Chapter 55 UEFA Champions League
Heraclitus of Greece said that it is impossible for people to step into the same river twice. So this night, Milan and Liverpool both rejected the replay of Istanbul two years ago. It's just that Milan wants to reject the results two years ago, and Liverpool wants to reject the process two years ago. Both sides got what they wanted and comforted the surprise brought to the world that night two years ago.
But obviously, for Ancelotti, this game is not the "gorgeous revenge" as he imagined. Milan did not show the destruction of 3:0 in the first half two years ago, nor did they show the momentum of eliminating Manchester United in the semi-finals. It can even be said that this is a Milan that is completely different, which is not familiar with the team in terms of technology, the neatness of the formation, and the cleverness of the last pass. Lost elegance, creativity and sharpness.
Especially in the first half, Liverpool was the complete restraint of Benitez 451 against Ancelotti 4321. The night in Istanbul did not repeat itself, because the two sides seemed to have completely changed roles. So Milan's revenge seems to have turned into a long journey, and the end seems more like a second death.
Liverpool, who dominated the first half, unfortunately missed at least three opportunities to plunge Milan into the abyss. Perhaps, like Milan, they are completely uncomfortable with the change between dominance and domination.
Just as Heraclit likes to play dialectics, football either enters the door on this side or rolls into the door over there.
Liverpool's waste of opportunity killed himself and in turn saved Milan.
Inzaghi's shoulder stood on an angel in the 45th minute. It was she who touched Pirlo's free kick, so Renner could only watch the ball roll into the dark night of Athens.
What is surprising is not Milan's luck, but two years later, they were on a worse side and learned to maintain the score in a worse way, or even expand the score, which is especially valuable to Milan, who used to be good at smoothball.
Benitez has been trying to make Liverpool play more complex and artistic for two years, but he is still simple and efficient in nature.
For two years, Milan has been trying to digest the collapse of Istanbul's night of adversity.
Milan in the second half also did not regain their own rhythm and sense of ball, but their confidence and determination to defend the result have never been so strong. Milan looks more like Liverpool two years ago.
Is Liverpool still the god-like "Liverpool" two years ago?
When Gerrard got a weak single shot and Benitez replaced Mascherano instead of a full-back with Crouch, the answer was no.
So after getting rid of Mascherano's ghostly entanglement, Kaka immediately sent another angelic pass to Inzaghi, and Reina saw endless darkness in the eyes of the old man again.
And Milan, with two balls in hand, crossed the darkness, heavy and clumsiness. In the last 10 minutes, the familiar Milan came back. After revenge in the way of the enemy, they returned to themselves.
90-minute competition sometimes looks simple, but it is actually too complicated.
AC Milan's not gorgeous revenge this time is like a betrayal of himself. It is not a typical Milan victory, but it is also the greatest loyalty to itself.
After all, the result is the most important, isn't it?
AC Milan won the European Cup, which is not only the honor of AC Milan's team, but also the honor of Italy as a whole. After a crazy night, AC Milan returned to Milan and received a heroic warm welcome at Marponza Airport. Not only Milan fans, but also He is a person from all Italian football.
The official website of the Italian Football Association published a special thank-you letter to AC Milan. The Italian Football Association said: "Thanks to head coach Ancelotti, captain Maldini, and all other AC Milan players, including six members of the Italian national team. Thanks to AC Milan, Italian football successfully conquered Europe again. After Lippi led the Italian team to win the World Cup, AC Milan brought another important trophy to Italy.
The Italian Football Association especially praised Inzaghi: "Inzaghi is an eternal player who defeated Liverpool with two goals in the Champions League final in Athens."
The statement believes that this is a victory for Italian football: "This victory proves the power of Italian football and the best way to end a tough season for AC Milan."
Abert, president of the Italian Football Association, also publicly expressed his gratitude to AC Milan: "From the perspective of all Italian football, I would like to express my joy and sincere congratulations to AC Milan. I congratulate head coach Ancelotti and all the members of AC Milan, especially those on the field. Member."
Abett said that this was another joy after the World Cup: "When AC Milan's whole team went to the field to receive the trophy, I was so happy to see those familiar faces. They could wear this honor, from captain Maldini to those players I once shared the joy of the World Cup championship with them in Germany. ."
The free kick that created the first goal and the second goal was assisted by the straight plug. Kaka, who scored the third goal, is Milan's number one hero. After winning the first Champions Cup of his career, the Brazilian boy is getting closer and closer to the Golden Globe Award.
