benitez’s halftime talk to his players ignited Liverpool’s spirit of resilience as  Steven Gerrard, Smicer and Alonso initiated the greatest comeback in the history of Champions League finals.

The Reds with the psychological advantage won 3-2 on penalties in front of their thousands of ” Red Sea” of fans inside the Instanbul stadium.

Relive the moments again 👇

🇹🇷 The Miracle of Istanbul. 16 years ago today 🙌

Where did you watch this epic final?#UCL | @LFC | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/SYlV9FRUOX

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— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 25, 2021