2005 Champions League Semi-Final vs Chelsea (Anfield)
Liverpool's dramatic comeback from 3-0 down to win the 2005 UEFA Champions League final is regarded as one of the greatest finals in the tournament's history.
The 2005 UEFA Champions League final was the final match of the 2004–05 UEFA Champions League, contested between Milan of Italy and Liverpool of England at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul on 25 May 2005. Liverpool, who had won the competition four times, were appearing in their sixth final, and their first since 1985. Milan, who had won the competition six times, were appearing in their second final in three years and tenth overall.
- Competition
- UEFA Champions League Semi-Final (First Leg)
- Venue
- Anfield, Liverpool
- Result
- Liverpool 0 - 0 Chelsea
- Key Tactical Battle
- Benítez's low block vs. Mourinho's possession dominance
- Match Status
- Historic Draw securing away goal advantage for the second leg
Lore & Background
Liverpool finished second in their group behind 2004 runners-up Monaco and subsequently beat Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Chelsea to progress to the final. Milan won their group ahead of Barcelona and faced Manchester United, Inter Milan and PSV Eindhoven before reaching the final. The winning goal in the semi-final scored by Luis García was dubbed a ghost goal by Chelsea manager José Mourinho. He did however recognise the atmosphere generated by Liverpool fans in the match: 'I felt the power of Anfield, it was magnificent.'
In Their Own Story
Under the heavy Anfield floodlights, a cold rain slicked the pitch, turning the battle into a gritty war of attrition rather than a game of football. The air inside the stadium vibrated with tension as Didier Drogba charged toward the box, only to be swallowed by a sea of white shirts and steel determination. Every Chelsea incursion was met with a frantic clearance or a midfield interception that broke their rhythm. As the final whistle pierced the damp night, the explosion from the Kop wasn't just relief—it was a roar of defiance. The message was clear: the giants had been held at bay, and the door to Istanbul had creaked open.
Reader's Guide
It is unclear from the source whether Liverpool had more shots on target than Chelsea in the second half.
Did You Know?
- Liverpool's comeback from 3-0 down in the final is known as the Miracle of Istanbul.
- Liverpool's fifth European Cup meant they were awarded the trophy permanently and the right to wear a multiple-winner badge.
- Milan were regarded as favourites before the match and took the lead within the first minute through captain Paolo Maldini.
More in Iconic Matches & Classics
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