Champions League Final: AC Milan vs Liverpool (ALL-match comments)

The big one is finally here!!! I can't honestly wait. Despite being drowned in work, its the main focus on my mind.

Anyway, I might as well say what my opinions are.

This years competition

Well, many will argue that this year's CL has been the toughest one in the history of the competition. Though not necessarily true, I can't say I really disagree with this statement, as it is possible.

Some outstanding teams in the competition have really made it competitive, as teams like Barca, Lyon, PSV, Inter, Juve, Arsenal, Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern and of course Milan have all had the potential to win the prize. Even the lesser known teams have been of great quality, such as Shakhtar, who were very good and dominant in the Ukraine.

Put simply, whoever wins the cup this year will have no doubtably deserved it, as both sides have had to overcome great challenges to reach the final.

European History

Both sides have a great history in Europe having won the European title a number of times each.

Liverpool have won 4 European cups, which has stapled their position in history as a European giant in football. All of the cups were won during the late 70s and early 80s when the club was at its peak throughout its history. As well as having creative talents to dream of and great forwards, the side was famed for its incredibly well organised defence, which worked superbly as a unit.

Milan on the other hand have won 6 European cups and are only bettered by Real Madrid. The great sides of the late 80s and early 90s were the epitomy of Champions. As well as being considered the best side in the world at the time, the team was considered to be the best in history by many people. Being led by a trio of dutch masters, the side was solid, creative and deadly, with the whole squad being recorded in history as legends of the club and football in general.

Ironically, neither Milan or Liverpool have faced one another in Europe, despite the pedigree of both teams.

Road to the final

Milan:

Milan had a tough group to get out of in the early stages of the cup, as they were drawn up with a dominant Barca side led by Milan legend Frank Rijkaard. This, on top of Celtic who have been dominating Scottish football for years and Shakhtar, who at the time were dominating the Ukraine and had set an incredible unbeaten streak, made the group much harder. Despite the difficulties, Milan performed to an incredible standard where in many of the games won whilst conserving as much energy as possible and deservedly claimed top spot in the group.

Man U were the first opponents in the knockout stages. At this time, United were considered one of the best in the world after an outstanding run of form. Milan on the other hand, were struggling through tough times. However, when the two legs were played, Milan were dominant and completely outplayed United, who were left disappointed by Crespo in both games.

After proceeding to the quater final, Milan were drawn up against Inter, in the much touted Euro derby. This special occasion again brought the best out of Milan, who in both legs were unable to completely dominate Inter, but always controlled the game and with Shevchenko leading the way, scored the crucial goals. Unfortunately, the second leg was marred by disruptions by Inter fans, which ultimately led the match having to be abandoned.

The semi final was against "underdogs" PSV. Having played Milan at the best possible time, as Milan were suffering from a hard season, PSV were able to dominate in both ties of the semis. However, despite letting PSV back into the tie in the second leg (first leg ending 2-0), Milan showed the grit and determination of Champions to overturn the tie with a late Ambrosini goal, which led Milan to the final.

Liverpool:

The side originally had to qualify for the cup by beating Grazer AK. Fortunately, a 2-0 away win was enough, despite the side losing at home.

The group stages were no less easier for the side who lost two of the six matches and were on the brink of elimination from the competition. Being teamed against Monaco, Deportivo and Olympiacos, Liverpool had a tough group to qualify from to reach the second round.

Once reaching the knockout stages, Liverpool were drawn against Bayern Leverkusen, whom they knocked out without having too many problems. Both legs ended 3-1 and Liverpool showed clear domination.

In the Quater finals, 'Pool faced a tough Juve side, but took the Italians by shock in the first leg through quick and aggressive pressure play, which Juve struggled to cope with. After winning 2-1, Liverpool went to Turin to collect a respectable 0-0 to progress after neutralising Juve.

In the semi-finals, Chelsea who were tipped to be one of the favourites, ended up losing the tactical battle against Liverpool. Despite previous victories this season, Chelsea were unable to break a tough Liverpool side and had to settle for 0-0 in the first leg, whilst Liverpool showed the same qualities shown against Juve in the second leg to win the tie 1-0.

Tactical game and teams

Both sides are famed for sharing a common factor. This is the quality of the defences in both sides. Relying on organisation and working as a unit, Milan have only conceded 6 goals in the competition so far (3 of which were during the atrocious game against PSV) whilst Liverpool have conceded only 7.

Whilst Kirkland is injured for Liverpool, the Polish keeper Dudek should be available to play. The defence will look to be organised with the defensive pairing of Hyypia and Carragher providing the key to stopping the incredible Milan attack. Finnan and Traore are likely to play as fullbacks, providing cover to the side, but also attacking if possible.

The Liverpool midfield is the side's key area. Riise and Garcia will play out wide to provide width to the side and will be creative linchpins. Gerrard is the leader of the side and all play is likely to involve him, as he attempts to drive the team forward and defend if necessary. Alonso will be looking to provide a creative look to the side, whilst remaining solid and will look to hurt Milan with his passing. Hamann is the defensive ball winner in the midfield and will attempt to break Milan attacks down.

Baros or Cisse are likely to start up front. Both are quick and tricky, always aiming to find the best possible position to cause problems for the defence and score goals. Whichever player starts will have to rely on the service of the midfield to make a real impact on the match.

Milan on the other hand have world class players in every part of the field. Dida has become outstanding in goal over the years and is now one of the world's best.

The defence needs no introduction, as its full of world class players and legends in Nesta, Stam, Cafu and the irreplaceable Maldini. The organisation of the quartet is outstanding when on form and no team is able to simply pass them.

