Latics to play Champions of Europe

Last updated : 26 May 2005 By Paul Farrington
Liverpool celebrate winning the European Cup for a fifth time

Whilst Burnley will be reminiscing over their past glories at Gresty Road and Blackpool will be admiring their wonderful Tangerine Stadium at home to Chesterfield, the Latics will be travelling to Anfield to take on the European Champions.

It was one of the greatest European Cup finals of all time as Liverpool came from 3-0 down at half time to beat AC Milan 3-2 on penalties after drawing 3-3 after 120 minutes.

Most Liverpool fans probably thought the game was over at half time with Milan leading 3-0 and Harry Kewell and Steve Finnan having to leave the pitch through injury.

However, the Reds refused to roll over and die and within 15 minutes it was all square; Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso all netting to make it 3-3.

There were no further goals in the 90 minutes or in extra time but when the heat was on Liverpool showed their strength in depth to emerge victorious with the European Cup.

Jerzy Dudek was the penalty hero for Liverpool with saves from Pirlo and Shevchenko to earn Liverpool an amazing fifth European Cup.

However, after finishing fifth it seems as though the club will not be given the chance to defend their trophy.