‘Milan didn’t collapse towards Liverpool in Istanbul. We misplaced focus for six minutes – for the opposite 114, we performed a rare, stunning sport’: AC legend claims they have been ‘extraordinary’ towards Reds in 2005 Champions League last

January 12, 2025

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Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta would not imagine that his team-mates collapsed towards Liverpool within the 2005 Champions League last, regardless of blowing a three-goal lead in simply six minutes.

After Paolo Maldini and a brace from Hernan Crespo had put AC Milan 3-0 up within the first half of the ultimate, it appeared unattainable that the Italian giants would relinquish their grip on one other Champions League crown. Besides they did, with Liverpool combating again to take the sport to penalties and, finally, win.

However Costacurta – who spent greater than 20 years at Milan in his taking part in profession, and who spent the total 2005 last as an unused substitute – continues to be filled with reward for the aspect that performed in Istanbul towards the Reds.

Milan did not collapse, however they did develop into complacent towards Liverpool

Alessandro Costacurta salutes the AC Milan fans after his final appearance for the club, against Udinese in May 2007.

Milan legend Alessandro Costacurta (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)

I believe the Rossoneri workforce that performed in Istanbul was the best Milan of all of the finals we performed, alongside the 1989 last towards Steaua,” Costacurta tells FourFourTwo. “For 114 minutes we performed a rare, stunning sport, however in [the other] six minutes we have been condemned to a draw after which we misplaced a penalty shootout.

“I perceive that conceding three objectives in simply six minutes signifies that initially of the second half, we thought we had already gained. Anybody who has performed at a excessive degree is aware of that feeling: whenever you go 2-0 up, the opponent is in shock and also you suppose the sport is over.

Steven Gerrard celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.

Liverpool fought again by Gerrard’s purpose (Picture credit score: Getty Photographs)

“We underestimated Liverpool’s power of character. After they equalised, we created many extra possibilities – I recognize why it’s a speaking level however, once more, it was probably the greatest Milan groups in trendy soccer historical past. The objectives from Hernan Crespo and Paolo Maldini are exceptional.”

Costacurta continues, suggesting that complacency crept in and minor particulars within the construct as much as Liverpool’s objectives have been the explanation for his or her failure to carry onto the lead, quite than any actual catastrophe.

“While you see Liverpool’s objectives, Kaka is tying his laces when Steven Gerrard heads house – that reveals we weren’t 100 per cent centered [in fact, the ball passed Kaka while he adjusted a shinpad and Vladimir Smicer made it 3-2],” he provides.

“However we didn’t collapse. We misplaced focus for six minutes. For the opposite 114, we have been extraordinary. Fortunately, we took revenge two years on in Athens.”

‘Milan didn’t collapse towards Liverpool in Istanbul. We misplaced focus for six minutes – for the opposite 114, we performed a rare, stunning sport’: AC legend claims they have been ‘extraordinary’ towards Reds in 2005 Champions League last

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