The Miracle of Istanbul: 20 Years After Liverpool’s Epic Comeback
The imposing Atatürk Olympic Stadium was not the most conventional setting for a miracle. Conceived for Turkey’s unsuccessful bid for the 2008 Olympic Games, the stadium seemed destined not to reach its potential. However, on a hot night in Istanbul, on May 25, 2005, the field witnessed one of the most memorable matches in football history: Liverpool’s incredible comeback against AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League final.
Before the ball started rolling, Liverpool seemed to have no chance of winning. Rafael Benítez’s team, on paper, was no match for Carlo Ancelotti’s star-studded squad. Milan had won the Champions League two years earlier, while Liverpool hadn’t reached the final since 1984. Milan had conquered the Serie A title in 2004; Liverpool hadn’t been league champions since 1990.
When veteran captain Paolo Maldini scored the first volley goal in the minute, and Hernán Crespo scored two quick goals to put Milan 3-0 up before halftime, everything seemed to indicate that the trophy would head to San Siro.
The events that followed defied all reason and logic, but somehow, Liverpool ended the night as champions of Europe, with captain Steven Gerrard lifting the cup in front of more than 20,000 fans who traveled to Turkey.
Twenty years later, the legend of the “Miracle of Istanbul” is still alive.
Luis García, former Liverpool player, shares his memories.
We were the underdogs. Nobody at the start of the season thought Liverpool would reach the final. We made a fantastic connection in the dressing room.
Luis García
While Liverpool had defeated several strong teams on their way to Istanbul, AC Milan was a completely different proposition. The Italian team had a squad full of stars. When the first FIFPRO World XI was named in 2005, five Milan players were included, more than any other club. Their attack was led by the 2004 Ballon d’Or winner, Andriy Shevchenko, while their defense featured legendary names like Cafu, Maldini, and Alessandro Nesta.
The Instagram post description says: Luis García has no doubt that he won the best Champions League final of all time.
John Gibbons, a fan who traveled to Istanbul, recalled the emotion and determination of Liverpool supporters.
Kevin Walsh, another fan, recounted the difficulties in getting to the stadium and the special atmosphere that was present.
In the image, it is observed that the roads were congested, but Kevin Walsh made sure there was an atmosphere by lighting a flare outside his car.
The atmosphere in the stadium, despite the deficiencies, was one of disbelief. Liverpool fans were about to witness a historic event.
Kevin Walsh (right) and his friends had to walk through vacant lots to get to the stadium.
The fans’ dream was quickly overshadowed. Maldini’s goal in the opening minute was a hard blow. Disappointment took hold of the stands, but faith was not lost.
Getting a slap in the face in the first minute of the match was a big blow for all of us.
Luis García
Liverpool looked like a defeated team at halftime, with three goals against them.
With hope seemingly lost, Liverpool fans sang the club’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
The Instagram post description says: How Liverpool fans’ “You’ll Never Walk Alone” fueled the 2005 comeback
The impact of the song was immediate. The players felt the energy and support of the fans.
During halftime, Rafa Benítez motivated his players, conveying the belief in a comeback.
At the ninth minute of the second half, Gerrard scored a goal that gave hope to the fans. Then, Smicer and Alonso completed the comeback, tying the match.
Vladimir Smicer of Liverpool celebrates after scoring the goal that really started to change the course.
Dudek, with his incredible saves, secured the tie and took the match to extra time.
Jerzy Dudek made an incredible double save on Andriy Shevchenko that took the match to penalties.
In the penalty shootout, Dudek became a hero with his distraction tactics and decisive saves.
Liverpool won the penalty shootout 3-2, securing the victory in the Champions League.
Jerzy Dudek once again denied Andriy Shevchenko in the penalty shootout.
The Miracle of Istanbul is still remembered as one of the greatest nights in football history.
The victory in Istanbul is an event that endures in the collective memory of Liverpool fans.