The midfield is also a key area for Milan, as it contains Seedorf to provide creativity, but also soldarity and hard work in defensive duties, Kaka who is the creative mastermind who can turn a game around, Gattuso who is the aggressive ball winner that will put pressure on the opposition and the incredible Pirlo, who conducts the team and does hard work in defensive duties.

The attack will contain either Crespo or Inzaghi, who are both able to poach a goal at any time in a match to be decisive and the Incredible Shevchenko, who is currently the best forward in the world, little else needs to be said.

Milan MUST be wary of Liverpool, who are not likely to try and change their game much from the previous two ties. Its quite likely Liverpool will try to gain an early advantage by playing with great pressure and aggression. During this time, Milan must attempt to gain control of the match with possession and keep things organised.

During the match, the midfield battle will be key, as Milan must attempt to prevent players like Gerrard, Alonso or Garcia getting hold of the game, as it will result in great difficulty attempting to control the match during this time. Pirlo and Seedorf must hold possession well, whilst it will be up to Rino to try and cause problems for the opposition when they have possession. Kaka and Sheva during this time must also look to cause problems for Liverpool in their deep areas to prevent them really building a solid attack.

When defending, Liverpool play with numbers and will be well organised. Attacking the fullbacks will be useful as they are weaker than those in the centre and will result in us stretching them. However, this will rely on Cafu and Maldini (or Seedorf) to really attack these areas, which if it occurs, cover must be there as Liverpool will have Riise and Garcia to take advantage of mistakes. However, the key to breaching the defence is patience and possession, as Liverpool players will begin to tire and will eventually make mistakes.

As I've said before, to win cups, having solid foundations and an organised team and defence is key. The teams in this final further proves this theory. To win this match, we MUST attempt to be organised at all times and we MUST hold possession to try and damage Liverpool.

Expected lineups:

AC Milan: Dida, Cafu, Nesta, Maldini, Stam, Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf, Kaka, Crespo, Shevchenko.

Liverpool: Dudek, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traore, Hamann, Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Riise, Garcia, Baros

There is no reason we cannot win this match, but we must fight hard to break down a VERY tough Liverpool side.

At the end of the night, I hope and expect to see CL 7 being raised by San Paolo.



!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!FORZA MILAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

whats all this with Crespo being doubtful?

Theres nothing in other footie sites that indicated Crespo is doubtful for the game - although according to other members he somehow injured (?) himself or some sort during training. Bah, its probably just rumours

Actually it is just one member who started this "story" that Crespo limped out of a training in Istanbul. No website or paper has reported this, including the official website.

first it's seedorf now it's crespo...Guys please include reliable sources from where you heard this so called rumours.

Our local reporters saw the training of both teams in Istanbul and the analysis he made was that Milan might be playing with lone strikers and rui will be a starter for Milan.

This is my last post before the match.....To all rossoneri good luck and enjoy the final, be it we win or lose.
Milan will always be my team!

Forza Milan!

If its any encouragement, my dreams regarding football is always true. in 2003 I dreamt that I was in a stadium and was feeling devastated, and the next day my parents flew me to Manchester and Juve lost. Then the night before Juve-Inter I dreamt that Juve lost, which we did the next day. So last night I dreamt that Inzaghi was smiling all the way, hmmmmm. Milan to win the CL perhaps?

Milan and Liverpool meet in tonight’s Champions’ League Final. Football Italia reveals some curious facts and statistics ahead of the Istanbul showdown.

The last time a Pope died before this year was back in 1978. Juventus won the Scudetto back then as they have this time around. This season’s Italian Cup finalists Inter lifted the Coppa Italia, while Liverpool were crowned European champions…

Milan are the last side to win back to back European Cups following their triumphs in 1989 and 1990.

Rossoneri goalkeeper Dida has kept the most clean sheets in the competition this season with a total of nine.

Italian midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has made 92 tackles in this season’s Champions’ League – more than any other player.

Milan conceded just three goals in the whole competition before letting in the same amount during their 3-1 semi-final second leg defeat at PSV Eindhoven. Three of those six goals conceded were scored past the Italian giants during the last 15 minutes.

Liverpool have won all their games in the tournament in which they took the lead. However, they’ve not scored a headed goal in their route to the Final.

Anfield stopper Sami Hyypia is the only man in the competition to have played every single minute.

Liverpool have lost just one Final out of five played. Milan have won six out of nine.

Paolo Maldini will this evening play in his seventh Final, having won the trophy on four occasions.

Boss Carlo Ancelotti was Maldini’s teammate during the wins in 1989 and 1990 over Barcelona and Benfica respectively.

Juve won the League
Inter in Coppa Italia Final
Hope Liverpool won't make history tonight.
Seriously

Last night I dreamt that Milan were tied with Liverpool and in extra time. It was an extremely weird dream! I wasn't watching the game I was watching a live gamecast thing. It was pretty vivid actually! Sheva in the 3 minute and Alonso in the 7th. Right before I woke up it was the 91st minute.

Well most of my dreams never come true.

Just a quick hello for you all guys, in this moment.

I'm moving to Milano to watch the match in front of the megascreen, hope to celebrate till dawn.

FORZA MILAN!!!
LA SETTIMA SARA' NOSTRA!!!!

I'm dying with tension!!

FORZA MILAN

To be honest I am damn nervous...

Red is not our colour this eve. Change it, Franco

Forza Mìlan

9:15 am Eastern Time ... kick off at 2:30 pm and I am already getting nervous....

As the CURVA stated versus Inter in the quarters:

11 LEONI

ORA PIU CHE MAI

(11 Lions: NOW MORE THAN EVER)

FORZA MILAN

hi guys! i'm also soo nervous! but i have a good feeling! so please MILAN win!!!!!!!!!!
FORZA MILAN VINCI PER NOI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!