Before the game, many football stars commented on Kaka's Golden Globe Award. Lippi said, "Kaka is a turning point in the game. He is now the strongest player in the world and has crossed from an ordinary star to a superstar."
Teammate Maldini gave advice as an elder: "At this time, personal honor can't even rank second, but third and fourth. If I hadn't won the Golden Globe Award in my career, I don't think it will be this year. If I choose, I will choose the card. No one is more worthy of the Golden Globe Award than him.
said to everyone's love Kaka: "Paul has won the Champions League several times, and I haven't won it once. I want to hold this trophy. I also know that personal honor will come only if I win with the team. In years when there is no World Cup or European Cup, the Champions League final can determine a thousand things. But I also hope that Paul can win this award, and I will be happy for him. I am honored to be listed side by side in the history of Milan.
In the first half, Kaka is the most effective player in Milan's touch of the ball, which brings the only guarantee to AC Milan's attack in passiveness. As long as Kaka takes the ball, it is worth looking forward to, while others such as Sedorf and Pirlo are too soft to take the ball and make more mistakes.
Kaka has been on guard against Liverpool's defense for a long time: "Benitis said that there is no need to stare at people to defend me? I believe that in Europe, I haven't met a man-to-people defensive team, but as a whole, he pays more attention to me.
Kaka has performed several times in the style of Ronaldinho and Zidane-style beauty, some of which he rarely used in previous competitions. For example, in the sixth minute, the left side of the backcourt received the ball and was ready to fight back, leaned against the opponent's right foot and instep lightly wiped the football, and turned left to bypass the defender's ball, which is a typical Ronaldinho.
In the twenty-first minute, he still counterattacked. Gattuso went straight to Kaka in the backcourt. Kaka easily wiped over Agel with the instep of his back and was knocked down by the opponent when he turned around and started, winning a free kick.
In the 24th minute, the most wonderful scene in the first half, Kaka turned around and pulled the ball from the soles of his feet, a passing action commonly used by Zidane, and then Kaka ran to the right side to cross Mascherano by speed. Unfortunately, he was cut off by the Argentine midfielder, otherwise it would be an excellent attack.
It's not just a one-on-one sole performance. Kaka's attack power is now practical. Milan's first shot came from him. In the 16th minute, he received a high ball from Yangku's side at the top of the arc of the penalty area and stopped the ball into his chest. He made a strong shot to the right. The angle was very tricky, but he was stopped by Reina.
This was Milan's conscious only shot in the first half. Inzaghi's first shot was very reluctant, and the second was luck. Inzaghi's goal was also made by Kaka.
In the 44th minute, Kaka turned around with the ball and tripped over by Alonso and won a free kick. After Pirlo opened, he was touched by Inzaghi and scored directly.
In the second half, Milan's technicality gradually showed, Liverpool's physical strength declined more significantly, and the situation on the court was slightly chaotic. Kaka had fewer opportunities to perform, but he was still the biggest highlight of AC Milan.
Although Benitez did not arrange people to keep an eye on people, Mascherano and Kaka have the highest one-on-one frequency. Argentina's midfielder who once stared at Pirlo in the Olympic Games and Ronaldinho in the World Cup qualifying match is very successful. Unfortunately, they were replaced in advance, which increased Kaka's space.
In the 82nd minute, Kaka got the ball in the middle and smartly went straight. Inzaghi understood that he would successfully score against offside, and before the end of the game, Kaka dribbled the ball in the middle. **, he successfully single-handed Reina. It can be said that all Milan's threat attack has Kaka participated in it. This Milan is deeply engraved with Kaka's imprint. .
I lost strangely in the final the year before last, and was eliminated in advance of last year's World Cup. Some people said that Kaka was unlucky and did not get the intercontinental honor as soon as possible after leaving the position. This championship and the best scorer are the best hitback.
After the game, many friends sent congratulations and connected him with the Golden Globe Award. Although Shevchenko did not come to watch the game, he was still heartfelt: "If I don't give him the Golden Globe Award, I really can't think of who to give it to."
Rivaldo met and had a long talk with Kaka's father Bosk at the British Hotel. Rivaldo was Kaka's childhood idol, and the two families maintained close contact. Rivaldo said, "Kaka will not only win the Golden Globe Award, but also the World Footballer of the Year."
Every year, the big ear cup will show a pearl, such as Zidane in 2002, Nedvid in 2003, Decco in 2004, Gerrard in 2005, and Degan in 2006. This year, another Wright is presented to the world. One card.
