In an ironic turnaround from the classic Istanbul final of two years ago, Rafa Benitez's men were by far the better side on the night, but were caught out by two sucker punches.

 

Liverpool were left chasing the game after Andrea Pirlo's free-kick on 43 minutes was cruelly deflected by Pippo Inzaghi past Pepe Reina.

 

It was Milan's first meaningful attempt on goal, but soon after the break the English side began to tire and went two behind when Inzaghi netted his 58th European goal after a brilliant through ball by the inspirational Brazilian Kaka.

 

Dirk Kuyt gave Liverpool hope of another famous comeback with a headed strike on 88 minutes, but this time it wasn't to be for the Merseysiders.

 

After the match, skipper Steven Gerrard was gracious in defeat.

 

"They proably deserved to win," the midfielder said. "They've got some fantastic players.

 

"We need to go away now and strengthen our squad, but this club is going places. We can make another one of these finals. I'm sure of that."

 

Benitez added: "They are a very good side, but we controlled the game in the first half. We had bad luck, conceded the goal and were then up against it.

 

"We played really well before the first goal, better than in Instanbul, but the deflection changed everything.

 

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