to Milan.

Nesta is pure class and together with Maldini, they form a nearly impenetrable central defense. Every time the Reds took an opportunity, Maldini/Nesta seemed to get there just in time to dismantle the chance. Apart from the odd chance, Dida was never really troubled to the extent I would have hoped. Shame on those Milan fans who said Maldini shouldn't start.

Liverpool played excellent attack-minded football, especially in the early part of the match. They simply didn't have what it took in the final 1/3 (or maybe the final 1/6) to beat the Milan defense.

Mascherano was excellent against Kaka.

I learned that "Gattuso" is Italian for "Keane"

I learned that 60' of Zenden is really too much to overcome. Liverpool has a real chasm on the left side of midfield. I sincerely hope that Gonzales, 'Arry, or Riise (depending upon Arbeola's development) can solve that piece of the puzzle next season.

We were all reminded that Liverpool has the best fans in the world. I swear that "you'll never walk alone" WILLED the Reds to that consolation goal.

Hard to be too dissapointed given how well Milan defended. Still...

At least it wasn't Everton (as if ).

I thought Benitez mistake was more not bringing on Bellamy... the lad, whatever you think of the tit, he has pace to burn, and that could have been utilised to put pressure on the aged legs of the likes of Maldini - but apparently Bellamy is seriously out of favour, and I should imagine he'll be flogged to the highest bidder come the summer.

I agree that Milan were there for the taking, to some degree, but the Milan goal was never really under serious threat. Riise shot a few that troubled the third tier of the stadium, more than the Milan defence... Pennant went through and should have done better, Dida made an easy save - Alonso fizzed one wide, Dida had it covered all the way - the only decent shot Liverpool had I guess would be Peter Crouch's blast from 20 yards, which was too central to seriously trouble Dida, and he tipped it over comfortably.

I thought Gerrard would have done better to have dropped deeper than he did, he was playing as a striker, rather than just behind one. if he'd dropped deeper he would have given the Milan defence and midfiled more to think about, as it was Gerrard was never really the theat he ought to have been. he should have been galloping into spaces, pulling the Milan team around to create space for other players but it never happened, really.

overall Milan will be delighted to exorcise the demons of Istanbul (not Constantinople) and edge nearer to Real Madrid's record of 9 European Cup wins...

I think you are spot on Redyankee!

Nesta and Maldini are nothing but class. Paolo can literally play for as long as he'd like. He doesn't have the pace he once had (although he was never quick on his feet), but he is so bloody smart. Granted he made a couple during the final, but nobody is perfect and at 39, how can you not proclaim him as an all-time starter on anybody's back four. As for Nesta, he is learning from the best, so what do we expect!

As for your Liverpool side and their supporters, A hit to the chin with a 2-1 defeat, yet you lot stood tall at the end of the match and WILLED your club up the stairs to receive their second-place medals.

And your assessment of Gattuso is exactly what I have always said and is why I have for years that Manchester United could snatch him away from the Rossoneri. It's too late now I guess, but he would have been the absolute BEST replacement for Keano. Ah well, Hergreaves will have to do.

Roll on next season!

I think Maldini was there to be exploited in the CL final this year (as was the Milan left back) - a Thierry Henry or a Samuel Eto'o would have perhaps had a field day...

taking nothing away from Maldini mind you, he is rightly regarded a legend, and would get into most people's All-Time Grea-*test*-('") XI no doubt...