Back in history: Istanbul at 18

Istanbul will be the venue for the final match of the Champions League, between Inter Milan and Man City. Looking for excitement, fans started to rewind the history, where 18 years ago, Istanbul had a magical night.

Istanbul marks 18 years since the magical night

Against the Stars

On May 25, 2005, the world temporarily stopped working to turn its eyes to the Olimpico Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey, where the Champions League final between AC Milan and Liverpool took place.

The reputation of the two teams is a guarantee for a top-notch match, but if we consider the balance of power, it is difficult to say that this is a balanced match.

The AC Milan team that day were stars spread across all lines.

AC Milan's squad that year was a galaxy of world-class stars like Dida, Maldini, Pirlo, Kaka and especially the European superstar Shevchenko. This excellent team was led by veteran coach Ancelotti.

Most of the names in the AC Milan squad had conquered Europe 2 years ago and now, they were eager to win the Champions League to confirm their position as a giant. Many people even compared AC Milan that year to an invincible army with no enemies.

For Liverpool, the Champions League is considered a lifeline for the port city team, when they only ranked 5th in the Premier League and were eliminated from the 3rd round of the FA Cup.

At that time, Benitez's team did not have any big names, most of them were young talents on the way to asserting themselves. Gerrard and his teammates would have a historic mission, defeating the powerful army from Italy.

Mission Impossible

It took the world just 50 seconds to imagine a terrible match coming to Liverpool, when Maldini opened the scoring for the Italian representative. Then, Hernan Crespo continued to score 2 more goals against Liverpool to close the first 45 minutes with a score of 3-0 in favor of Milan.

Again, 3-0 after the first 45 minutes of play, the young men of the English port on the way to assert themselves, now received shocking blows. They felt a very strong AC Milan, they saw the children in the stands that day started crying and they tried to find a way to quickly hide in the tunnel, where only those who had just been humiliated could find each other.

Even during halftime, former UEFA president Michel Platini told Liverpool's president: "You should limit the number of goals conceded instead of thinking about winning."

Anyone who loves Liverpool and fears nightmares can turn off the TV, Anti-fans of the port city team are waiting for more goals to continue the joy, neutral fans must be extremely disappointed with the first 45 minutes of the match. But in the world that day, there were also many people who dreamed of a miracle.

History made in the locker room

“My teammates, I was born in Liverpool and I have been a Liverpool boy since I was a kid. Think about what our fans have been through in the first half. Our friends and family are watching this game. We can still do something extraordinary and promise me we will all give it our all.” Gerrard shocked his teammates in the dressing room.

Istanbul night was full of magic for the people of the port city of Liverpool.

Liverpool players stepped onto the pitch with the world doubting them, but they had the responsibility of being the ones to do extraordinary things. Then, one goal, two goals and three goals came to them. Only 6 minutes for Liverpool to have 3 goals by Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer, Xabi Alonso.

From then on, the spotlight was reserved for Jerzy Dudek. The Polish goalkeeper continuously blocked fierce "bombardments" from Milan to drag the match into a penalty shootout. And then, he also went down in history as a hero of the port city of Liverpool, when he successfully blocked the decisive shot of the "European gazelle" Shevchenko.

Liverpool won the penalty shootout, after being 3-0 down to AC Milan, this comment must be repeated over and over again so that everyone watching the match believes they are living in reality.

Resurrection from the dead probably doesn’t even begin to describe the emotions of the Liverpudlians that day. As for AC Milan fans, this nightmare will still haunt their sleep for many long nights.

Istanbul age 18

Now, a father, a grandfather telling his children about the final between AC Milan and Liverpool, how can they explain that classic comeback, when Istanbul seemed to be imbued with magic. Or to use Shevchenko's simple words, Liverpool were escorted by fate.

After 18 years, Istanbul witnessed another confrontation between two great powers of English and Italian football, also an unequal battle.

Rewinding the historical film, Man City reminded themselves not to be complacent, even though victory was very close. As for Inter Milan, weakness does not mean powerlessness, when you have extraordinary determination.

On June 11, 2023, football fans around the world will join in the final match between Inter Milan vs Man City. Don't think about the situation to predict fate, because Istanbul has marked a miracle.

Thang Nguyen

Photo source: ST.

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/the-thao/nguoc-dong-lich-su-istanbul-tuoi-18/186486.htm