When talking about the final, the audience at the Athens Olympic Stadium always like to start like this: "If it weren't for Kaka~~~~~"
After experiencing the unexpected turnaround of Istanbul and the surprise exit of the German World Cup, the astringent Sao Paulo teenager learned to mature in hardships. The Champions Cup final is his best coming-of-age ceremony. From then on, he can announce to the world: "Please note that it's time for Kaka!"
KAKAMANIA!
That is, Kakamania!
The slogan raised by many fans on the court shows that Kaka's popularity is heating up sharply, and many people are proud of putting such a label on their foreheads.
Open the official website of UEFA, and fans can choose the best Champions League players. Kaka's votes are far ahead of Sedorf, Gattuso and Inzaghi.
With 12 goals, Kaka became the Brazilian who scored the most goals in a Champions League, even surpassing the goal machine Degan, and was talked about by fans.
Among these 12 goals, there are 1:0 victory over Anderlecht, 3:0 victory over Manchester United; there are 1:0 victory over the Celtics' 50 meters, 2:3 loss, Manchester United alone through the Red Devils through the whole defense line seems to be a divine help; there are also 2:2 draw Bayern to break through to create a penalty and make a penalty and hit the main penalty Of course, the masterpiece is also the 3:1 that locked the victory in the final. Kaka is simply an omnipotent genius.
This big ear cup filled the gap in the Kaka honor room, and he achieved the Grand Slam of the Gold Cup at a young age. These championships are all collective honors, and Kaka, which is full of team spirit, should now receive personal honors. Kaka is now almost the only popular candidate for the 2007 Golden Globe Awards and World Footballer of the Year.
In this final, although the whole game has always been closely defended by Liverpool players, Kaka still seized the only opportunity to help his teammates score goals twice and score a goal.
At the end of the game, Kaka not only won the first European Cup of his career, but also won the best scorer in the Champions League this season with 12 goals.
Almost all opponents know that as long as they defend Kaka, it can basically paralyze AC Milan's attack. Therefore, when Benitez carried out the tactical arrangement, he specially arranged Mascherano, the strongest defensive ability in the midfield, to keep an eye on the card. In front of the Argentine international, it is difficult for Kaka to get a chance to take the ball calmly. It was not until the 16th minute that Kaka made a small long-range shot with a small threat, which made people notice his existence.
Liverpool took the initiative for most of the first half, but they finally paid the price for defending Kaka.
The heroes who stayed up all night landed at Milan Malpensa International Airport with the European Cup. After a short break, the grand parade celebration kicked off. Milanese soldiers boarded the open bus with the word champion around the city to show the trophy to the enthusiastic fans.
Two years ago, it was the fans who greeted the Milan player who lost the trophy at the airport: "Stand up and continue to fight!"
Two years later, the Maldini can finally repay the support and trust of the fans with victory and honor.
Stand up from where you fell. Inzaghi's two goals in the first half, as well as the goal stuck at the last moment, ended a nightmare of the Rossoneri. The pleasure of revenge made the champion more beautiful.
However, as important as successful revenge, this victory is equally significant for the future, which has enabled AC Milan to successfully elevate the football world.
With this victory, AC Milan became the first team in European history to win the championship after being hit by three teams from the same country in the top four. With this victory, AC Milan surpassed Real Madrid and became the club that won the most intercontinental championships in Europe, with 8 European championships. The trophy, 2 European Cups, 4 European Super Cups, and 3 Toyota Cups are only comparable to South American Boca youth in the world.
In terms of players, Maldini completed his ninth Champions League final, breaking the record held by Real Madrid legend Hento, and in the number of times he won the championship, he also surpassed Stefano and Salaga, tied with Hento.
"I am eager to win this great honor again next year." Maldini said excitedly to the fans during the parade.
Success may be just on the road.
This victory also brought AC Milan close to several records, which are the next targets of the Rossoneri. The first and most important one is Real Madrid's record of winning the Champions League nine times, only once more than AC Milan.
From Milan Marconsa Airport to Milan Episcopal Church Square, full of flowers and applause.
Milan soldiers stood on a convertible and took a lot of effort to walk through the crowd to the Piazza diocese and show the "Big Ear Cup" to the fans.
Thousands of fans waved red and black flags, "Thank you, Pippo", and Inzaghi, who scored two goals in the finals, became a hero in the hearts of the fans.
Coach Ancelotti said: "I made great sacrifices to win the Champions League. Before the final, I bet with the children that if I win the cup, I will quit smoking, and I must keep my promise now. Few or no one thought that we would win the European Champions Cup. We have achieved great success with little hope. This joy and satisfaction cannot be described in words.
