The Miracle Of Istanbul
Istanbul, a name which is present on the list of almost all tourists. Many people have outstanding memories, related to their trips to the Heaven on Earth. Enhanced views, great people, lovely environment, these are just the bases of why people have greater affinity for this place.
However, Football fans have a different memory not related to the beauty of the city. But about the match that made Istanbul glow. This match was not just a match but a feeling, as it was the Champions League Final.
It's 2005, the stage is set, the teams have arrived, the fans most importantly are here. People stayed at home, for watching the match. The clock is ticking slowly and the excitement of people is increasing.
Finally here they are, team buses arrived, fans are busy parking their cars. half an hour left and the crowd is roaring with full enthusiasm. Fans of Liverpool are chanting and to overcome this AC Milan fans are chanting with much higher frequency. It's heating up even before the match started.
Here we go. Players praying to God for help, fans chanting and referee checking his watch.
The first half started so as the quick attack by AC Milan, it's a shot and guess what, who else but Paolo Maldini puts it into the back of the net. Liverpool players clapped and backed each other. They kept their focus on the match. Match continued after the early strike. The never stopping fans kept on shouting for their team. Players kept on passing the ball. Both teams played attacking football, but it was always looking like that AC Milan is 1 step ahead. It was the 38th minute of the game, AC Milan started an attacking move, they were looking uncontrollable and they scored again. It was Hernan Crespo with the last touch. A sigh of relief for Milan players and off course the fans. Still LFC fans backed their players, manager kept on shouting trying to pump up his players. This time after the whistle Liverpool were having more options in the attack as they looked to overcome the deficient.
The first half was about to end but Milan snatched yet another goal in the 44th minute. It was all over for Liverpool, this time even the fans stopped shouting, it was Milan all over the ground. It was like kids playing against man.
God knows what the managers had to say to their players during the break. Players stepped into the ground for the second time. At this time Liverpool fans were living a horrible dream, but opponents were all fresh and happy as the second half started.
This time Liverpool were firm and wanted to grasp the title. They shaped perfect for doing this. Liverpool were enjoying the game in this half, as this gave a little hope to their upset fans. They were getting closer and closer to the goal and it was not late that Liverpool scored their first goal of the match. It was Steven Gerrard who scored that great goal.
Liverpool's fightback was looking secured, as just 2 minutes later Liverpool's Vladimir Smicer scored again. There was no stopping Liverpool. Milan were looking crushed. LFC were still putting the foot on the gas as they were eager for the comeback. At 61st minute, Liverpool's attacker went down in the 18 yard box and a penalty was given. All smiles were back on Liverpool's faces. Xabi Alonso stepped forward to take the responsibility of putting the ball into the back of the net. It was only this moment in the match, that the crowd was soundless. Alonso took the penalty and somehow the keeper saved it, but luck was with Xabi and Liverpool. The ball rebounded off the keeper and Alonso scored.Still Milan attacked looking for a goal, but to break Liverpool's defense they needed something special, which they were lacking at that moment. So after many attacks, the referee blew the whistle and the scoreline was unexpectedly great.
Even extra time was not able to decide the match, so the match continued till the penalty shootouts.
The heart of the Football fans were beating faster then ever. After the shootouts the unthinkable happened. Liverpool won the game and were set to clinch the title. After first half this was not meant to happen but this happened. Milan broke into tears same happened with Liverpool but these tears were joyful, nothing could stop Liverpool celebrating. Milan was all broken. They were helpless.
This off course was written in their fates. This was the match, no one could forget. This was the match which showed that football is a game of feelings. Even Milan was clapping for Liverpool's comeback. The one who witnessed this could only tell you, how joyful and colorful that night was.
God knows what the managers had to say to their players during the break. Players stepped into the ground for the second time. At this time Liverpool fans were living a horrible dream, but opponents were all fresh and happy as the second half started.
This time Liverpool were firm and wanted to grasp the title. They shaped perfect for doing this. Liverpool were enjoying the game in this half, as this gave a little hope to their upset fans. They were getting closer and closer to the goal and it was not late that Liverpool scored their first goal of the match. It was Steven Gerrard who scored that great goal.
Liverpool's fightback was looking secured, as just 2 minutes later Liverpool's Vladimir Smicer scored again. There was no stopping Liverpool. Milan were looking crushed. LFC were still putting the foot on the gas as they were eager for the comeback. At 61st minute, Liverpool's attacker went down in the 18 yard box and a penalty was given. All smiles were back on Liverpool's faces. Xabi Alonso stepped forward to take the responsibility of putting the ball into the back of the net. It was only this moment in the match, that the crowd was soundless. Alonso took the penalty and somehow the keeper saved it, but luck was with Xabi and Liverpool. The ball rebounded off the keeper and Alonso scored.Still Milan attacked looking for a goal, but to break Liverpool's defense they needed something special, which they were lacking at that moment. So after many attacks, the referee blew the whistle and the scoreline was unexpectedly great.
Even extra time was not able to decide the match, so the match continued till the penalty shootouts.
The heart of the Football fans were beating faster then ever. After the shootouts the unthinkable happened. Liverpool won the game and were set to clinch the title. After first half this was not meant to happen but this happened. Milan broke into tears same happened with Liverpool but these tears were joyful, nothing could stop Liverpool celebrating. Milan was all broken. They were helpless.
This off course was written in their fates. This was the match, no one could forget. This was the match which showed that football is a game of feelings. Even Milan was clapping for Liverpool's comeback. The one who witnessed this could only tell you, how joyful and colorful that night was.
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