Liverpool beat Milan on penalties to be crowned European champions in a dramatic clash at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul.

Jerzy Dudek saved two penalties in the shoot-out as Liverpool obtained the cup in a dramatic fashion.

Paolo Maldini volleyed Milan ahead after just 50 seconds while Hernan Crespo scored twice to put the Italians 3-0 up at the break.

Liverpool's remarkable second half comeback is rewarded as they earn extra-time - a scenario which looked extremely unlikely at half-time.

The English side scored three goals in five minutes in the second half to take the match to extra time, and eventually won in a nerve-shattering penalty shootout.

Steven Gerrard headed a reply, Vladimir Smicer fired the second and Xabi Alonso equalised after his penalty was saved.

Serginho fired his penalty over the bar and Dudek denied Andrea Pirlo and Andriy Shevchenko to secure the trophy.

Thousands travelled to see the clash with AC Milan as Liverpool tried to win Europe's top trophy for the first time in 21 years. Liverpool last won the European Cup in 1984 against Roma.

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