The excitement is building for the Champions League final this Saturday as Manchester City and Inter Milan square-up against one another in Istanbul. Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to become the champions of Europe for the first time in their history, whereas Inter are on the lookout for their fourth Champions League title.
This year’s final will be staged at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium, which has its own history in this legendary competition. As we prepare ourselves for the latest Champions League final, we take a look back at some of the most entertaining over the years.
AC Milan 3-3 Liverpool (Liverpool win 3-2 on pens) - 2004-05
This is where the Ataturk Olympic Stadium went into Champions League folklore. This evening in 2005 served one of the most glorious nights in European history.
Liverpool were stunned as they went three goals behind in the first half. For many, heads would have dropped and it would have been very difficult to pick back up. Not for Rafael Benitez’s side, however. Local hero Steven Gerrard’s 54th-minute header inspired an unbelievable six-minute comeback. Vladimir Smicer bagged the second before Xabi Alonso scored the rebound from his own penalty to level the scores, sparking incredible scenes from the Liverpool fans.
READ MORE:
Goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek was the man who stepped up to be Liverpool’s hero on the night. He pulled off an incredible double stop to deny Andriy Shevchenko deep in extra time, getting his adrenaline pumping for the impending penalty shoot-out. Filled with confidence, Dudek denied Andrea Pirlo before saving again from Shevchenko to win it for Liverpool. Truly one of the biggest box office nights the Champions League has ever seen.
Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool - 2017-18
While 2005 brought European jubilation for Liverpool, their next two Champions League finals were not so happy memories, particularly this one from a few years ago. Jurgen Klopp had started to establish the Reds as one of the most threatening sides in Europe, but they were still no match for serial champions Real Madrid.
This was the game that Loris Karius will be haunted by for the rest of time. The German gifted Karim Benzema the opener as his attempted roll out was intercepted by the Frenchman to score one of the easiest goals you will ever see in such a game.
Sadio Mane popped up with an equaliser minutes later but this final is fondly remembered for some heroics from Gareth Bale to win Los Blancos their 13th Champions League, and a historic third successive crown under Zinedine Zidane. The Welshman put his team back in front with an extraordinary bicycle kick worthy of winning any final, and he doubled his tally later with a swerving shot from range that was flapped into the net by Karius.
Juventus 1-3 Barcelona - 2014-15
Led by their potent trident attack of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, Barcelona were up against a strong Juventus team at the end of their peak, with this match being the final game played by iconic midfielder Pirlo in the black and white of the Old Lady.
The contest got off to a frantic start as Ivan Rakitic put Barcelona ahead inside Berlin’s Olympiastadion inside four minutes. The Croatian was teed up perfectly by Andres Iniesta to slot home from close range to get Luis Enrique’s men up and running.
Both goalkeepers, Gianluigi Buffon and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, were kept busy during the match, each pulling off some fine saves to help out their clubs, but they also made mistakes which led to goals. Alvaro Morata levelled the final as he profited on a loose save from Ter Stegen with a simple finish into the bottom corner.
The next goal in the game also came from a spilled shot, this time from Buffon. The Italian was able to deny a powerful effort from Messi but the ball fell into the path of Suarez, who rifled the ball into the net to restore Barca’s lead. Neymar wrapped up the game deep into injury time with a composed finish into the bottom corner after having an earlier effort disallowed for handball. It was yet another terrific Champions League performance from Barcelona.
Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United - 2010-11
Pep Guardiola secured his second Champions League title as Barcelona manager against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils at Wembley Stadium, and many people believe this Barca side is the greatest team club football has ever seen. Fergie even described them as “the best team I’ve ever faced.” Bearing in mind the Scotsman had just delivered a fourth Premier League title in five years for the Red Devils.
Pedro opened the scoring for Blaugrana inside England’s national stadium, but the lead didn’t last long as Wayne Rooney pulled United level before the interval.
Then in the second half, Barcelona were unleashed as they played some truly mesmerising football that was just too much for United. Barca icon Lionel Messi put his team back in front with a low drive from outside the box just after the hour mark. The game was wrapped up by David Villa, whose deft finish from the edge of the box nestled into the top corner. Sublime.
Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Real Madrid 2001-02
Glasgow’s Hampden Park played host for this memorable final which was stolen by the stunning volley by Zinedine Zidane that helped Los Blancos win their ninth Champions League crown. The legendary Raul got Real Madrid up and running in Glasgow with a deft finish after latching onto a lengthy throw from Roberto Carlos inside the opening 10 minutes.
Leverkusen equalised just minutes later as defender Lucio headed home Bernd Schneider’s free-kick, showing the German side were more than up for the fight.
Leverkusen made sure that Real Madrid had to work hard for the trophy and their spirited performance delivered an exceptional game of football. The difference between the two teams was a moment of magic, supplied by Zidane. That goal is one of the most perfect volleys you will ever see and we’ll never grow tired of watching it.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
