On 25 May 2005, the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, was destined to go down in history as the 2005 UEFA Champions League final between Italian side AC Milan and English side Liverpool. This game is called the "Istanbul Miracle". For all football fans, this game is a classic, it shows us the essence of the football game, even in seemingly desperate situations, with faith and perseverance, we can create miracles. For me, this game was the beginning of my love for Liverpool.
As a football lover, I have loved the sport since I was a child. I love watching the game, I prefer to support a team, cheer them on, and feel the different emotions that come with victory and defeat. Before the game, I didn't pay much attention to Liverpool, after all, for me, AC Milan was the strong team at that time. Everyone thought AC Milan would win this match because they had the best players and strongest squad in the world. Liverpool, on the other hand, are considered to be a weak team with no hope of winning the game. However, the result turned everyone upside down and Liverpool trailed 3-0 at the end of the first half and fans began to be disappointed and frustrated. Some people have even turned off the TV and want to go to sleep.
Gerrard scored with a header
However, for Liverpool players and fans, the game is not over. They've always believed in their team and believe they can do miracles. As the game went on, Liverpool became more and more prosperous, and at the start of the second half, Liverpool showed a completely different form. They started attacking and in the 53rd minute, captain Steven Gerrard took a pass from Reeser and headed a ball 10 meters in front of goal, the ball fell past Dida into the far corner, and Liverpool made it 1-3. In the 56th minute, Reeser threw a touchline ball on the left sideline, Alonso and Harman crossed back, Smitchell fired a powerful low right-footed shot from 26 meters in front of goal, and Baros next to Stam closed his stomach to give the ball to the bottom left corner, 2-3. In the 60th minute, Gerrard burst into the box, Gattuso tripped behind his back, Gonzalez awarded a penalty, Alonso took the penalty and pushed it right-footed into the bottom left corner, Dida saved from the side, but Alonso followed in time, 5 meters from the left post left-footed shot into the top of the goal, Liverpool miraculously scored three goals in just six minutes to tie the score 3-3.
Alonso added a shot
In the following match, the two sides engaged in a fierce competition. Liverpool put in a stunning performance at the back, while AC Milan tried to break the deadlock with their own attack. However, towards the end of the match, AC Milan still did not score and the game fell into a penalty shootout.
When the game went to a penalty shoot-out, my heart started beating faster and I started cheering for Liverpool. In the penalty shootout, Liverpool's goalkeeper Dudek performed well, saving two penalties in a row to win for Liverpool. The game was over and Liverpool did a miracle that shocked everyone. In the end, Liverpool won the match 3-2 and created a miracle.
Dudeck saves the penalty
This game had a big impact on me, it made me realize that football is not just about scores and wins and losses, there are more things like faith and perseverance. The game also got me looking at Liverpool, I started researching their history and their players, understanding their tactics and style of play. I grew to like this team because not only do they have a lot of quality, but they also have a very positive mentality.
I've been following Liverpool for the next few years and I'll cheer them on before every game and applaud them after every game. I saw Liverpool's strengths and weaknesses, their wins and losses, but I never lost support and love for them.