MIRACLE OF FINAL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2005 AT ISTANBUL

Kemal Ataturk stadium walls as thin as paper. Of the Liverpool dressing room, cheering AC Milan players in different rooms so clearly audible. All the Liverpool players bowed sluggish. No one dared to hold his head. On the final night of Champions League 2004/05, the Milan provides a severe blow to Liverpool. Able Milan a 3-0 lead at halftime. The veteran defender Paolo Maldini opened the scoring in the first minute of the match. Before halftime, Hernan Crespo supplement it with two goals. Perfect start.

Do not want to be driven moodiness, Rafael Benitez gather breath and stood in the middle of the players. The manager knew that she only had 15 minutes to restore the team's confidence. When running from the bench to the locker room, Benitez troubled mind searching sentences in proper English to "turn on" the players. Sentence out of her mouth then simple.

“Do not bow your heads. We are Liverpool. Guys playing for Liverpool. Never forget that. Guys should keep your heads up for fans. Guys should do that for them", she exclaimed.

You do not deserve mention Liverpool players if you bowed your head. If we create a few chances, we got a chance in this match. Believe the one you are able to do so. Give yourself a chance for you to come out as a hero."

Locker room before the team out, Rafa formations compose new scheme on the board. To inhibit Kaka, Rafa asked Dietmar Hamann prepares appear to replace Djimi Traore. However, when told Steve Finnan is injured, Benitez had to call back Traore who pulled off his shoes and walked to the bathroom. Final decision, Finnan out, Hamann entry.

Rafa aware, there was no harm in sacrificing a defender. Liverpool played with three defenders and captain Steven Gerrard pushed forward. Liverpool did have to get up, now or never.

Here's fifteen minutes are decisive. Fifteen minutes that changed everything. The second half belonged to Liverpool. Nine minutes walk, Liverpool stadium lit a fuse explosive. In a span of six minutes later, Liverpool switch control of the situation. Steven Gerrard gave an inspirational goal through a header to meet John Arne Riise bait. Not long ago, long-distance hard kick Vladimir Smicer irresistible Dida. Not to mention Milan to organize themselves, in the 60th minute, Gerrard was dropped in the box by Gennaro Gattuso. Penalty! Initially, the execution was arrested Dida Xabi Alonso, but Alonso was immediately struck by the ball gag.

Unfinished story. 3-3 last up to 90 minutes. The match was extended by 30 minutes, but still can not determine the winner. Champions League that season had to be settled by penalties.

Before "gambling round" it begins, Jamie Carragher came over goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek. Carra Dudek suggested that doing "something" to distract Milan player. Dudek immediately thought of video footage ever witnessed. Spaghetti legs! When European Cup final penalty shootout against AS Roma in 1984, the predecessor Dudek, Bruce Grobbelaar, twist-twist legs. Whether it is an effect or not, Grobbelaar managed to bring Liverpool to win and win the Champions Cup.

Dudek used the same trick when Andriy Shevchenko last duty as executor of Milan. Evidently, the old trick successfully. Sheva execution leads to the middle of the goal and with one hand, holding Dudek. Liverpool had dominated Europe! Toil menggemuruhkan Liverpool fans who continue to support their favorite club paid off!

This miracle in Istanbul later immortalized in the movie Fifteen Minutes That Shook The World. Why not, the final of the Champions League season was very dramatic and prove anything is possible in football.