Everything you need to know as Zeljko Kalac's Milan takes on Harry Kewell's Liverpool in the prestigous 2007 Champions League final.
RAFA'S NEW REDS BEST YET
Rafael Benitez keeps saying it, and Milan should take note. This Liverpool is a much better side than the one that beat the Italians two years ago in Istanbul.
Then it was all about astonishing comebacks, terrible misses, penalties and Jerzy Dudek.
This time in Athens on May 23 it will be different. Milan were the technically better side in Istanbul, but could not make their talent tell when all they needed was calm and steely nerves.
In Athens the task for Benitez's men is to reproduce the form they showed in beating Barcelona and Chelsea in the earlier rounds, because this time they know that Milan have not improved much from Istanbul. But Liverpool are better.
Milan's side this time will show only marginal differences to the 2005 final vintage, other than that they are a couple of years older.
But Liverpool have evolved. Of the 18-man squad that was on duty in the Ataturk Stadium, eight are no longer with the club. Probably only five of the line-up will be in the team that starts in Athens.
Gone are Djimi Traore, Milan Baros, Dietmar Hamann - a crucial second-half substitute - Vladimir Smicer, who likewise played a key role as an early replacement for Harry Kewell, and Djibril Cisse.
On the bench Igor Biscan, Josemi and Antonio Nunez have all left, while substitute goalkeeper Scott Carson has been out on loan at Charlton and will not be involved this time.
Injury will rule out Luis Garcia, while Sami Hyypia is unlikely to dislodge 21-year-old Daniel Agger from central defence. Dudek will be on the bench at best this time with Jose Reina in goal.
The front-line survivors are Steve Finnan, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, John Arne Riise and Jamie Carragher.
It is a major change-around in Benitez's plans. He has better, more effective players now at this level and plenty of choice.
It could be argued that apart from Reina, Gerrard, Carragher and probably Riise, no-one else in the Liverpool camp is sure of their place in the Athens starting line-up.
Finnan is now under pressure from Alvaro Arbeloa, a specialist European defender who took Lionel Messi out of the game in both legs against Barcelona.
Agger should keep out Hyypia, but with Arbeloa able to play either full-back role, he could push out Riise, with the Norwegian playing in the problem left-side midfield role.
Boudewijn Zenden has made a late play for this position with confident displays in both semi-final legs against Chelsea. Even fit-again Kewell has put himself in with a shout of the left-wing role.
And does Benitez play with a winger, Jermaine Pennant, or utilise Gerrard on the right? If Pennant plays there is only one place for Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Mohamed Sissoko to contest alongside the captain.
An up front only Robbie Fowler realises he will get no closer than the bench. If Benitez plays one or two strikers - the second option meaning Gerrard will push forward - there will be sleepless nights for Craig Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch until they know the manager's feelings and tactics.
Benitez has played a variety of systems in Europe this season and is very hard to predict. That will make Milan's planning much more difficult.
Benitez will have seen how much joy Manchester United had down the flanks against Milan when they won their semi-final first leg 3-2 in thrilling fashion at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard will also have seen how effective Milan's ball retention was in the second leg when United failed to produce any serious tempo to harass defenders, who played deep and strangled the life from the game by killing off long periods of play without United getting a touch.
And you cannot see Benitez allowing Kaka to roam unattended, and he will not adopt the Sir Alex Ferguson method of allowing "whoever is nearest" to mark the Brazilian.
Hamann, eventually, did that job in Istanbul, a key part of the recovery from 3-0 down in the second period, which suggests the defensive, organised Mascherano will have the role against his fellow South American.
So can Liverpool do it again? The answer has to be yes, purely because Benitez is such a superb tactician in Europe and will find the weaknesses in the Italians' line-up.
And you sense Liverpool's style will exploit them far better than United's did.
Continues...FINAL RECKONING
It could cruelly be argued that neither AC Milan nor Liverpool actually deserve to be in the Champions League, let alone its final.
After all, Milan were booted out of the competition last summer amid the first wave of punishments over the Italian match-fixing scandal, only to be allowed back into the qualifying round, where they duly dispatched Red Star Belgrade.
Meanwhile, in Liverpool, UEFA know a team are heading to Athens on May 23 to scrap for the biggest prize in European club football who have been incapable of winning their own domestic competition for an incredible 17 years and who will almost certainly finish the Premiership season over 20 points adrift of champions Manchester United.
Yet to plant such a negative tag over events at the magnificent Olympic Stadium would be to overlook what promises to be an intriguing, keenly-contested affair which, if it comes halfway to matching their amazing meeting in Istanbul two years ago, will be a game worth remembering.
Strip aside Real Madrid's nine successes in the tournament and it is the two most successful teams in European Cup history who will do battle, with Liverpool looking to match AC Milan's record of six titles.
Having already accounted for Celtic, narrowly, and Manchester United, thrillingly, the Serie A representatives are gunning for a British hat-trick. Liverpool on the other hand are eager to maintain an incredible record of winning five of their previous six finals.
Until either side finds themselves pushed to the brink of oblivion, as Rafael Benitez's men were by Milan's three-goal first-half assault in Istanbul, it is unlikely to be an open affair.
The Italians may have cast off their nation's defensive stereotype and let loose some of the finest attacking players on the planet but they remain a durable defensive unit, while Liverpool, under Benitez, tend to adopt a pragmatic approach aimed at denying their opponents room to breathe.
It is certainly hard to imagine Milan's midfield being afforded anything like the space they enjoyed in their semi-final meeting with Manchester United.
Not many pundits would argue Sir Alex Ferguson is a naive tactician but in sticking by his attacking principles, albeit with an injury-hit side, the United boss played right into Milan's hands.
Two goals from Kaka at Old Trafford and another one from the brilliant Brazilian at the San Siro effectively brought the Red Devils' challenge to an end.
Yet it is impossible to believe Benitez will allow Kaka the freedom to wander around causing havoc when he has so many disciplined defenders in his midst.
The same is also true of Clarence Seedorf, who boasts the unique achievement of winning three Champions League crowns with three different clubs. On the evidence of his performances against United, those successes are no fluke.
Seedorf may not have Kaka's star quality but he rarely gives away possession and is capable of producing moments of extreme brilliance.
It has largely been overlooked given the disappointment surrounding the performance of Ferguson's team but the way Seedorf headed the ball into Kaka's path for Milan's crucial opening goal in the second leg of their semi-final had the hallmark of genius.
The suspicion remains Milan remain vulnerable at the back, which begs the question of Benitez, how do you exploit the weakness?
With Dirk Kuyt an automatic choice for his phenomenal industry alone, Benitez must decide whether to partner the Dutchman with Peter Crouch or Craig Bellamy, or play his senior striker alone up front and let Steven Gerrard loose from a deeper position.
Bellamy has already proved against Barcelona this season how much his pace can unsettle top-class defenders. Crouch's presence would suggest a more aerial assault which, presumably, for all his height disadvantage, Alessandro Nesta would fancy his chances of quelling.
The Gerrard conundrum could hold the key to Liverpool's chances given there is bound to be some trepidation in the Milan camp about facing the man who almost single-handedly robbed them of the trophy two years ago.
With Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Mohamed Sissoko available, Benitez has a more plausible reason than Steve McClaren for sticking Gerrard on the right wing.
Yet if the game produces the limited number of chances most people anticipate, effectiveness in the finishing department will be crucial, suggesting Gerrard could be better utilised in a more offensive role.
Gerrard has already fulfilled a lifelong ambition by holding the European Cup aloft once. To do it again, when Chelsea and Arsenal have never managed it, and Ferguson succeeded only once, with a team whose Premiership form has been so disappointing, would be truly remarkable.
Continues...THE KEY BATTLES
STEVEN GERRARD v CLARENCE SEEDORF
Both men have history in the Champions League final, with Seedorf the only man to win the competition with three different clubs and Gerrard producing perhaps his career-defining performance when the sides met in Istanbul.
