Finals are all too often tedious affairs. Restricted by nerves and scared to make mistakes, contestants in a final frequently opt for a risk-free strategy. The result is a rather uneventful, anti-climactic end to a competition.

But there are some exceptions to this rule. Games where the tension that comes naturally to a final is spurred to new heights by sequences of incredible drama.

Chief among these exceptions is the 2005 Champions League final.

Pitting a strong AC Milan side – starring a young Kaká behind Crespo and Shevchenko – against a combative Liverpool side built around Steven Gerrard, it was a classic Italy vs England battle. Class versus fighting spirit. Which would come out on top?

AC Milan
Dida – Cafu, Nesta, Stam, Maldini – Pirlo, Gatusso, Seedorf, Kaká – Crespo, Shevchenko
Coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Liverpool
Dudek – Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Traoré – Alonso, Luis Garcia, Gerrard, Riise – Kewell, Baros
Coach: Rafael Benitez

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