For AC Milan and Liverpool the road to Athens was one that both teams truly deserved; after AC Milan’s enthralling defeat against Manchester United in one of the best games of the season and with Liverpool’s thrilling defeat against Chelsea in an exciting, hopeful and outgoing game. The finals seemed to be a very promising entertainment that would be packed with great potential.

Indeed it was at the Athens Olympic Stadium. Last night, the UEFA Finals delivered another brilliant game. From the very start to the very end the constant high level of capability and talent was maintained and delivered.

At first it seemed that Liverpool were the dominant ones that had more control and ease on the pitch. With a sharp eye on AC Milan’s magical man, Ricardo Kaka there was that constant pressure that did not allow him to perform well. The Coach ensured that the game will go well with the plan of a five-man midfield with Jermaine Pennant and Boudewijn Zenden on the wings, while captain Steven Gerrard moved inside to provide support for lone forward Kuyt.
They really had him under control and seemed to (“have”) take(en) over the game. All was going well for Liverpool in the first half, until at the last minute as goal was scored by AC Milan…by luck, as the ball was deflected in the goals.
Not much could have been done by the first-time European final Liverpool Goalkeeper, Pepe Reina. Many think that nerves may have got the better of him. However, any Goalkeeper in that position would not be able to prevent an ever so close deflected ball like that from getting into the goals.

In the second half, it was evident that Liverpool were shaken by the goal.
In comparison to the first half, their performance seemed uptight and uneasy. As the minutes went by, the speed of the game increased as they really did try to make up for it. The desperation and hunger for winning that Cup for the 6th time was written all over their faces and bared obvious in their performances.
With Liverpool failing to control their frustration, AC Milan quickly stepped up their performance and produced another sneaky yet clever goal by, once again, Filippo Inzaghi.
Liverpool kept the game spirit and continued to play hard. As English players, they have a very good reputation of producing miracles at the time you least expect them to, usually the last few minutes of a half. And they did, their slightest glimpse of hope. And they kept trying.

The whistle blows.
UEFA Finals has ended.
The results: 2-1

No fireworks were flying high for Liverpool as their dream of a 6th European Cup was shattered. They will return home empty handed.

There has been so many negative critics written about the performance of ertain Liverpool players. How do you feel they performed? What do you think? Who are the ones to blame?

By guest writer Lou Lou