Milan claim European crown

[davewilson]

Milan were crowned champions of Europe for the seventh time after securing a 2-1 win over Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League final in Athens.

Late goals in each half from Filippo Inzaghi gave Milan the win which exacts some revenge for their defeat to Liverpool in 2005.

Unlike in Istanbul just two years ago when Milan dominated early on - it was Liverpool who did all the running and they should have been ahead before Inzaghi unwittingly deflected Andrea Pirlo's free kick beyond Reina on the stroke of half-time.

Liverpool were clearly deflated by the fortunate opener and they could not get back on level terms as Inzaghi broke clear with just eight minutes remaining to fire home the winner.

Dirk Kuyt headed home with just a couple of minutes left to set-up a nervous end for Milan as thoughts of the 2005 come-back came flooding back - but the Italians managed to hang-on this time to claim European football's biggest prize.

Liverpool had clearly been the brighter side in the opening stages, and it was Jermaine Pennant and Steven Gerrard who were showing prominently as Rafa Benitez's decision to play his captain up-front looked to have baffled rival tactician Carlo Ancelotti.

The opening chance came on ten minutes when Kuyt latched onto a misplaced pass from Marek Jankulovski, he played a first-time ball into the path of Pennant whose shot was parried away by Dida.

Pennant was on the run again moments later, this time latching onto Gerrard flick, he looked to find his skipper - who had burst into the box in archetypal style - but his cross was just too hard and the chance was gone.

Milan had their first sight of goal through Kaka on 17 minutes - but Jose Reina held it well, and Liverpool were soon back on the front-foot - pushing players forward at every attempt.

John Arne Riise and Xabi Alonso fired high and wide, respectively, as the chances kept coming for the Premiership outfit.

Ten minutes before the break and another Jankulovski error saw Pennant find Gerrard, he broke into the box and the ball fell for Kuyt for his first opportunity - but he struck Massimo Oddo with his goal-bound strike.

Milan's frustration was beginning to mount and Rino Gattuso was first into referee Herbert Fandel's book just before the break for a clumsy challenge on Alonso.

Just a minute before half-time and predictably Liverpool were made to pay for their missed chances as Milan took an undeserved lead.

Kaka won a free-kick after drawing a foul from Alonso. Pirlo stepped up and chose to drive the ball, but with the ball looking like flying wide - it struck Inzaghi on the shoulder and past a despairing Reina.

Liverpool began the second period in similar fashion to the first and within the opening minutes Alessandro Nesta produced a great last-ditch tackle on Gerrard - who had latched onto a Kuyt flick-on.

Milan then produced their best spell of the game and Liverpool were highly fortunate that Kaka was flagged offside after being sent clear by Pirlo - as replays showed he was onside.

Just before the hour it was Benitez who opted to make a change as Harry Kewell was introduced - but Milan were still in the ascendancy and Jamie Carragher was booked as he hauled down Kaka on the edge of the box, although Pirlo could not create a goal this time around as he fired over.

Then it was Liverpool who almost scored against the run of the play - Gattuso tried to pass the ball back to Nesta, but it was an awful ball which Gerrard latched onto and broke into the box. The masses of English fans held their breath as their talisman opened himself up as he looked to curl the ball past Dida - but it was not a great effort and the Brazilian was able to get down and save.

With just over 10 minutes remaining, Benitez played what looked like his final throw of the dice as Peter Crouch replaced Mascherano.

But before Crouch could make any sort of impact - the game was put beyond Benitez and his men as Milan added a crucial second. Kaka picked up the ball 20-yards from goal and was allowed too much time as he brilliantly picked out Inzaghi's run and the veteran striker showed great aplomb to round Reina and tuck the ball into the empty net.

There was still time for Crouch to go close, before a grandstand finish was set-up as Liverpool scored. A Pennant corner was flicked on by Agger and Kuyt was there to head home.

Suddenly and Istanbulesque revival was on the minds of everyone - but there was to be no remarkable come-back on this occasion as Milan played out time to secure their seventh European Cup