Liverpool edge out Ac Milan
Most football lovers probably remember the legendary final back in 2005, when AC Milan led 3-0 at the break, and were on their way to a Champions League title. Liverpool, however, then had Captain Fantastic in the form of Steven Gerrard, who managed to whip "The Reds" until 3-3 and later a victory after penalty shootout competition.
A similar evening at Anfield, most supporters of the home team would probably want to experience once again. However, there were also several elements in the match that brought back memories of the terrific finale.
Jürgen Klopp had shuffled the cards, and let Virgil van Dijk start on the bench, while the Danish national team captain Simon Kjær was naturally in the back row with the guests from Italy.
It was Liverpool with their fanatical The Kop in the back who stormed forward and after three minutes Divock Origi got an excellent cross ball from Andrew Robertson, but the Belgian striker did not get a proper hit on the ball. Just a minute later, it was then Diogo Jota, who completely free in the field at the last minute got his finish blocked.
Simon Kjær and the rest of the Milan defense had more than a hard time keeping up with the home team's pace. A prompt block by Trent Alexander-Arnold from Mohammed Salah saved the home team that time. His finish was straightened out and Mike Maignan in the Milan goal was without a chance and The Kop broke out in cheers.
After 13 minutes, the Egyptian goal king got the chance from the 11-meter spot after hand on the ball in the field. However, the normally confident Salah abused the chance and Milan could breathe a sigh of relief for a while. After just 15 minutes, Liverpool had had a full 13 finishes, six of which were within the frame against zero attempts from the visitors.
Milan showed some teeth after 28 minutes when they put a little pressure on the Liverpool field with a couple of good posts, but the home team's defense was averted the danger and it was not long before there was again one-way traffic towards the Italian goal. As soon as "The Reds" set the pace, Milan could not keep up.
The furious Klopp pressure certainly did not please the Italians, who were more than lucky to just be behind with 0-1. Where the home team forgot to lace up the sack, Milan suddenly showed sharpness. First chance and Ante Rebic hammered the equalizer in the box with just three minutes to the break.
It was not enough for the visitors, who with a quick change right after brought themselves to 2-1 when Brahim Diaz pushed the ball across the line for a return ball. A paralyzed Anfield was suddenly very quiet and Jürgen Klopp walked around the sideline grinning and slightly shaken.
However, Anfield were woken up almost immediately in the second half. Just three minutes went by before Salah equalized for the home side as he was elegantly tipped free by Origi and surely bumped the ball past Frenchman Maignan in the Milan cage.
Goals often change matches, and it gave renewed energy to the home team, as led by a bubbly Fabinho in the middle again dominated the events.
After an hour, Origi had to withdraw with a minor injury, which sent Sadio Mane into the offensive line of the home team. He was, as usual, lively, but it was captain Jordan Henderson who eight minutes later stole the picture.
A return ball after a corner kick went out to Henderson, who stood on the edge of the field. From here, half captain escaped "The Reds" in front with 3-2. An excellent kick that made the decibel rise in Anfield's stands.
Simon Kjær was busy on the defensive, but time and time again you had to praise the Dane for standing right, and saving many chestnuts out of the fire. However, he was one of the few in the Milan defense who could be familiar with the effort.
The match wavered back and forth, and the visitors tried with new offensive forces to pull points home to Milan.
The visitors did not manage to equalize, and after five minutes of overtime, Klopp was able to cheer with the players on a well-deserved victory.