I have just finished watching a little football in Istanbul, and for the first time in 21 years, Liverpool have lifted the Champions League cup for the 5th time, and they get to keep the trophy, back at Anfield where it belongs. But it was no easy ride, for the whole of the first half, Liverpool looked like a Sunday league side, that were being treated to a footballing exhibition by AC Milan, conceding a goal within the first minute, and went in at half time, 3-0 down. What the hell did Rafael Benitez say to his team in the half time break? Whatever it was, it worked; Liverpool came out with all guns firing scoring 3 goals in a frantic 5 minutes, spearheaded by Captain Steven Gerrard, followed by goals by Vladimir Smicer, and Xabi Alonso, bringing the scoreline level. From then on, that’s where the nail biting started, but despite many attempts to take the lead, Liverpool never quite managed it, and after extra time it was all level thanks to a spectacular double save by Jerzy Dudek, who was also the hero of the penalty shoot out, doing a Bruce Grobbelaar putting off the Milan players, and it worked a treat, with Serginho, Pirlo, and the great Shevchenko all missing their penalties. What a night, the drama, Liverpool never make it easy on themselves do they? And my heart was certainly racing during the game, and I don’t actively support Liverpool, but I have to support any team in Europe, especially when it’s against Spanish or German teams.