ISTANBUL - Two decades after the Heysel tragedy four-time European champions Liverpool attempt to re-establish themselves as one of the powerhouses in European football when they take on six-time winners AC Milan in next Wednesday's Champions League final.
Liverpool's last European Cup final in May 1985 saw them take on another Italian giant in Juventus and that match -- which they lost 1-0 -- is etched in the memories of both clubs after a wall at the Heysel Stadium collapsed, killing 39 people as Juventus fans tried to escape a surging mass of Liverpool supporters.
Back in 1985 Liverpool were a major force in European football but UEFA imposed a five-year European ban on English clubs following Heysel, with Liverpool banned for an extra year, and the club have fallen out of the limelight.
Liverpool finished a staggering 37 points behind Premiership winners Chelsea this season and won the last of their 18 domestic titles back in 1990 so when the contenders for the Champions League title were being discussed even the most optimistic Liverpool fans were not talking up their chances.
But in his maiden season at Anfield Spanish coach Rafael Benitez has masterminded wins over Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Chelsea in the knockout stages and his side are now just one game away from becoming the first English team to win the trophy since Manchester United in 1999.
"The best team does not always win the Champions League," said Liverpool's England international defender Jamie Carragher.
Liverpool will hope so as Italian champions Milan have a stronger, experienced team and won this title just two seasons ago defeating Juventus on penalties.
"Our experience, courage and calmness will be decisive," explained Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti. "Milan has players who are used to this pressure and that could be the key."
Former Italian international defender Paolo Maldini has won four European cups (1989, 1990, 1994, 2003) at Milan who also have Ukraine's European football of the Year Andriy Shevchenko and Brazilian 2002 World Cup winner Cafu in their ranks.
England international Steven Gerrard is the undoubted jewel in the Liverpool crown and the club captain can not wait to lead out his hometown club.
"It will be the proudest moment of my career when I lead these incredible men out in Istanbul," enthused Gerrard. "This is the biggest game of my career by far."
It is easy to forget that Liverpool were a mere three minutes from exiting the competition at the group stage until Gerrard produced a sublime volley to clinch a 3-1 win over Greek side Olympiakos.
Many believe Liverpool's hopes rest on Gerrard's broad shoulders as they bid to win Europe's premier trophy and persuade the FA to hand them a Champions League spot next season after finishing fifth in the league.
"Individuals are not important. It is the team that counts," insists Benitez. "It is not just about having stars. They must also work hard for one another."
Benitez has adopted a 4-4-1-1 formation in Europe with Czech international Milan Baros operating as a lone target-man with Gerrard and Spanish international Luis Garcia, scorer of five goals in his last six European matches, surging from midfield.
"I think Liverpool's real strength is their coach," said Ukraine star Shevchenko. "(Rafael) Benitez guided the team to the final against all expectations. He has great technical and tactical skills."
Milan manager Ancelotti, who won the trophy as a Milan player in 1989 and 1990, uses an identical 4-4-1-1 system with Shevchenko the attacking spearhead and Brazilian sensation Kaka probing just behind.
For Liverpool and Milan defence has been the key to success and both teams have conceded just six goals in their 12 Champions League matches.
Neither side went behind during the knockout phase and the opening goal at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium could prove decisive.
05/20/2005 00:01 GMT