The 2005 Champions League final is down as one of the most dramatic matches in the history of football.

Liverpool, a club steeped in history and four time winners, faced one of the best sides in the world at that time in Carlo Ancelotti’s AC Milan.

The Italian giants boasted the likes of Dida, Jaap Stam, Paolo Maldini, Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Hernan Crespo, Cafu, Clarence Seedorf and Andriy Shevchenko.

Meanwhile, the Rafa’s Bentiez’s Reds entered the the showpiece match in Istanbul as underdogs having fought their way to the final with a hard-working squad but one that wasn’t blessed with as many big names as their star-studded opponents.

The first-half went the way many had predicted with a Milan masterclass seeing them go in at half-time with a commanding 3-0 win.

But then the magic. Just 14 minutes after the break, the Reds had scored three times to pull the score back level.

No more goals were to be scored in the final half-hour or extra-time, meaning that the winners would be decided on penalties, where cool heads and Jerzy Dudek heroics saw the Merseyside giants complete the impossible and win their fifth European Cup.

Now over 14 years on from that unforgettable night, Shoot takes a look at that Liverpool side which produced what is known as the ‘Miracle of Istanbul’.

Jerzy Dudek

Produced some fantastic saves in the game plus stopped penalties from both Andrea Pirlo and Andriy Shevchenko’s to win the Champions League for Liverpool. Remembered for his Bruce Grobbelaar like antics in the shootout to try and put off the Milan players.

Steve Finnan

Played 52 matches in all throughout the season but was sacrificed at half time after a disastrous 45 minutes. Replaced by Didi Hamann who nullified the threat of Kaka to help Liverpool claw their way back.

Jamie Carragher

After a tricky first-half, Carragher led the defence and made important tackles and blocks to stop Milan scoring again. Played on despite suffering with severe cramp.

Sami Hyypia 

The commanding Finn formed a solid relationship with partnering centre-back, Carragher, which eventually helped them take the trophy back to Anfield. It was his 49th match of a marathon campaign.

Djimi Traore 

After a difficult first half in which he conceded a free-kick leading to Milan’s opening goal in the first minute, his play improved as the game went on. In the second period he denied Shevchenko, clearing the Ukraine star’s shot off the line.

Xabi Alonso 

Alonso’s calm head in possession and passing range really helped Liverpool grab a foothold of the match in the second half. an important player that went on to win the World Cup with his country, the Spaniard scored Liverpool’s third goal after netting the rebound from his saved penalty.

Steven Gerrard 

Captain fantastic Gerrard played a starring role in Liverpool’s comeback. The local hero scored their first goal, a terrific header into the top corner, and won the penalty when he was brought down following a lung-busting run into the box. An inspirational leader throughout the competition.

Luis Garcia

Fan favourite Garcia played a huge role in helping Liverpool get to the Champions League final, scoring winners against Juventus and the famous ‘Ghost Goal’ against Chelsea. The final wasn’t certainly his best in a Red shirt but he still worked his socks off for the team throughout.

John Arne Riise

Put a fantastic ball into the box when Gerrard headed home the first Liverpool goal. The only Liverpool player to miss their penalty when his shot into the bottom left corner well saved by Dida, but still went home with a winner’s medal.

Harry Kewell

Australian legend Kewell made 93 appearances in all for Liverpool but struggled with injury throughout his five-year spell at Anfield. It was a slight surprise he started in Istanbul and the decision backfired when he had to come off injured in the 23rd minute with a torn abductor muscle.

Didi Hamann 

Came on at half time and helped reshuffle the midfield to push Gerrard higher up the pitch. Didi’s substitution broke down Milan’s fluidity plus he also assisted the second goal and scored Liverpool’s first penalty in the shootout.

Djibril Cisse

Cisse blew hot and cold in his three years at Anfield but did a job when called upon in Istanbul. After coming on in the 85th minute he put a shift in and ended up scoring Liverpool’s second penalty in the shootout with a well taken effort.

Vladimir Smicer

Smicer made 183 appearances for Liverpool, with his last being the Champions League final. An injury to Harry Kewell offered Smicer the chance to play and the Czech playmaker delivered when he scored the second goal with a low shot from outside the box. He then stepped up in the shootout to score his side’s fourth and last penalty. What a way to say goodbye.