Five classic finals

Last updated: 20th May 2008  

Five classic finals

Steven Gerrard lifts the Champions League trophy in 2005

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The European Cup has produced some great showpieces over the years. We look back at some of the most memorable finals from down the years.

2005 - Liverpool 3 AC Milan 3 after extra-time

(Liverpool win on penalties)

Undoubtedly one of the greatest finals in the competition's history due to sheer drama and excitement. Having ridden their luck at times to the final in Istanbul, the Reds were unceremoniously brought back to earth with a bump as Milan took a 3-0 half-time lead through Paolo Maldini and Hernan Crespo's double. However, goals by Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso produced the most unlikely of comebacks before goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek took the plaudits by saving Andriy Shevchenko's penalty to spark wild celebrations.

1999 - Manchester United 2 Bayern Munich 1

Though not a classic in a footballing sense, the Camp Nou final was one of emotion, drama and heroism. Sir Alex Ferguson's side found themselves a goal down after Mario Basler put Bayern in front. Heading for defeat with no Roy Keane or Paul Scholes in midfield, United managed to muster something in the dying stages. Teddy Sheringham found himself on the spot with an astonishing late equaliser which was only bettered by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scoring to clinch a stunning victory.

1994 - AC Milan 4 Barcelona 0

Perhaps the most impressive performance by a team in a European Cup final. Johan Cruyff's 'Dream Team' had won the competition at Wembley two years previously but were thoroughly outclassed in Athens. Daniele Massaro, Dejan Savicevic and Marcel Desailly scored the goals which saw Fabio Capello's side lift the trophy in mesmerising style.

1967 - Inter Milan 1 Celtic 2

Much more than a symbolic victory, Celtic's only European Cup success was a classic final in several departments. Jock Stein's Lisbon Lions overcame the effective but turgid 'catenaccio' of Helenio Herrera as their dynamic style overwhelmed the cynical Italian side. Stein's side of Glaswegian local boys were phenomenal as they bounced back from a Sandro Mazzola penalty to win with goals by Tommy Gemmell and Steve Chalmers.

1960 - Real Madrid 7 Eintracht Frankfurt 3

Madrid, so dominant in the early years of the competition, won their fifth successive European Cup crown with perhaps their most brilliant win. In front of nearly 130,000 fans at a packed Hampden Park, the great duo of Ferenc Puskas and Alfredo di Stefano ripped the German side apart with rampant ease.

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