The Benitez Era & Istanbul Miracle (2005)

The midfield metronome who sparked Liverpool's greatest comeback.

Xabi Alonso moved to Liverpool in 2004 for £10.5 million and won the UEFA Champions League in his first season, scoring in the final.

Quick Facts

Manager: Rafael Benítez
Arrival year: 2004
Departure year: 2010
Major trophy: UEFA Champions League (2005)

Lore & Background

In the 2005 UEFA Champions League final, Liverpool trailed 3-0 at halftime before mounting a second-half comeback. The three goals were scored by Steven Gerrard, Vladimír Šmicer, and Xabi Alonso. Šmicer scored to make it 3-2, and Alonso made it 3-3 after his initial penalty was saved by Dida, scoring on the rebound. Liverpool went on to win the trophy on penalties.

Reader's Guide

Alonso's role at Liverpool was as a deep-lying playmaker, known for his passing range and long-distance shooting. He later won the UEFA Super Cup, the FA Cup, and the FA Community Shield with the club before moving to Real Madrid in 2009.