In that match Gerrard scored a victory, taking full control of the midfield from the second-half whistle onwards, so the Dutchman will be eager to win the struggle this time.
The Liverpool skipper is a more all-action figure, surging with energy and putting himself about with vigour in attack and defence but while his midfield opponent is older and has a little less stamina, he proved against Manchester United in the semi-final that he is a clever enough player to shine in the loftiest company.
JAMIE CARRAGHER v KAKA
Kaka's free-spirited nature means he is elusive at times and Liverpool's players, guided by Rafael Benitez, will have to divide responsibility for keeping the Brazilian at bay.
That said, Carragher as the side's best tackler and most robust defender will carry the largest share of the burden.
He will be tasked with picking up a player touted by many as the world's best whenever he comes into the Reds' danger area.
For his part, Kaka will be looking to maintain what is perhaps the richest and most sustained run of form he has yet enjoyed in his career.
Milan have less firepower than they did in 2005, with Andriy Shevchenko and Hernan Crespo both elsewhere, and they rely on his ingenuity to unlock back lines.
DIRK KUYT v ALESSANDRO NESTA
Benitez has already claimed Kuyt's signature as a resounding success - something seemingly backed up by his excellent display against Chelsea in the last four of this competition.
But the hard-working Dutch forward has his doubters who feel he lacks the subtlety to be a regular match-winner at the highest level.
Nevertheless he will harangue Nesta all day in Athens and will Milan will pay heavily if they choose to underestimate his fierce shot or muscular presence in the box.
Nesta could cap off a wonderful year with a Champions League triumph to go alongside his World Cup winner's medal but injury deprived him of a meaningful part in Italy's win in Germany, something that will not be far from his mind when he lines up against Liverpool.
JOSE REINA v ALBERTO GILARDINO
Gilardino faces a genuine fight for a starting place in the final, with veteran Filippo Inzaghi getting the nod in the second leg against Manchester United.
But he responded well to that jolt and scored the third, crushing goal to knock the wind out of Sir Alex Ferguson's side and should be restored for the showpiece.
If he does so he will find the increasingly assured Reina standing between him and Champions League glory.
Reina has a daunting act to live up to after Jerzy Dudek's heroics when the sides met at the same stage two years ago, but his self-belief is sky high following his penalty saves against Chelsea and given Liverpool's recent record he could be tested by a shootout again in Greece.
Gilardino is in a less secure position and knows Inzaghi is waiting if he fails to beat the Spaniard. Whoever wins this war of nerves could decide the destiny of the silverware.
Continues...
ROSSONERI’S REVENGE
AC Milan have made no secret of the fact revenge is their principal motivation as they prepare to take on Liverpool in the Champions League final on May 23.
The Rossoneri are still traumatised by their collapse in the 2005 final in Istanbul which saw them squander a 3-0 half-time lead and eventually lose on a penalty shoot-out and Milan president - and former Italian prime minister - Silvio Berlusconi has been candid about his club's determination to avenge their heartbreak.
He said: "We will win the cup which we handed to Liverpool two years ago.
"Their goalkeeper (Jerzy Dudek) will not make us lose concentration again with his dances (during the shoot-out), we are training specifically for this.
"This is the chance for revenge we have been waiting for."
Berlusconi's stance is not surprising, with his club adopting a siege mentality for much of this season.
Milan were embroiled in the match-fixing scandal which hit Serie A last year and, having been hit with an initial 30-point penalty - reduced to eight on appeal - slipped from second to third in the final 2005-06 standings.
That meant they had to qualify for the Champions League, although a 3-1 aggregate victory against Red Star Belgrade presented few problems.
The club maintain their innocence in the whole affair, with Berlusconi hinting it had brought the club closer together.
He added: "We are stronger than jealousy, stronger than misfortune and stronger than injustice.
"After a difficult start to the season, where we were punished for not doing anything wrong, we have not forgotten our main mission, which is to win (the Champions League)."
Milan head into the game in Athens in confident mood.
A recent fine run of form in Serie A has seen them all but secure a Champions League spot for next year and their form in Europe has been equally impressive.
Having topped Group H, they squeezed past Scottish champions Celtic in the first qualifying round.
The first real test came in the quarter-finals when a resolute second-leg display in Germany saw the Rossoneri overcome Bayern Munich while in the last four they proved too strong for Manchester United.
The architect of their win against Sir Alex Ferguson's men was Brazilian playmaker Kaka, who netted three goals in the tie and is the top scorer in the competition with 10.
"This year I have scored many beautiful goals and many important ones," he said.
"And the joy of being the top scorer is added to the happiness of knowing that I have helped my team-mates and my club.
"I reiterate, however, that I am not playing at my top level. I still have a lot to improve on."
The 25-year-old clearly sees his best days ahead of him, while Milan captain Paolo Maldini is close to the end of one of the game's glittering careers which has seen him claim four winners' medals in Europe's premier club competition.
Such is 38-year-old Maldini's desperation to play in the Greek capital that he has postponed a knee operation to take part.
The former Italy skipper is another Milan player eager to beat Liverpool to erase the memory of the defeat two years ago.
"I thought about the final in Istanbul for at least a year," he said, before praising the Merseysiders, who beat Chelsea in their last four clash.
"Liverpool are a team that have no fear," Maldini added.
Milan have been crowned kings of Europe on six occasions, a record bettered only by Real Madrid.
The Liverpool rematch is also the third time in the last five years they have advanced to the final.
"This record shows you have to be convinced of your own abilities to do well and to find the right balance and the necessary calmness and focus you need to go on and win," said coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose job was under threat until the team's league form picked up and they continued to challenge in Europe.
"We are very happy to be playing in the final and equally happy to face Liverpool," he added.
"What happened two years ago has no weight on the upcoming final. We want to win it."
Continues...THE ROAD TO ATHENS
Matchday one: PSV 0 Liverpool 0. AC Milan 3 AEK 0.
A sound defensive performance by Liverpool earned a deserved point against the Dutch champions, while Milan started their campaign with a comfortable victory, thanks to goals from Fillipo Inzaghi, Yoann Gourcuff and Kaka.
Matchday two: Lille 0 AC Milan 0. Liverpool 3 Galatasaray 2.
Milan were held to a goalless draw in the north of France. Liverpool raced into a 3-0 lead over Galatasaray with two goals from Peter Crouch and one from Luis Garcia, but were left hanging on after Umit Karan's late brace.
Matchday three: Anderlecht 0 AC Milan 1. Bordeaux 0 Liverpool 1.
Both clubs picked up good away wins on matchday three. Kaka's goal was enough for Milan against Anderlecht, whilst Crouch was on the scoresheet again for Liverpool in a narrow win over Bordeaux.
Matchday four: Liverpool 3 Bordeaux 0. AC Milan 4 Anderlecht 1.
The return matches at home proved much more comfortable. Two goals for Luis Garcia and one for captain Steven Gerrard secured a 3-0 win for Liverpool at Anfield, while Kaka's hat-trick inspired the Rossoneri to a 4-1 victory at the San Siro.
Matchday five: AEK 1 AC Milan 0. Liverpool 2 PSV 0.
Julio Cesar's goal sent Milan to a shock defeat in Athens on matchday five, but Liverpool had no such problems against PSV, with Gerrard and Crouch on target in a 2-0 win.
Matchday six: Galatasaray 3 Liverpool 2. AC Milan 0 Lille 2.
With qualification secured, a weakened Liverpool side fell to defeat in Turkey, despite a brace from Robbie Fowler. Milan were also guaranteed to progress by this stage, but fell to a surprising 2-0 defeat at home to Lille.
First knockout round:
First leg, Celtic 0 AC Milan 0. Second leg, AC Milan 1 Celtic 0 (after extra time).
