Liverpool FC - European Champions 2005
The 25th May 2005 will forever be etched into the minds of Liverpool fans across the world as the night that they experienced the extremes of every emotion possible within the space of three hours. From the excitement of the pre-match build up, the heart break of the first 45 minutes of the match, the hope conjured by a goal from a glorified captain and another from a much maligned but dedicated professional, to the pride and happiness when parity was restored after a battling six minute spell which didn't only demoralise what was seen as a vastly superior opponent, but rather tore out its heart and soul and left it lying bruised, battered, bleeding and disrespected in the gutter wondering just where it all went so wrong.
Each and every player stood up to be counted to produce the greatest come back in sporting history. The entire Champions League campaign produced these performances from players often vilified as not proud enough to be wearing the most glorified red shirt in football or often just lacking the quality required at the top level despite their potential. Take a bow Vladimir Smicer, Igor Biscan, Jerzy Dudek, Neil Mellor and Florent Sinama-Pongolle. There were great performances en route to the final including Luis Garcia's four goals over two legs against Leverkusen, King Xabi's remarkable comeback in Turin after a long lay-off with a broken ankle and likewise the sight of Djibril Cisse walking to the touch line to defy the odds and play against Juventus at Anfield after suffering a career threatening double leg break barely half a year prior to that game. And who will ever forget that goal against Olympiacos and the amazing backs-to-the-wall performances against the Champions of England in the semi-final?
The theme of the campaign was based on working together and what the team achieved is unlikely to be seen again. Below is a list of articles chronicling the events and the aftermath of one legendary night in Istanbul.
Live Commentary from Guardian Unlimited
The Greatest Cup Comeback of all Time
Teamtalk that Inspired Greatest Cup Comeback
A Dizzying Night to Live in the Memory
Exhausted and Elated at Etching Names in Folklore
The Making of Captain Fantastic