Praveen Arimbrathodiyil blogs here

Noted on Last week of May 2005

Ever since I watched the football clips of Steve Jerrard in NITC hostel, I’ve become a fan of his and Liverpool FC. The Chelsea Vs Liverpool semi was the first match after I have become their fan. But I was doubtful when they did badly against Arsenal (Lost 1-3) in the English Premier League [That was the first match I saw them playing -- I'm not much into the club football but I keenly watch all the world cups and Euro cups]. I had no doubt whom I am supporting in the finals at Isthambul; I was with Jerrard and Liverpool. After the finals I’m now a complete fan of the team of Raphel Benitos. The final began with a shock, early in the first minute itself Milan scored, their captain Paulo Maldini was the scorer. Liverpool attcked the AC Milan goal post with more vigour but two counter attacks and Crespo touch got them to 3-0 position.
But I was optimistic that they will come back. In the second half the team was ready for a come back with some ideas from Benitos. The reply began with the captain, Jerrard scored with a headder to trigger the comeback. He gave the whole team and fans a new spirit. After the goal, he was seen urging the fans to cheer. Then Smicer fired, a long ranger to make it 2-3. Then it was Xabi Alonso’s chance for the draw when Jerrard was fouled inside the box, his shot was intercepted by Dida but he scored from the bounce to make the score to 3-3. The whole stadium was on fire. Liverpool played an un-believable comeback. The score didn’t move till full time and extra time so the shoot-out has become the decider.

Jersi Dudek was the hero here. He swung to both sides with both hands streched like, Bruce Grobelar did in 1984 against AS Roma, when Liverpool won the Champions League last time, to take away the concentration of the shooter. First shot of Milan went out of the post, two shots intercepted by Dudek and Liverpool scored three while one ws intercepted by Dida, so Liverpool won the game without needing the fifth shot.

LIVERPOOL IS THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS 2005
Update: Now they are allowed to play in the next years Champions league too!!