Milan were pushed all the way by Gordon Strachan's side before a superb individual goal by Kaka settled the tie in extra time in the second leg.
First leg, Barcelona 1 Liverpool 2. Second leg, Liverpool 0 Barcelona 1 (Liverpool go through on away goals rule).
Liverpool's Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise put their troubles behind them to earn a famous victory in the Nou Camp, and on another memorable night at Anfield, Liverpool held on to progress on away goals, despite Eidur Gudjohnsen's second-half strike.
Quarter-finals:
First leg, AC Milan 2 Bayern Munich 2. Second leg, Bayern Munich 0 AC Milan 2.
Milan twice took the lead through Andrea Pirlo and Kaka in the first leg in the San Siro, but two goals from Daniel Van Buyten brought the Germans level. However, the Italians were not to be denied in the return leg in Munich, and goals from Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi were enough to secure a semi-final place.
First leg, PSV 0 Liverpool 3. Second leg, Liverpool 1 PSV 0.
Liverpool wrapped up their tie with PSV in the first-leg, with Gerrard, Riise and Crouch all on the scoresheet in an impressive 3-0 win. The second leg was a mere formality, and another goal from Crouch sealed a 4-0 aggregate triumph.
Semi-finals:
First leg, Chelsea 1 Liverpool 0. Second leg, Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0. (Liverpool win 4-1 on penalties after extra-time).
In a repeat of the 2005 semi-final, Liverpool squeezed past Chelsea on penalties on a thrilling night at Anfield. Joe Cole's goal had given Jose Mourinho's side a slender advantage going into the second leg, but Daniel Agger's superb 20-yard strike ensured the match went the full distance. In the shoot-out, Jose Reina saved penalties from Arjen Robben and Geremi, before Dirk Kuyt sent the Reds' fans into ecstasy with the winning spot-kick
First leg, Manchester United 3 AC Milan 2. Second leg, AC Milan 3 Manchester United 0.
Despite two more goals from the exceptional Kaka, Milan trailed 3-2 to Manchester United going into the second leg in Italy. However, any hopes of an all-English final were soon blown away, as the Rossoneri produced a majestic performance in the San Siro. Kaka scored his 10th Champions League goal of the season to level the tie, before further goals from Clarence Seedorf and Alberto Gilardino ensured a repeat of the 2005 final.
HOW THEY WEIGH UP
EUROPEAN CUP PEDIGREE
Liverpool are by far the most successful British participants in the history of European football's top club competition - and would join Milan as the continent's second most decorated club, on six wins, with victory in Athens. Titles in 1977, 1978, 1981 and 1984 preceded the 'miracle of Istanbul' two years ago, when the Reds fought back from three goals down to beat the Italians on penalties in arguably the most exciting final ever.
Milan's six titles came in 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003, and they would move within just two wins of undisputed European kings Real Madrid if they topple Rafael Benitez's men this time around.
FORM
Liverpool are sure to qualify for the Champions League again next season through their league position, AC are almost there, although neither was anywhere near claiming their respective title - Milan's challenge being effectively ended before it started due to a points penalty for their part in the Italian match-fixing scandal.
In Europe, Liverpool cantered through an easy group before seeing off reigning champions Barcelona and then thrashing PSV Eindhoven in the quarter-finals. Their semi-final with Chelsea was a tight and unattractive affair which was eventually decided by Jose Reina's shoot-out heroics.
Milan stuttered through an even easier group and needed extra-time to beat Celtic before Bayern Munich were edged in the last eight. However, they were in majestic form as they sent Manchester United crashing in the semis.
PAST ENCOUNTERS
The two giants of European football have met only once in competitive action and it proved mildly diverting. Paolo Maldini's first-minute volley and Hernan Crespo's double appeared to have put the Italian club out of sight in the 2005 final in Istanbul. But a header by Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer's daisy-cutter and Xabi Alonso's penalty follow-up - all scored within seven minutes after half-time - took the game to extra-time and penalties. Jerzy Dudek's dancing then unsettled Milan as the Reds won on spot-kicks. All that can really be drawn from the clash is that you should not, under any circumstances, avert your glance until the final whistle this time around.
TACTICS
Rafael Benitez has enjoyed great success in continental competition with both Liverpool and Valencia, so he is unlikely to stray far from his tried-and-tested formula. Expect rigid defensive lines, with Javier Mascherano deployed as the Spaniard's midfield terrier to disrupt Milan's undoubtedly smoother attacking play. The Argentina international could also be used to man-mark Kaka. If Benitez again opts for Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt in attack, expect many passes to be of the longer variety.
Milan battered Manchester United into submission by relentlessly pressurising the ball in all areas of the field, and some of Sir Alex Ferguson's side were simply unable to cope as their technique was found wanting. They will do the same again, hope to win the ball in dangerous areas, and look to free the likes of Kaka and Clarence Seedorf with the game stretched.
SHOW-STOPPERS
Both Liverpool and Milan are dominated by an outstanding individual.
For the Reds it is Gerrard. When they are at their best it is invariably when he is driving them forward from a central position, either with the ball at his feet or unleashing long-range passes with unerring accuracy. He also has one of the best shots from outside the box in the business.
If there were any doubts about Kaka's standing as the best player in the world, his performances in the semi-final against Manchester United dispelled them. Hugely skilful and hard-working, if he is given space in or around the area he will destroy Liverpool's title hopes. Equally proficient as a scorer and provider of goals.
WEAKNESSES
Liverpool's lack of a genuinely world class striker could cost them against defenders as wily as Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini, and, not for the first time, the Reds' primary goal threat might come from on-rushing midfielders. If Milan score first and shut up shop, the Merseysiders may be left to rely on a moment of magic as they lack the attacking guile to hurt the Rossoneri.
With a sensational 10 goals in this year's competition, Kaka's importance to Milan is inestimable. No truly 'one-man team' would make it all the way to the final of the world's premier club competition, but the fear remains that, to a large extent, if the Reds can stop the Brazilian, they will blunt them as a creative force. That, however, is far easier said than done.
VERDICT
The stage is set for Kaka to seal his position at the summit of the world game. Benitez will set out his team to stop him, but as the one true potential 'great' on display he will lead Milan to a narrow victory in a tense, tactical battle in Athens.
Continues...THE VITAL FACTORS
1 START WELL
While neutrals would relish the kind game that ensued two years ago, Liverpool know they cannot afford to concede as early as the first minute, as they did so famously in Istanbul. The chances of another comeback from 3-0 down are astronomical so it is vital the Reds settle quickly in Athens. Benitez will be aware how cheaply Manchester United conceded possession in the early stages of their semi-final second-leg defeat in Italy and will impress upon his players the importance of giving nothing away in the first 20 minutes.
2 STIFLE MIDFIELD
Milan demonstrated against United that, if allowed to play, they are capable of opening up teams at will. They possess arguably the best midfield in the competition, with the perfect balance of ability and aggression. But, as Celtic proved in the last 16, they can be shut down with a combination of discipline and hard work and Liverpool showed against Chelsea they are a match for anyone in that department. Controlled aggression should be Benitez's mantra in Athens. Denying the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf time on the ball should help limit the supply to dangerman Kaka.
3 STOP KAKA
Part of keeping Milan's star player quiet will be curtailing the influence of Pirlo and Seedorf but he is bound to get hold of the ball at some stage. When he does, it is vital Liverpool close him down quickly and do not allow him to get up to full speed as there are few quicker with the ball at their feet. This is where Javier Mascherano will play a crucial role, as he did against Chelsea. The Argentina midfielder must be in Kaka's face right from kick-off, while Xabi Alonso or Steven Gerrard should also be detailed to double-up on the Brazilian when necessary.
