That works both for AC MILAN and LIVERPOOL FC, the two finalists of this year Champions League Tournament. While AC Milan finished runner up to Juventus in the Series A, Liverpool will probably finishes 5th in the Premier League and if they don't win this final, they won't have a chance to play Champions League next season. Liverpool started the game with a few changes, Kewell got his place back o­n the front line and Baros got the nod ahead of Cisse. The game started fast with AC MILAN o­n the attack almost every second. And the goals came flying. The very first minute, Poalo Maldini pounces home a corner kick from Pirlo. Then o­n the 39 and 44 minutes, Crespo got his double from brilliants run and assists of Shevchenko and Kaka. The game is over... or not? The 2nd half started the same way as the first half, but in Liverpool's favor. In the 53 minutes, captain Gerrard head the ball in from a cross by Riise. A minute later, Smicer, who came in for Kewell in the first half, whipped in a long range shot from just outside of the box. And then exactly 5 minutes after that, it is Gerrard again, being pulled down in the box. Alonxo's penalty was stopped by Dida, but his follow-up was too quick for even Dida to react. The 90 minutes end with the score of 3-3. The score could even be higher if Shevchenko's goal in the first half was counted or if Luis Garcia converted his multi-chance. The two extra over time went by quite slowed since both team were affected by fatigues, but both team had their chance with AC Milan played a bit better. Liverpool players were down o­n the ground alot, probably due to their surprising shrug in the 2nd half. Tomasson, Serginho, and Rui Costa came in for Crespo, Seedorf, and Kaka(AC) while Hamman and Cisse came in for Finnan and Baros (LIV) And then come the penalty. Dudek with his dancing and jumping back and forth stopped Pirlo and Shevchenko's shots and made Sergino to boot the ball over the bars while Dida can o­nly stopped o­ne and guess right o­n o­ne other. LIV had won with their skills, non-stopping effort, and indomitable. Sorry Maldini, Shevchenko, it is Gerrard's turn to receive his deserving awards. And yes, Dudek was just too briliant in the last 45 minutes.

Written by Nguyễn Hoài Anh A2 01-04
Submitted by Le Huy Hoang L2 00-03