Historic Moment on a Magical Night

I got out of bed at 1:30am on 26 May 2005. Drove all the way to Sri Hartamas (hang out place in KL) to grab a seat with my friends to catch the Champions League Final against Liverpool and AC Milan battling to be crown Kings of European Football.

For Liverpool fans, it's been 21 years since they last lifted the European Cup and this was a night that the drought would end.

The crowd at Hartamas Square at such an ungodly hour was amazing. The square where food and drinks were served had 3 huge screen TVs and you could see a huge crowds at the place and many were standing because there were no more seats. Liverpool fans thronged to the place to support their clubs together with other supporters. I can only say that the atmosphere was fantastic, suited for a football final of such reputation.

When the game went started, Liverpool fans were enthusiatic and optimistic of the opportunity of seeing their team lift the trophy once more. But after the end of the first half, the sea of Liverpool fan that thronged the square were gutted to see their team trailing by 3 goals to AC Milan.

In the second half, Liverpool came back with a inspirational performance by their captain, Steven Gerrard. The crowd saw a glimmer of hope. Four minutes later, Liverpool gain another goal from a 25 yard stunner by Smicer. Liverpool fans were on their feet and so was I!! By now, all doubts of their team winning seem to have vanished. The crowd was really believing that their team could win this one. True enough, in a couple of minutes that followed. Liverpool levelled AC Milan with a superb follow-up to a saved penatly. The game went to extra-time and Liverpool played defensively.

The game was forced to a penalty shoot-out. AC Milan missed their first penalty but Liverpool stuck in there to net the first goal. In the action that followed, Liverpool's goalkeeper, Jerzy Dudek, made 2 brilliant saves to earn Liverpool the right to become Kings of Europe in Football.

By now, the crowd went wild, even I was on my feet cheering. To some Reds faithful, tears could be sighted rolling down their cheek. After 21 years and a tough season in the Premier League, they were rewarded for being faithful.

I left the place on a high note feeling that a team that had struggled with underpar form in the English premier league, had stuck in there and played with dedication and commitment to achieve the highest honor in European football. I drove away from the place with my windows down and the tune of the crowds singing "You'll Never Walk Alone" fading as I moved further away.... A truly marvelous Champions League Final that I will never forget.