4 UNLEASH GERRARD
One of Liverpool's major problems in Istanbul was getting Gerrard into attacking positions. Their captain played too deep and was reduced to chasing shadows in the first half, and Liverpool's comeback was almost solely down to Benitez's decision to deploy Gerrard as a marauding forward after half-time. The game in Athens cannot be allowed to pass Gerrard by and, whether he starts in midfield or on the right, he must be given licence to drive at the heart of the Milan defence. If there are any psychological scars from 2005 in the Italians' minds, Gerrard can exploit them.
5 TARGET DIDA
For a team filled with international stars, it is a major surprise that Milan do not have a world-class performer in one of the positions that matters most. Liverpool's comeback two years ago could have fizzled out had the Brazilian goalkeeper saved Vladimir Smicer's speculative shot, while his recent performance at Old Trafford left much to be desired. Crosses appear his major weakness, which is why Jermain Pennant could start in Athens. However, Peter Crouch must play. Getting the likes of Gerrard and Alonso into shooting positions 25 yards out could also prove a useful tactic.
GERRARD V GATTUSO
TACKLING
Gerrard started out as a combative defensive midfielder when he broke into the Liverpool team as a teenager, matured into a box-to-box central midfielder before becoming an attacker outright. His development also saw him gradually curb the disciplinary naivety and regular horrendous challenges. However, he retains a real bite and still relishes the physical battle.
Gattuso is arguably the best in his position in the world. Never likely to be a playmaker, the former Rangers favourite has earned legendary status at the San Siro as a straightforward midfield terrier, pushing the boundaries of the law with high-tempo, aggressive ball-winning.
ATTACKING
Gerrard has blossomed into a fine attacking midfielder and has even prospered playing out wide on the right, which would have seemed highly unlikely when he made his debut as a raw youngster in 1998. He has long boasted a fierce shot and incisive passing but in recent years has developed his running with the ball and crossing.
'Rino' certainly knows his limitations and has never craved freedom to get forward. Instead, he roams in front of the defensive line, harrying, snarling and sniping. Cliched it may be, but the World Cup-winner possesses more football ability than people give him credit for, keeping it simple but efficient.
LEADERSHIP
Gerrard was identified as a future Liverpool captain right from his early days in the famous red strip. He is not the most vocal of skippers but does have motivational qualities and solid knowledge of the game.
Like Gerrard, Gattuso leads by example. But despite his position, style of play and infectious passion, he has never captained on a regular basis. He has been unfortunate that at international level Italy are rightly captained by Fabio Cannavaro and the great Paolo Maldini still wears the armband for Milan. Coach Carlo Ancelotti prefers Massimo Ambrosini as Maldini's deputy rather than Gattuso.
TROPHIES
At club level, only the Premiership title has so far eluded Gerrard. The midfielder has won the FA Cup twice, the League Cup twice, the UEFA Cup and Champions League plus several peripheral trophies such as the Community Shield and European Super Cup.
Gattuso also has a loaded mantlepiece. He helped Rangers to the Scottish League Cup in 1997-98. In 2003 he won a Champions League medal with Milan and also the Scudetto in 2004. He played a pivotal role in Italy's World Cup triumph in Germany last summer, continuing his partnership with club-mate Andrea Pirlo on the global stage under then national team boss Marcello Lippi.
KAKA’S CLAIM TO THE CROWN
Prodigiously talented AC Milan and Brazil playmaker Kaka will enhance his claims to succeed Fabio Cannavaro as FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or winner if he can inspire the Rossoneri to Champions League success over Liverpool in Athens on May 23.
But regardless of the outcome of the match, Kaka already considers himself a man blessed.
The sight of Kaka pointing his arms to heaven after scoring in the Champions League has become a familiar sight but the 25-year-old is in no doubt that his career has been guided by a divine hand.
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite was born in 1982 in the capital city Brasilia to a wealthy Evangelical Christian family.
However, it was at the age of 18 that the man known to the world by his nickname, Kaka, had the religious experience that changed his life.
Kaka injured his spine in a swimming accident and at one point his career was on the line.
After a year out, he returned to football - a cure he puts down to the grace of God.
Kaka is a member of the Athletes of Christ group, whose mission is to use sport to spread the gospel.
His Adidas boots bear the words "I belong to Jesus" and he has been known to wear t-shirts with the legend "I love Jesus" at events such as the victory parades that followed Brazil's World Cup win in 2002.
He says: "I want to show with my life and my work what God does for me so that others can see what God can do for them."
When, in 2005, he married Caroline Celico in a low-key ceremony devoid of the hullabaloo that surrounds so many celebrity weddings, he let it be known that he was a virgin until his wedding night. Although he has pop star looks - and is sometimes hounded by groups of screaming teenage girls - he eschews nightclubs.
But if he is reticent about hogging the limelight off the field, he commands attention on it.
Kaka is one of the, if not the, best footballer in the world at the moment and convincingly won his two semi-final duels with Cristiano Ronaldo, one of his rivals for that accolade.
Two goals in the final against Liverpool would see him finish a Champions League campaign with a competition record 12 goals.
His first club was Sao Paulo and he broke into the first team in 2001 - in an excellent first campaign he scored 12 goals in 27 outings.
The following season his star continued to ascend as he was awarded his first senior cap for a 6-0 rout of Bolivia in Goiana in January.
His early performances in the Auriverde (gold and green) colours earned him a call-up to Luiz Felipe Scolari's World Cup squad.
He played only a minor role in that tournament and was actually stripped for action, ready to come on as a substitute when referee Pierluigi Collina blew for full-time as Brazil sealed a 2-0 final win over Germany in Yokohama.
Naturally, Kaka was one of the first players to join in the public prayers on the pitch as Brazil's players, Evangelical and Catholic, linked arms and fell to their knees.
The following year he arrived in Milan and quickly made an impact with the Rossoneri, inspiring the club to the Scudetto in his first season at the San Siro.
He has gradually become a talismanic figure and travelled to last year's World Cup as an established starter in the team now coached by Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Kaka - with Ronaldinho, Adriano and Ronaldo - was a member of the so-called "magic square" but Brazil had a disappointing tournament.
His brilliant goal in Berlin against Croatia was an all-too-rare glimpse of his talent.
The 2006-07 season started in uncertainty for the Rossoneri, who were only allowed to compete in the Champions League after their initial punishment for match fixing was reduced with Real Madrid reportedly set to sign their talisman.
Club president Silvio Berlusconi, a former Italian prime minister, is confident he will keep his shining light on board, however.
"Kaka merits the golden ball award," said the Rossoneri supremo after the second leg against United.
"I'm sure he will stay with us for a long time."
Continues...THE GAFFERS
TRANSFERS
January arrival Javier Mascherano has fitted seamlessly into the Liverpool midfield, releasing Steven Gerrard from defensive duties, and Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger have looked classy acquisitions. But Benitez can often be accused of buying in quantity rather than quality, with question marks remaining over the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Gabriel Paletta and Fabio Aurelio.
Like his Liverpool counterpart, the Milan coach has had mixed success in the transfer market. Ricardo Oliveira has failed to fill Andriy Shevchenko's sizeable boots, but the £5million spent on Ronaldo - who is cup-tied for the final - looks a shrewd piece of business.
MAN-MANAGEMENT
Former Valencia boss Benitez may enjoy the full support of the Anfield dressing room but his relationship with his players is by no means close. He was criticised by Steven Gerrard in his autobiography for his muted reaction after the miraculous comeback against Milan in Istanbul in 2005.
Any coach who lasts more than five years at a club of Milan's size must have the backing of his players. His pragmatism has extended the shelf life of classy defensive stalwarts like Cafu (36), Alessandro Costacurta (41) and the eternally youthful Paolo Maldini (38).
TACTICS
It is difficult to find a better tactician than Benitez. He took a year out to study coaching methods in Italy and England in the 1999-2000 season and pays meticulous attention to detail using groundbreaking methods. Masterminded Liverpool's turnaround in 2005, bringing on goalscorer Vladimir Smicer and Dietmar Hamann at half-time and will closely study Manchester United's semi-final failings.
