In the 2005 UEFA Champions League final, Liverpool FC faced AC Milan at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul. Milan was heavily favored to win, having a star-studded lineup including Paolo Maldini, Kaka, and Andriy Shevchenko. However, Liverpool had other plans. The match started off disastrously for Liverpool as they conceded three goals in the first 45 minutes. However, Liverpool came out in the second half with a new hunger and determination. Steven Gerrard scored a crucial goal in the 54th minute, and Vladimir Smicer added another just two minutes later. With the score at 3-2, Liverpool continued to push forward and in the 60th minute, Xabi Alonso scored the equalizer. The match went into extra time, and with no more goals scored, the game went to penalties. Liverpool's goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek saved two penalties, and Liverpool won 3-2. It was a historic comeback and became known as "The Miracle of Istanbul."