Champions League final photos

1 of 12 The Champions League final gets off to a sensational start as AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini scores after just 50 seconds

2 of 12 Milan play with supreme confidence after their great start with Brazilian playmaker Kaka pulling the strings in midfield

3 of 12 The movement of the Milan front two cause big problems and it is no surprise when Hernan Crespo puts the Italians two up

4 of 12 Milan's football gets better and Dudek is beaten again when a brilliant through ball from Kaka is expertly finished by Crespo

5 of 12 Liverpool's key men Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard trudge off at half-time staring defeat in the face

6 of 12 Eight minutes into the second half Gerrard connects with a Riise cross to give Liverpool a glimmer of hope

7 of 12 And just two minutes later substitute Vladimir Smicer's long-range strike brings Benitez's men right back into the match

8 of 12 In the 59th minute Gerrard breaks into the penalty area and is hauled back by Milan's Gennaro Gattuso

9 of 12 Referee Manuel Gonzalez points to the spot, but it takes a rebound for Xabi Alonso to sensationally bring Liverpool level

10 of 12 Liverpool's stunning comeback forces the game into extra-time and Benitez and Gerrard discuss tactics

11 of 12 The game goes down to penalties and an inspired performance from Jerzy Dudek sees Liverpool win the final

12 of 12 There are delirious scenes as Gerrard lifts the Champions League trophy for Liverpool