Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Champions League: AC Milan 2 - 1 Liverpool

Alas, it was not be. Liverpool dominated the first half, and although they didn't have all that many chances, certainly looked the more likely team to score. Then, right on the stroke of half-time, Alonso conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area. Pirlo takes it, Reina diving to his left would have saved it, but it got deflected off the head of Inzaghi (entirely by chance) who was running in. This sent it to the other side of Reina and into the goal. It was one of those "flukey" goals that no-one could have done anything about. So, entirely against the run of play, AC Milan are 1-0 up at half-time.

The second half was generally more balanced. Liverpool weren't playing just as well and AC Milan were playing better. There were a couple of chances at either end, and short spell where Liverpool were really on the back-foot, but they survived. That is, until Kaka threads a pass through Liverpool's defence to guess who? Inzaghi. He is one-on-one with Reina, who comes out to him, but Inzaghi goes round him and scores to make it 2-0. Surely it's all over now, or is there still time for a come-back?

Liverpool are getting desperate now, throwing everything into the attack as the last few minutes count down. Liverpool win a corner. It is taken by Pennant, flicked on by Agger and headed in by Kuyt at the back post. Just one more needed to force extra-time!

It is announced that there are to be a minimum of 3 minutes added on. To be fair to AC Milan, they don't look to be particularly trying to waste time. They do make a substitution which does take a little while, but surely the ref will allow for it and add on another few seconds? There may still be a chance.

But no. The referee decides he's had enough and blows for full-time after allowing only 2 minutes 40 seconds for added time instead of the minimum 3 minutes! Liverpool manager, Benitez, is complaining to the referee, pointing vigorously to his watch, but of course its to no avail.

On the whole, Liverpool dominated the first half, and perhaps should have made more of that. They were unlucky with the first goal, but all credit to AC Milan - they took their chances when they had them. Never mind - there's always next year (and Benitez should have lots of money to spend over the summer, let's see if he can put it to good use!)

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