Initially criticised for his defensive tendencies by owner Silvio Berlusconi, Ancelotti has adapted his approach to make Milan Italy's most flamboyant force.
STRENGTHS
The shrewd Spaniard has outwitted the best of Europe's coaches on a regular basis and has an excellent record in both European and domestic cup competition.
One of only five individuals to win the Champions League as a player and manager, Ancelotti brings a wealth of European experience. His habit of pulling results out of the hat when his neck is on the line deserves recognition.
WEAKNESSES
Brought in primarily to end the club's title drought, the Reds under Benitez are no closer to winning a first Premier League title than when Gerard Houllier departed in 2004.
Ultimately, Ancelotti has delivered just one Scudetto and a Champions League trophy in almost six years, leading to the re-emergence of the 'nearly man' tag he was tarnished with during an unsuccessful stint at Juventus.
Rafael Benitez keeps saying it, and Milan should take note. This Liverpool is a much better side than the one that beat the Italians two years ago in Istanbul.
Then it was all about astonishing comebacks, terrible misses, penalties and Jerzy Dudek.
This time in Athens on May 23 it will be different. Milan were the technically better side in Istanbul, but could not make their talent tell when all they needed was calm and steely nerves.
In Athens the task for Benitez's men is to reproduce the form they showed in beating Barcelona and Chelsea in the earlier rounds, because this time they know that Milan have not improved much from Istanbul. But Liverpool are better.
Milan's side this time will show only marginal differences to the 2005 final vintage, other than that they are a couple of years older.
But Liverpool have evolved. Of the 18-man squad that was on duty in the Ataturk Stadium, eight are no longer with the club. Probably only five of the line-up will be in the team that starts in Athens.
Gone are Djimi Traore, Milan Baros, Dietmar Hamann - a crucial second-half substitute - Vladimir Smicer, who likewise played a key role as an early replacement for Harry Kewell, and Djibril Cisse.
On the bench Igor Biscan, Josemi and Antonio Nunez have all left, while substitute goalkeeper Scott Carson has been out on loan at Charlton and will not be involved this time.
Injury will rule out Luis Garcia, while Sami Hyypia is unlikely to dislodge 21-year-old Daniel Agger from central defence. Dudek will be on the bench at best this time with Jose Reina in goal.
The front-line survivors are Steve Finnan, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, John Arne Riise and Jamie Carragher.
It is a major change-around in Benitez's plans. He has better, more effective players now at this level and plenty of choice.
It could be argued that apart from Reina, Gerrard, Carragher and probably Riise, no-one else in the Liverpool camp is sure of their place in the Athens starting line-up.
Finnan is now under pressure from Alvaro Arbeloa, a specialist European defender who took Lionel Messi out of the game in both legs against Barcelona.
Agger should keep out Hyypia, but with Arbeloa able to play either full-back role, he could push out Riise, with the Norwegian playing in the problem left-side midfield role.
Boudewijn Zenden has made a late play for this position with confident displays in both semi-final legs against Chelsea. Even fit-again Kewell has put himself in with a shout of the left-wing role.
And does Benitez play with a winger, Jermaine Pennant, or utilise Gerrard on the right? If Pennant plays there is only one place for Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Mohamed Sissoko to contest alongside the captain.
An up front only Robbie Fowler realises he will get no closer than the bench. If Benitez plays one or two strikers - the second option meaning Gerrard will push forward - there will be sleepless nights for Craig Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt and Peter Crouch until they know the manager's feelings and tactics.
Benitez has played a variety of systems in Europe this season and is very hard to predict. That will make Milan's planning much more difficult.
Benitez will have seen how much joy Manchester United had down the flanks against Milan when they won their semi-final first leg 3-2 in thrilling fashion at Old Trafford.
The Spaniard will also have seen how effective Milan's ball retention was in the second leg when United failed to produce any serious tempo to harass defenders, who played deep and strangled the life from the game by killing off long periods of play without United getting a touch.
And you cannot see Benitez allowing Kaka to roam unattended, and he will not adopt the Sir Alex Ferguson method of allowing "whoever is nearest" to mark the Brazilian.
Hamann, eventually, did that job in Istanbul, a key part of the recovery from 3-0 down in the second period, which suggests the defensive, organised Mascherano will have the role against his fellow South American.
So can Liverpool do it again? The answer has to be yes, purely because Benitez is such a superb tactician in Europe and will find the weaknesses in the Italians' line-up.
And you sense Liverpool's style will exploit them far better than United's did.
Continues...FINAL RECKONING
It could cruelly be argued that neither AC Milan nor Liverpool actually deserve to be in the Champions League, let alone its final.
After all, Milan were booted out of the competition last summer amid the first wave of punishments over the Italian match-fixing scandal, only to be allowed back into the qualifying round, where they duly dispatched Red Star Belgrade.
Meanwhile, in Liverpool, UEFA know a team are heading to Athens on May 23 to scrap for the biggest prize in European club football who have been incapable of winning their own domestic competition for an incredible 17 years and who will almost certainly finish the Premiership season over 20 points adrift of champions Manchester United.
Yet to plant such a negative tag over events at the magnificent Olympic Stadium would be to overlook what promises to be an intriguing, keenly-contested affair which, if it comes halfway to matching their amazing meeting in Istanbul two years ago, will be a game worth remembering.
Strip aside Real Madrid's nine successes in the tournament and it is the two most successful teams in European Cup history who will do battle, with Liverpool looking to match AC Milan's record of six titles.
Having already accounted for Celtic, narrowly, and Manchester United, thrillingly, the Serie A representatives are gunning for a British hat-trick. Liverpool on the other hand are eager to maintain an incredible record of winning five of their previous six finals.
Until either side finds themselves pushed to the brink of oblivion, as Rafael Benitez's men were by Milan's three-goal first-half assault in Istanbul, it is unlikely to be an open affair.
The Italians may have cast off their nation's defensive stereotype and let loose some of the finest attacking players on the planet but they remain a durable defensive unit, while Liverpool, under Benitez, tend to adopt a pragmatic approach aimed at denying their opponents room to breathe.
It is certainly hard to imagine Milan's midfield being afforded anything like the space they enjoyed in their semi-final meeting with Manchester United.
Not many pundits would argue Sir Alex Ferguson is a naive tactician but in sticking by his attacking principles, albeit with an injury-hit side, the United boss played right into Milan's hands.
Two goals from Kaka at Old Trafford and another one from the brilliant Brazilian at the San Siro effectively brought the Red Devils' challenge to an end.
Yet it is impossible to believe Benitez will allow Kaka the freedom to wander around causing havoc when he has so many disciplined defenders in his midst.
The same is also true of Clarence Seedorf, who boasts the unique achievement of winning three Champions League crowns with three different clubs. On the evidence of his performances against United, those successes are no fluke.
Seedorf may not have Kaka's star quality but he rarely gives away possession and is capable of producing moments of extreme brilliance.
It has largely been overlooked given the disappointment surrounding the performance of Ferguson's team but the way Seedorf headed the ball into Kaka's path for Milan's crucial opening goal in the second leg of their semi-final had the hallmark of genius.
The suspicion remains Milan remain vulnerable at the back, which begs the question of Benitez, how do you exploit the weakness?
With Dirk Kuyt an automatic choice for his phenomenal industry alone, Benitez must decide whether to partner the Dutchman with Peter Crouch or Craig Bellamy, or play his senior striker alone up front and let Steven Gerrard loose from a deeper position.
Bellamy has already proved against Barcelona this season how much his pace can unsettle top-class defenders. Crouch's presence would suggest a more aerial assault which, presumably, for all his height disadvantage, Alessandro Nesta would fancy his chances of quelling.
