19 years ago in 2005, Liverpool faced AC Milan in the Champions League final, which took place at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.Milan took a 3-0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Paolo Maldini and Hernan Crespo. In the second half, Liverpool performed well thanks to goals from Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smyker and Xabi Alonso.In the end, Liverpool completed the miracle by winning 3-2 on penalties and lifting the Champions League trophy for the fifth time.The 2005 final has since been hailed as one of the best matches in the competition’s history. Many supporters believed Gerrard was the hero who countered with an own goal and a penalty to make it 3-3.
But speaking on the That Peter Crouch podcast recently, former Manchester United midfielder Hamann revealed that the real hero is Jimmy Traore. “A man was taking a shower and two minutes later someone came up to him and said, ‘Jimmy, you have carry-on luggage,’” he said.”Once you mentally finish a game, it’s almost impossible to get back into that zone and focus.”Hamann continued: “Jimmy played better than anyone else in the second half and I always say this: my hero is the reason we won the Champions League.
” It’s not me, it’s not Steven Gerrard, it’s Jimmy Traore. “His goal line pass, he got the last shot, he was one of our best players, one of our fastest players, and Jimi played better than anybody and that’s what sets us apart from other teams.”14 years after winning in Istanbul, Liverpool won their sixth Champions League title by beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 at the Civitas Metropolitan Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
