The Champions League final of 2005 witnessed one of the greatest comebacks in the history of soccer. AC Milan, the Italian giants, were up against Liverpool, the English underdogs in a match that was expected to be a one-sided affair. But what followed was a game that left the world of soccer stunned. AC Milan raced to a 3-0 lead by halftime, with goals from Maldini and a brace from Hernan Crespo. Liverpool looked down and out, with their fans resigned to the fact that the game was all over. But the second half saw an incredible turnaround as Liverpool scored three quick-fire goals in the space of just six minutes. A magnificent header from Gerrard and two goals from Smicer set the stage for an enthralling finale. With the game tied at 3-3, it went into extra-time and eventually into penalties. Liverpool's goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek was the hero in the shootout, saving two penalties to deliver the trophy to Liverpool. The game is remembered as the Miracle of Istanbul and is still talked about as one of the greatest finals in the history of soccer.