The Gerrard conundrum could hold the key to Liverpool's chances given there is bound to be some trepidation in the Milan camp about facing the man who almost single-handedly robbed them of the trophy two years ago.
With Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and Mohamed Sissoko available, Benitez has a more plausible reason than Steve McClaren for sticking Gerrard on the right wing.
Yet if the game produces the limited number of chances most people anticipate, effectiveness in the finishing department will be crucial, suggesting Gerrard could be better utilised in a more offensive role.
Gerrard has already fulfilled a lifelong ambition by holding the European Cup aloft once. To do it again, when Chelsea and Arsenal have never managed it, and Ferguson succeeded only once, with a team whose Premiership form has been so disappointing, would be truly remarkable.
Continues...THE KEY BATTLES
STEVEN GERRARD v CLARENCE SEEDORF
Both men have history in the Champions League final, with Seedorf the only man to win the competition with three different clubs and Gerrard producing perhaps his career-defining performance when the sides met in Istanbul.
In that match Gerrard scored a victory, taking full control of the midfield from the second-half whistle onwards, so the Dutchman will be eager to win the struggle this time.
The Liverpool skipper is a more all-action figure, surging with energy and putting himself about with vigour in attack and defence but while his midfield opponent is older and has a little less stamina, he proved against Manchester United in the semi-final that he is a clever enough player to shine in the loftiest company.
JAMIE CARRAGHER v KAKA
Kaka's free-spirited nature means he is elusive at times and Liverpool's players, guided by Rafael Benitez, will have to divide responsibility for keeping the Brazilian at bay.
That said, Carragher as the side's best tackler and most robust defender will carry the largest share of the burden.
He will be tasked with picking up a player touted by many as the world's best whenever he comes into the Reds' danger area.
For his part, Kaka will be looking to maintain what is perhaps the richest and most sustained run of form he has yet enjoyed in his career.
Milan have less firepower than they did in 2005, with Andriy Shevchenko and Hernan Crespo both elsewhere, and they rely on his ingenuity to unlock back lines.
DIRK KUYT v ALESSANDRO NESTA
Benitez has already claimed Kuyt's signature as a resounding success - something seemingly backed up by his excellent display against Chelsea in the last four of this competition.
But the hard-working Dutch forward has his doubters who feel he lacks the subtlety to be a regular match-winner at the highest level.
Nevertheless he will harangue Nesta all day in Athens and will Milan will pay heavily if they choose to underestimate his fierce shot or muscular presence in the box.
Nesta could cap off a wonderful year with a Champions League triumph to go alongside his World Cup winner's medal but injury deprived him of a meaningful part in Italy's win in Germany, something that will not be far from his mind when he lines up against Liverpool.
JOSE REINA v ALBERTO GILARDINO
Gilardino faces a genuine fight for a starting place in the final, with veteran Filippo Inzaghi getting the nod in the second leg against Manchester United.
But he responded well to that jolt and scored the third, crushing goal to knock the wind out of Sir Alex Ferguson's side and should be restored for the showpiece.
If he does so he will find the increasingly assured Reina standing between him and Champions League glory.
Reina has a daunting act to live up to after Jerzy Dudek's heroics when the sides met at the same stage two years ago, but his self-belief is sky high following his penalty saves against Chelsea and given Liverpool's recent record he could be tested by a shootout again in Greece.
Gilardino is in a less secure position and knows Inzaghi is waiting if he fails to beat the Spaniard. Whoever wins this war of nerves could decide the destiny of the silverware.
Continues...
ROSSONERI’S REVENGE
AC Milan have made no secret of the fact revenge is their principal motivation as they prepare to take on Liverpool in the Champions League final on May 23.
The Rossoneri are still traumatised by their collapse in the 2005 final in Istanbul which saw them squander a 3-0 half-time lead and eventually lose on a penalty shoot-out and Milan president - and former Italian prime minister - Silvio Berlusconi has been candid about his club's determination to avenge their heartbreak.
He said: "We will win the cup which we handed to Liverpool two years ago.
"Their goalkeeper (Jerzy Dudek) will not make us lose concentration again with his dances (during the shoot-out), we are training specifically for this.
"This is the chance for revenge we have been waiting for."
Berlusconi's stance is not surprising, with his club adopting a siege mentality for much of this season.
Milan were embroiled in the match-fixing scandal which hit Serie A last year and, having been hit with an initial 30-point penalty - reduced to eight on appeal - slipped from second to third in the final 2005-06 standings.
That meant they had to qualify for the Champions League, although a 3-1 aggregate victory against Red Star Belgrade presented few problems.
The club maintain their innocence in the whole affair, with Berlusconi hinting it had brought the club closer together.
He added: "We are stronger than jealousy, stronger than misfortune and stronger than injustice.
"After a difficult start to the season, where we were punished for not doing anything wrong, we have not forgotten our main mission, which is to win (the Champions League)."
Milan head into the game in Athens in confident mood.
A recent fine run of form in Serie A has seen them all but secure a Champions League spot for next year and their form in Europe has been equally impressive.
Having topped Group H, they squeezed past Scottish champions Celtic in the first qualifying round.
The first real test came in the quarter-finals when a resolute second-leg display in Germany saw the Rossoneri overcome Bayern Munich while in the last four they proved too strong for Manchester United.
The architect of their win against Sir Alex Ferguson's men was Brazilian playmaker Kaka, who netted three goals in the tie and is the top scorer in the competition with 10.
"This year I have scored many beautiful goals and many important ones," he said.
"And the joy of being the top scorer is added to the happiness of knowing that I have helped my team-mates and my club.
"I reiterate, however, that I am not playing at my top level. I still have a lot to improve on."
The 25-year-old clearly sees his best days ahead of him, while Milan captain Paolo Maldini is close to the end of one of the game's glittering careers which has seen him claim four winners' medals in Europe's premier club competition.
Such is 38-year-old Maldini's desperation to play in the Greek capital that he has postponed a knee operation to take part.
The former Italy skipper is another Milan player eager to beat Liverpool to erase the memory of the defeat two years ago.
"I thought about the final in Istanbul for at least a year," he said, before praising the Merseysiders, who beat Chelsea in their last four clash.
"Liverpool are a team that have no fear," Maldini added.
Milan have been crowned kings of Europe on six occasions, a record bettered only by Real Madrid.
The Liverpool rematch is also the third time in the last five years they have advanced to the final.
"This record shows you have to be convinced of your own abilities to do well and to find the right balance and the necessary calmness and focus you need to go on and win," said coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose job was under threat until the team's league form picked up and they continued to challenge in Europe.
"We are very happy to be playing in the final and equally happy to face Liverpool," he added.
"What happened two years ago has no weight on the upcoming final. We want to win it."
Continues...THE ROAD TO ATHENS
Matchday one: PSV 0 Liverpool 0. AC Milan 3 AEK 0.
A sound defensive performance by Liverpool earned a deserved point against the Dutch champions, while Milan started their campaign with a comfortable victory, thanks to goals from Fillipo Inzaghi, Yoann Gourcuff and Kaka.
Matchday two: Lille 0 AC Milan 0. Liverpool 3 Galatasaray 2.
Milan were held to a goalless draw in the north of France. Liverpool raced into a 3-0 lead over Galatasaray with two goals from Peter Crouch and one from Luis Garcia, but were left hanging on after Umit Karan's late brace.
Matchday three: Anderlecht 0 AC Milan 1. Bordeaux 0 Liverpool 1.
Both clubs picked up good away wins on matchday three. Kaka's goal was enough for Milan against Anderlecht, whilst Crouch was on the scoresheet again for Liverpool in a narrow win over Bordeaux.
Matchday four: Liverpool 3 Bordeaux 0. AC Milan 4 Anderlecht 1.
The return matches at home proved much more comfortable. Two goals for Luis Garcia and one for captain Steven Gerrard secured a 3-0 win for Liverpool at Anfield, while Kaka's hat-trick inspired the Rossoneri to a 4-1 victory at the San Siro.
