AC Milan have won their seventh Champions League title after beating Liverpool 2-1 in last night's final in Athens. Liverpool started the game as the offensive team, they pressed Milan and won the ball in the midfield through Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano. Mascherano was the surprised in Rafa Benitez's line up, but he was responsible for marking Kaka. Unlike the final two years ago, Milan were a little bit cautious and let Liverpool took control of the game. The chances were minimum, until Milan had a free-kick just outside of the area, after Alonso fouled Kaka. Andrea Pirlo took the kick which hit Inzaghi and diverted the ball into the net. Pepe Reina was left stranded. It was 1-0 at half time for Milan.
The second half was very much the same as the first with Liverpool still controlling the game and looking for the equalizer. But the goal they were seeking didn't arrive.
Left frustrated the Liverpool's defense was wide open. Kaka then had several chances to run out the defender, but couldn't get through Jamie Carragher. On the 83rd minute, a loose ball in Liverpool's midfield was won by Seedorf who then passed the ball quickly to Kaka. Kaka saw the run of Inzaghi and provided him a delightful pass. The rest was fairly simple goal by Inzaghi. He slotted the ball passed the oncoming Reina. Liverpool then began to attack sporadically. Benitez brought Crouch and Arbeola on. The changes soon paid off, after Dirk Kuyt scored with a header following a corner on the 88th minute. Fired by the goal, Liverpool players was pouring forward to look for a second goal. But it was Milan who was in control, and played possession football throughout the last few minutes.
It was then a sweet revenge for Milan after their defeat in the final of 2005 at the hand of Liverpool. This is a proof that history may not repeat itself, and while the ball is still round, the game of football can not be predicted. FORZA MILAN !
