No repeat of magical night in Istanbul

May 24 2007 by Frank Malley, Liverpool Daily Post

NO miracle this time. No magical comeback. No tales of Scousers leaving the stadium early only to find their team holding the Champions League trophy when they arrived back at their hotel.

This time in the Olympic Stadium where Kelly Holmes so memorably won double gold for Britain back in 2004, Liverpool could only manage silver. Beaten 2-1 by an AC Milan side many claim should not have been in the competition because of their part in Italian football’s corruption. But beaten, too, by a team of worthy footballers, some wonderful, some gritty, but all who play the game with a hint of panache.

No, it was not a classic final, but nor was it a sterile much-ado-about-nothing encounter such as had been served up by Chelsea and Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday.

There was even a hint of a wondrous finale when Dirk Kuyt headed a late goal to send Milan hearts fluttering.

But this final will be remembered for its passion and commitment, epitomised by one mighty collision between Gennaro Gattuso and John Arne Riise which neither man shirked but which earned Gattuso a yellow card.

This Liverpool side is a tighter, meaner, more organised side, reflecting two years of Benitez influence.

And Jermaine Pennant should have given them the lead, but his weak shot was easily blocked by Dida. Dirk Kuyt and Xabi Alonso also went close.

Milan were not at their fluent best. But the margins are fine in such matches and when Alonso bundled over Kaka on the edge of the area just before half-time there was a ripple of apprehension in the Liverpool ranks.

The free-kick was soft, no question about that, but the type often given in Europe.

Andrea Pirlo, a master of the dead-ball craft, stepped up but his curling shot would not have troubled Jose Reina if it had not been deflected into the net by the upper arm of Filippo Inzaghi.

In truth Gerrard should have supplied the equaliser when he sprang clear, opened up his body to slide the ball past Dida but only succeeded in passing it into the arms of the Milan goalkeeper.

Nine times out of 10 Gerrard would convert such a chance in clinical fashion. Unfortunately this was the 10th.

Another Gerrard effort whizzed just wide but Milan always seemed in control and the match was tied up when Inzaghi slid home his second and his 38th Champions League goal after an exquisite through ball from Kaka.