5 greatest comebacks in UEFA Champions League history

Bhargav
Chelsea rejoice after their stunning 4-4 draw with Ajax
Chelsea rejoice after their stunning 4-4 draw with Ajax

#1 Liverpool - 3 AC Milan - 3 (Liverpool won 3-2 on penalties), 2004-05 final

Liverpool rejoice after winning the 2004-05 Champions League
Liverpool rejoice after winning the 2004-05 Champions League

2003 winners AC Milan looked on course for their seventh UEFA Champions League title when Paolo Maldini scored a rare right-footed goal in the opening minute of the 2004-05 final against Liverpool in Istanbul.

It was the Italian centre-back's first goal in the competition in 11 years, and only the third overall, as Maldini recorded the fastest goal in a Champions League final.

Argentinian striker Hernan Crespo then netted twice in the space of five minutes as Milan went to the break with a commanding 3-0 advantage.

A resurgent Liverpool replied with three goals in the space of six second-half minutes as Steven Gerrard (53rd minute), Vladimir Smicer (56th minute) and Xabi Alonso's penalty at the hour-mark cancelled out Milan's three-goal advantage. Liverpool's custodian Jerzy Dudek pulled off two spectacular point-blank range saves in extra-time to deny Milan forward Andriy Shevchenko as a penalty shootout ensued.

Dudek was not done for the night though. The Polish keeper repelled efforts from Andrea Pirlo and Shevchenko as Liverpool celebrated one of the greatest comebacks in their history en route to their 5th title in the competition.

youtube-cover

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now