Matchday five: AEK 1 AC Milan 0. Liverpool 2 PSV 0.
Julio Cesar's goal sent Milan to a shock defeat in Athens on matchday five, but Liverpool had no such problems against PSV, with Gerrard and Crouch on target in a 2-0 win.
Matchday six: Galatasaray 3 Liverpool 2. AC Milan 0 Lille 2.
With qualification secured, a weakened Liverpool side fell to defeat in Turkey, despite a brace from Robbie Fowler. Milan were also guaranteed to progress by this stage, but fell to a surprising 2-0 defeat at home to Lille.
First knockout round:
First leg, Celtic 0 AC Milan 0. Second leg, AC Milan 1 Celtic 0 (after extra time).
Milan were pushed all the way by Gordon Strachan's side before a superb individual goal by Kaka settled the tie in extra time in the second leg.
First leg, Barcelona 1 Liverpool 2. Second leg, Liverpool 0 Barcelona 1 (Liverpool go through on away goals rule).
Liverpool's Craig Bellamy and John Arne Riise put their troubles behind them to earn a famous victory in the Nou Camp, and on another memorable night at Anfield, Liverpool held on to progress on away goals, despite Eidur Gudjohnsen's second-half strike.
Quarter-finals:
First leg, AC Milan 2 Bayern Munich 2. Second leg, Bayern Munich 0 AC Milan 2.
Milan twice took the lead through Andrea Pirlo and Kaka in the first leg in the San Siro, but two goals from Daniel Van Buyten brought the Germans level. However, the Italians were not to be denied in the return leg in Munich, and goals from Clarence Seedorf and Filippo Inzaghi were enough to secure a semi-final place.
First leg, PSV 0 Liverpool 3. Second leg, Liverpool 1 PSV 0.
Liverpool wrapped up their tie with PSV in the first-leg, with Gerrard, Riise and Crouch all on the scoresheet in an impressive 3-0 win. The second leg was a mere formality, and another goal from Crouch sealed a 4-0 aggregate triumph.
Semi-finals:
First leg, Chelsea 1 Liverpool 0. Second leg, Liverpool 1 Chelsea 0. (Liverpool win 4-1 on penalties after extra-time).
In a repeat of the 2005 semi-final, Liverpool squeezed past Chelsea on penalties on a thrilling night at Anfield. Joe Cole's goal had given Jose Mourinho's side a slender advantage going into the second leg, but Daniel Agger's superb 20-yard strike ensured the match went the full distance. In the shoot-out, Jose Reina saved penalties from Arjen Robben and Geremi, before Dirk Kuyt sent the Reds' fans into ecstasy with the winning spot-kick
First leg, Manchester United 3 AC Milan 2. Second leg, AC Milan 3 Manchester United 0.
Despite two more goals from the exceptional Kaka, Milan trailed 3-2 to Manchester United going into the second leg in Italy. However, any hopes of an all-English final were soon blown away, as the Rossoneri produced a majestic performance in the San Siro. Kaka scored his 10th Champions League goal of the season to level the tie, before further goals from Clarence Seedorf and Alberto Gilardino ensured a repeat of the 2005 final.
HOW THEY WEIGH UP
EUROPEAN CUP PEDIGREE
Liverpool are by far the most successful British participants in the history of European football's top club competition - and would join Milan as the continent's second most decorated club, on six wins, with victory in Athens. Titles in 1977, 1978, 1981 and 1984 preceded the 'miracle of Istanbul' two years ago, when the Reds fought back from three goals down to beat the Italians on penalties in arguably the most exciting final ever.
Milan's six titles came in 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003, and they would move within just two wins of undisputed European kings Real Madrid if they topple Rafael Benitez's men this time around.
FORM
Liverpool are sure to qualify for the Champions League again next season through their league position, AC are almost there, although neither was anywhere near claiming their respective title - Milan's challenge being effectively ended before it started due to a points penalty for their part in the Italian match-fixing scandal.
In Europe, Liverpool cantered through an easy group before seeing off reigning champions Barcelona and then thrashing PSV Eindhoven in the quarter-finals. Their semi-final with Chelsea was a tight and unattractive affair which was eventually decided by Jose Reina's shoot-out heroics.
Milan stuttered through an even easier group and needed extra-time to beat Celtic before Bayern Munich were edged in the last eight. However, they were in majestic form as they sent Manchester United crashing in the semis.
PAST ENCOUNTERS
The two giants of European football have met only once in competitive action and it proved mildly diverting. Paolo Maldini's first-minute volley and Hernan Crespo's double appeared to have put the Italian club out of sight in the 2005 final in Istanbul. But a header by Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer's daisy-cutter and Xabi Alonso's penalty follow-up - all scored within seven minutes after half-time - took the game to extra-time and penalties. Jerzy Dudek's dancing then unsettled Milan as the Reds won on spot-kicks. All that can really be drawn from the clash is that you should not, under any circumstances, avert your glance until the final whistle this time around.
TACTICS
Rafael Benitez has enjoyed great success in continental competition with both Liverpool and Valencia, so he is unlikely to stray far from his tried-and-tested formula. Expect rigid defensive lines, with Javier Mascherano deployed as the Spaniard's midfield terrier to disrupt Milan's undoubtedly smoother attacking play. The Argentina international could also be used to man-mark Kaka. If Benitez again opts for Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt in attack, expect many passes to be of the longer variety.
Milan battered Manchester United into submission by relentlessly pressurising the ball in all areas of the field, and some of Sir Alex Ferguson's side were simply unable to cope as their technique was found wanting. They will do the same again, hope to win the ball in dangerous areas, and look to free the likes of Kaka and Clarence Seedorf with the game stretched.
SHOW-STOPPERS
Both Liverpool and Milan are dominated by an outstanding individual.
For the Reds it is Gerrard. When they are at their best it is invariably when he is driving them forward from a central position, either with the ball at his feet or unleashing long-range passes with unerring accuracy. He also has one of the best shots from outside the box in the business.
If there were any doubts about Kaka's standing as the best player in the world, his performances in the semi-final against Manchester United dispelled them. Hugely skilful and hard-working, if he is given space in or around the area he will destroy Liverpool's title hopes. Equally proficient as a scorer and provider of goals.
WEAKNESSES
Liverpool's lack of a genuinely world class striker could cost them against defenders as wily as Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini, and, not for the first time, the Reds' primary goal threat might come from on-rushing midfielders. If Milan score first and shut up shop, the Merseysiders may be left to rely on a moment of magic as they lack the attacking guile to hurt the Rossoneri.
With a sensational 10 goals in this year's competition, Kaka's importance to Milan is inestimable. No truly 'one-man team' would make it all the way to the final of the world's premier club competition, but the fear remains that, to a large extent, if the Reds can stop the Brazilian, they will blunt them as a creative force. That, however, is far easier said than done.
VERDICT
The stage is set for Kaka to seal his position at the summit of the world game. Benitez will set out his team to stop him, but as the one true potential 'great' on display he will lead Milan to a narrow victory in a tense, tactical battle in Athens.
Continues...THE VITAL FACTORS
1 START WELL
While neutrals would relish the kind game that ensued two years ago, Liverpool know they cannot afford to concede as early as the first minute, as they did so famously in Istanbul. The chances of another comeback from 3-0 down are astronomical so it is vital the Reds settle quickly in Athens. Benitez will be aware how cheaply Manchester United conceded possession in the early stages of their semi-final second-leg defeat in Italy and will impress upon his players the importance of giving nothing away in the first 20 minutes.
