Former Liverpool ace set for 2005 Champions League final REMATCH with AC Milan legend

The 2005 Champions League final was almost two decades ago n0w, but one former Liverpool star is set for an Istanbul-inspired rematch this weekend. 

Liverpool, of course, lifted the Champions League trophy at the end of the 2004/05 campaign following a truly epic comeback against AC Milan in the final in Turkey.

The Reds were three goals down at half-time, but a trio of strikes in six second-half minutes forced the game to extra-time and eventually penalties, with Jerzy Dudek the hero in a memorable shootout.

It remains the greatest comeback in Champions League history and the fondest of memories for Liverpool supporters, with former Red Harry Kewell set for a showdown with an old foe from that fabled match 19 years ago.

HARRY KEWELL'S ISTANBUL REMATCH

Kewell played for Liverpool for five years and started the 2005 Champions League final before being substituted with a groin injury after just 23 minutes.

The Australian was also a used substitute in the 2007 Champions League final - a game Liverpool lost 2-1 to AC Milan.

But Kewell is now enjoying life as a manager in Japan, taking charge of Yokohama F. Marinos, and he has even guided his team to the Asian Champions League final.

The final takes place over two legs, the first of which comes this Saturday, and he will meet former AC Milan star Hernan Crespo on the touchline in the showpiece event.

Crespo, who famously scored two goals in the 2005 Champions League final, is currently in charge of United Arab Emirates side Al Ain - Kewell's opponents this weekend.

While an Istanbul-esque comeback won't quite be possible given the AFC Champions League final is played over two legs, the second of which takes place on 25 May, Crespo won't have pleasant memories of his other major battle against Kewell.

Speaking about the upcoming matches, Kewell stated: "Finals are usually a one-off game and that’s why I’ve always said two-legged semi-finals are always the toughest games.

"When you get to a final you should enjoy it. But this [two-legged final] is something new for me as well. You’re going to have to be able to control your emotions.

"You’re not going to be out of it from the first game. You’re always going to have a second chance. Whatever happens on 11 May [first leg] is not going to determine everything."