Due to the "telephone door" incident, AC Milan was not only fined 8 points this season, but also the Serie A runner-up in the Champions League last season.
UEFA held a special meeting for emergency consultations before AC Milan was allowed to participate in the competition, but it is necessary to "rectify the internal crisis and fully understand the damage caused to European football."
AC Milan had to start from the Champions League qualifiers, and they encountered the strong Red Star Belgrade. Six internationals, including Inzaghi, Gattuso, Pirlo, Nesta and Girardino, followed Italy to win the World Cup last year. These champions had to end their vacations and rush into the Champions League qualification.
Many main players are in poor condition and physical reserves. AC Milan was in a sluggish state in the first half of Serie A and the Champions League group stage, and did not get better until after the winter break.
The Italian Football Association raised AC Milan's victory to a national level and wrote on the official website of the Football Association: "After the Italian team won the World Cup, another important trophy belongs to Italy. Thank AC Milan! This victory not only proves the strength of Italian football to the world again, but also announces the end of AC Milan's year of suffering in a wonderful way.
Our hero is back!
Enthusiastic AC Milan fans surrounded Milan's church square, and then the slightly repaired soldiers appeared in the church square in a float in Milan, bright red and black, like a flame, burning fiercely in the world-famous fashion capital.
The brilliant-faced AC Milan players enjoyed the congratulations of the tsunami. Some of the players waved like fans, some waved the red and black Milan flag, and some passed the championship trophy with "big ears". The two most eye-catching were Gattuso and Ronaldo.
Although Ronaldo was not qualified to help AC Milan play the Champions League, he also tasted the feeling of touching the Champions Cup without a minute, but obviously Ronnie did not laugh with his teammates around him, but silently stood beside Ancelotti and looked around the grand celebration.
The most special thing is Gattuso. With stylish sunglasses, Gattuso raised a small sign. What does not fit with the surroundings is that this brand is actually blue and black. Looking at the above content makes people suddenly realize.
The sign says "I haven't won in 42 years." Obviously, this is an embarrassing history that Inter Milan has not won the European Cup in 42 years.
Inzaghi laughed, because Super Pippo won super praise again after scoring twice in the Champions League final; Ancelotti laughed, and the Champions League trophy not only made him hold a handsome position, but also achieved great glory; Berlusconi also smiled and smiled brilliantly, because the champion not only brought extraordinary shadow to the club. The sound force also brought a huge bonus.
Fortune magazine published the "World Football Club Market Value Ranking", in which Milan ranked fifth, with a revenue of 46 million US dollars. But by the time of next year's summary, Milan's income will definitely increase significantly, at least surpassing Bayern in front of it, because Milan has earned $30 million more than Bayern's gains in the Champions League alone.
Italy's Republic compared the Champions League to a large vault, and the champion Milan undoubtedly got the largest share of gold. First of all, Milan played the Champions League qualification. Although it was not very honorable, the winning bonus and ticket revenue gave the team 2 million euros in advance.
followed by the group stage. According to the principle of UEFA Champions League bonus distribution, the basic bonus is 1.7 million euros, the appearance fee per game is 340,000 euros, and the winning bonus is 340,000 euros, including ticket income, which is at least 7 million euros.
Enter the second stage, add a bonus of 2 million euros, and double the winning bonus.
Add 2.7 million euros to enter the quarterfinals.
Entered four plus 3.4 million euros.
Entering the final plus 4.1 million euros.
The champion team will also get an extra 2.7 million euros.
The bonus income of the competition alone is 30 million euros, but this is far from the big head. What is really enviable is the sponsorship fee.
Bwin, Milan's main sponsor, signed a progressive contract with the team, and sponsored a considerable fee for each step in the Champions League.
The year before last, Benitez led Liverpool to win the Champions League. The team's total revenue was about 65 million euros, compared with AC Milan last year's 87 million euros, and Milan's revenue this year has increased. Italian media estimates have reached a staggering one. How can Berlusconi not be happy with such a huge profit of 100 million euros?
With an income of 100 million euros, Milan's transfer budget for next season is naturally very high, which will greatly increase the possibility of several superstars joining.
The most credible is Shevchenko. My willingness to return and the welcome of Boss Bei have made things much easier. The transfer fee will be about 15 million euros.
There is also a noteworthy Ronaldinho. Barcelona's transfer bottom line is 40 million euros, and the huge benefits brought by the Champions League trophy will promote the completion of this big deal.
