"It was a miracle" - Rafa Benitez on the 2005 Champions League final

Former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has opened up on the 2005 Champions League final.

The Reds came up against AC Milan in Istanbul. The Serie A side were 3-0 up at half-time.

However, Benitez's side were a different team during the second half. Liverpool scored three unanswered goals and eventually secured victory via a penalty shootout.

Benitez had the following to say about the game during a recent interview.

“It was a miracle that we finally won on penalties. But I don't think we would have made it if I had raged in the dressing room with my imperfect English," he told the Liverpool Echo, as quoted by Anfield Watch on Twitter.

“Today I can smile about it, but if something like that happens to you in a final, you lose control, your message. Basically, the language is important, but not the most important thing either: you have to understand the game, you have to know how to win.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Liverpool should never have defeated AC Milan. But, they found a way to secure the European Cup back in 2005.

Since then, the Reds have played in four Champions League finals. However, Liverpool have only been able to win the prize on one more occasion.

Back in 2019, Jurgen Klopp's side defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in Madrid to secure the club's sixth European Cup.

Hopefully Liverpool can have a solid run in Europe this season. The Reds have played three group stage games so far this campaign. Liverpool have won two and lost one.