2 Memorable Champions League Finals That Football Fans Never Forget About
Posted by Ticket4Football on March 18th, 2020
Not everyone is fortunate enough to get their hands on Champions League final tickets. Sometimes even the people who can afford it do not have the privilege of witnessing the final amongst other lucky ones in an unrealistic atmosphere. Sure, watching a game live at the stadium is a totally different experience but watching a Champions League final in a local pub, or with your friends, or even alone at your home, does not take any excitement away from the awaited spectacle.
The competition has seen many memorable finals, and in the more recent history, there have been quite a few finals that have upped the level and grandeur of the Champions League. Let’s talk about some of the most high-quality and memorable finals that have been played in the last couple of decades.
FC Barcelona v/s Manchester United (2011)
Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind the evolution of the most successful Barcelona side to date, was at the peak of his tactical prowess in this particular Champions League final. Manchester United had just won their 4th premier league title in 5 years before locking horns with the Spanish champions.
Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest footballer ever to set foot on a football pitch, just 24 years old at that point in time, was at his magisterial best on that night in Wembley. He had two of the toughest defenders, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić, on their toes for almost the entire 90 minutes, wreaking all kinds of havoc to Sir Alex’s side.
The game ended 3-1 in favour of the Blaugranas, with Messi being the key to each one of his side’s goals. If the result and the way in which they got the result was not enough validation for Barcelona, then Sir Alex Ferguson did so by admitting that this was the best team he had ever faced in his entire career as a manager.
Liverpool v/s AC Milan (2005)
More popularly known as the “Miracle of Istanbul”, this game is considered to be the best club game ever. Liverpool players were 3-0 down at the interval, with goals from Paolo Maldini, and Hernan Crespo bagging a brace just before half-time.
Everybody thought it was done and dusted, but Steven Gerrard’s header into the back of the net gave Liverpool a glimmer of hope. Soon after that, Vladimir Smicer reduced the deficit to a single goal. Milan were struggling to cope up with the continuous attacking phases of Benitez’s side, which resulted in Gattuso fouling Gerrard inside the box, rewarding Liverpool with a penalty. Xabi Alonso stepped up to take the spot-kick and failed to convert it in the first attempt but luck being on his side, he got another opportunity on the rebound which he took unmistakably.
Full time and it was 3-3, unbelievably magical for Liverpool, and devastating for Milan. The game went to the penalty shootouts, which Liverpool won 3-2, thanks to the heroic saves from Jerzy Dudek. The Liverpool fans with these particular Champions League final tickets surely got their money worth as the memory of this match would remain with them forever.
As the fans of this beautiful game, we can only hope to witness more amazing games in the future as well, with our favourite players giving masterclass performances and inspire their team towards glory.