Of course, AC Milan still has two choices, one is Juventus Buffon, the other is Barcelona's Zambrotta, and the acquisition of four superstars for 100 million euros, which is the real Champions League effect!
No one is more excited and satisfied with this victory than AC Milan chairman Berlusconi. In a year, he has experienced all the downs of individuals and teams, the failure of the prime minister's election, the blow of the "telephone door" incident, Mr. Lin Lin.
Everything finally came to an end in Athens, and AC Milan won the Champions League, but Berlusconi was still calm at the award ceremony. When Maldini raised the Champions Cup, he applauded with a reserved smile; only when he went to the stadium to celebrate, the chairman, who was famous for his character, finally joined the players. Singing and dancing, like Stevenson's childlike old gentleman.
In the stands, Berlusconi has always been very calm, compared with Galliani's nervousness. When Milan scored two goals, Galliani almost jumped excitedly. When Kuite scored a goal in the 88th minute, Berlusconi sat in the stands with a blank face, slightly nervous, and Galliani was out of control. Controlling his emotions, he ran back to the locker room and admitted that he was too nervous after the game.
"I left my seat and went to the locker room, and I wanted to calm myself down. I'm a little suspicious. I'm too nervous to bear such torture.
Before the award ceremony, Galliani has returned to the court. He stayed with the players, while Berlusconi stayed in the VIP seat with a peaceful smile on his face, which was even calmer than in the first round of the Milan Derby this season. That time he was almost furious at halftime. But in front of victory, he was so quiet.
Of course, the most touching scene was the moment when Berlusconi and Maldini hugged each other. At this time, Galliani had come to the VIP seat with the crowd of award-winning players and returned to Berlusconi. When the two most representative AC Milan figures in the past 15 years hugged each other, Galliani applauded excitedly.
Throughout the night, Galliani revealed all his feelings, and Berlusconi kept a restrained smile after the victory, and even applauded less than Galliani.
Berlusconi also appeared at the celebration, and countless bitterness and pain were finally released at this moment: "I said Inzaghi would score two goals, and I was right. We forgot the pain of Istanbul with victory, although the pressure was still hidden in us. AC Milan won this championship for themselves and for Italy, which is a great achievement.
After defeating Juventus and winning the Champions League in 2003, Galliani once admitted that he slept with the big ear cup that night: "Who will sleep with the big ear cup after the game? I haven't figured out yet, either the chairman or me!"
Athens is indeed a blessed place for Milan. In 1973, they won the Winners' Cup here 1:0. In 1994, they swept Barcelona here 4:0 and won the Champions Cup trophy. This time, they defeated Liverpool 3:1 here and won the Champions League for the eighth time in history. Shi also took revenge for the great reversal by Liverpool two years ago.
Both teams are big winners in the Champions Cup. The 51st Champions Cup jointly won 12 trophies, which are the two teams that have won the most championships outside Real Madrid.
Liverpool wears red home uniforms for 5 times, while opponents wear white jerseys, including "Istanbul Night". Milan wears white jerseys for 5 times for 7 championships, and still chooses their lucky colors this year.
This time, when the two teams put on their lucky colors and boarded the court again, after 90 minutes of fierce battle, AC Milan became the final winner.
This season, the most chaotic AC Milan was presented to people, but in the end they drew a perfect end to this painful journey with a Champions League trophy.
Milanese celebrate their victory, but after the victory, they still have a big crisis, that is, tickets to the Champions League next season. Now in the league ranking, AC Milan is still two points ahead of Fiorentina, but the two sides still have a face-to-face battle in San Siro.
With the momentum of winning the Champions League, people are naturally more optimistic about AC Milan's final victory in this game, but is Fiorentina really so easy to deal with?
Don't forget that when the two sides competed at the Vlaki Stadium for the first time this season, Degan's hat-trick in the first game after paying once humiliated AC Milan. Now Degan is still in Florence, and after Kaka's success, his desire for the Champions League championship is not at all. There are fewer people than AC Milan.
"I want to congratulate Rikado, who completed a great game, but for the last round of the league, I have only one goal, that is, victory. Fiorentina has the strength to achieve the same great achievement in the Champions League. We have this strength, and I firmly believe that Fiorentina will do better than AC Milan! "
Digan's words are tough. There is no need to guess that if Fiorentina really disasects AC Milan in San Siro, they will never give up their Champions League seats like Zaragoza in consideration of the overall situation.
AC Milan has only one way to continue their glory in Europe next season, which is to win the game.