2 STIFLE MIDFIELD
Milan demonstrated against United that, if allowed to play, they are capable of opening up teams at will. They possess arguably the best midfield in the competition, with the perfect balance of ability and aggression. But, as Celtic proved in the last 16, they can be shut down with a combination of discipline and hard work and Liverpool showed against Chelsea they are a match for anyone in that department. Controlled aggression should be Benitez's mantra in Athens. Denying the likes of Andrea Pirlo and Clarence Seedorf time on the ball should help limit the supply to dangerman Kaka.
3 STOP KAKA
Part of keeping Milan's star player quiet will be curtailing the influence of Pirlo and Seedorf but he is bound to get hold of the ball at some stage. When he does, it is vital Liverpool close him down quickly and do not allow him to get up to full speed as there are few quicker with the ball at their feet. This is where Javier Mascherano will play a crucial role, as he did against Chelsea. The Argentina midfielder must be in Kaka's face right from kick-off, while Xabi Alonso or Steven Gerrard should also be detailed to double-up on the Brazilian when necessary.
4 UNLEASH GERRARD
One of Liverpool's major problems in Istanbul was getting Gerrard into attacking positions. Their captain played too deep and was reduced to chasing shadows in the first half, and Liverpool's comeback was almost solely down to Benitez's decision to deploy Gerrard as a marauding forward after half-time. The game in Athens cannot be allowed to pass Gerrard by and, whether he starts in midfield or on the right, he must be given licence to drive at the heart of the Milan defence. If there are any psychological scars from 2005 in the Italians' minds, Gerrard can exploit them.
5 TARGET DIDA
For a team filled with international stars, it is a major surprise that Milan do not have a world-class performer in one of the positions that matters most. Liverpool's comeback two years ago could have fizzled out had the Brazilian goalkeeper saved Vladimir Smicer's speculative shot, while his recent performance at Old Trafford left much to be desired. Crosses appear his major weakness, which is why Jermain Pennant could start in Athens. However, Peter Crouch must play. Getting the likes of Gerrard and Alonso into shooting positions 25 yards out could also prove a useful tactic.
GERRARD V GATTUSO
TACKLING
Gerrard started out as a combative defensive midfielder when he broke into the Liverpool team as a teenager, matured into a box-to-box central midfielder before becoming an attacker outright. His development also saw him gradually curb the disciplinary naivety and regular horrendous challenges. However, he retains a real bite and still relishes the physical battle.
Gattuso is arguably the best in his position in the world. Never likely to be a playmaker, the former Rangers favourite has earned legendary status at the San Siro as a straightforward midfield terrier, pushing the boundaries of the law with high-tempo, aggressive ball-winning.
ATTACKING
Gerrard has blossomed into a fine attacking midfielder and has even prospered playing out wide on the right, which would have seemed highly unlikely when he made his debut as a raw youngster in 1998. He has long boasted a fierce shot and incisive passing but in recent years has developed his running with the ball and crossing.
'Rino' certainly knows his limitations and has never craved freedom to get forward. Instead, he roams in front of the defensive line, harrying, snarling and sniping. Cliched it may be, but the World Cup-winner possesses more football ability than people give him credit for, keeping it simple but efficient.
LEADERSHIP
Gerrard was identified as a future Liverpool captain right from his early days in the famous red strip. He is not the most vocal of skippers but does have motivational qualities and solid knowledge of the game.
Like Gerrard, Gattuso leads by example. But despite his position, style of play and infectious passion, he has never captained on a regular basis. He has been unfortunate that at international level Italy are rightly captained by Fabio Cannavaro and the great Paolo Maldini still wears the armband for Milan. Coach Carlo Ancelotti prefers Massimo Ambrosini as Maldini's deputy rather than Gattuso.
TROPHIES
At club level, only the Premiership title has so far eluded Gerrard. The midfielder has won the FA Cup twice, the League Cup twice, the UEFA Cup and Champions League plus several peripheral trophies such as the Community Shield and European Super Cup.
Gattuso also has a loaded mantlepiece. He helped Rangers to the Scottish League Cup in 1997-98. In 2003 he won a Champions League medal with Milan and also the Scudetto in 2004. He played a pivotal role in Italy's World Cup triumph in Germany last summer, continuing his partnership with club-mate Andrea Pirlo on the global stage under then national team boss Marcello Lippi.
KAKA’S CLAIM TO THE CROWN
Prodigiously talented AC Milan and Brazil playmaker Kaka will enhance his claims to succeed Fabio Cannavaro as FIFA World Player of the Year and Ballon d'Or winner if he can inspire the Rossoneri to Champions League success over Liverpool in Athens on May 23.
But regardless of the outcome of the match, Kaka already considers himself a man blessed.
The sight of Kaka pointing his arms to heaven after scoring in the Champions League has become a familiar sight but the 25-year-old is in no doubt that his career has been guided by a divine hand.
Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite was born in 1982 in the capital city Brasilia to a wealthy Evangelical Christian family.
However, it was at the age of 18 that the man known to the world by his nickname, Kaka, had the religious experience that changed his life.
Kaka injured his spine in a swimming accident and at one point his career was on the line.
After a year out, he returned to football - a cure he puts down to the grace of God.
Kaka is a member of the Athletes of Christ group, whose mission is to use sport to spread the gospel.
His Adidas boots bear the words "I belong to Jesus" and he has been known to wear t-shirts with the legend "I love Jesus" at events such as the victory parades that followed Brazil's World Cup win in 2002.
He says: "I want to show with my life and my work what God does for me so that others can see what God can do for them."
When, in 2005, he married Caroline Celico in a low-key ceremony devoid of the hullabaloo that surrounds so many celebrity weddings, he let it be known that he was a virgin until his wedding night. Although he has pop star looks - and is sometimes hounded by groups of screaming teenage girls - he eschews nightclubs.
But if he is reticent about hogging the limelight off the field, he commands attention on it.
Kaka is one of the, if not the, best footballer in the world at the moment and convincingly won his two semi-final duels with Cristiano Ronaldo, one of his rivals for that accolade.
Two goals in the final against Liverpool would see him finish a Champions League campaign with a competition record 12 goals.
His first club was Sao Paulo and he broke into the first team in 2001 - in an excellent first campaign he scored 12 goals in 27 outings.
The following season his star continued to ascend as he was awarded his first senior cap for a 6-0 rout of Bolivia in Goiana in January.
His early performances in the Auriverde (gold and green) colours earned him a call-up to Luiz Felipe Scolari's World Cup squad.
He played only a minor role in that tournament and was actually stripped for action, ready to come on as a substitute when referee Pierluigi Collina blew for full-time as Brazil sealed a 2-0 final win over Germany in Yokohama.
Naturally, Kaka was one of the first players to join in the public prayers on the pitch as Brazil's players, Evangelical and Catholic, linked arms and fell to their knees.
The following year he arrived in Milan and quickly made an impact with the Rossoneri, inspiring the club to the Scudetto in his first season at the San Siro.
He has gradually become a talismanic figure and travelled to last year's World Cup as an established starter in the team now coached by Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Kaka - with Ronaldinho, Adriano and Ronaldo - was a member of the so-called "magic square" but Brazil had a disappointing tournament.
His brilliant goal in Berlin against Croatia was an all-too-rare glimpse of his talent.
The 2006-07 season started in uncertainty for the Rossoneri, who were only allowed to compete in the Champions League after their initial punishment for match fixing was reduced with Real Madrid reportedly set to sign their talisman.
Club president Silvio Berlusconi, a former Italian prime minister, is confident he will keep his shining light on board, however.
"Kaka merits the golden ball award," said the Rossoneri supremo after the second leg against United.
"I'm sure he will stay with us for a long time."
Continues...THE GAFFERS
TRANSFERS
January arrival Javier Mascherano has fitted seamlessly into the Liverpool midfield, releasing Steven Gerrard from defensive duties, and Dirk Kuyt and Daniel Agger have looked classy acquisitions. But Benitez can often be accused of buying in quantity rather than quality, with question marks remaining over the likes of Jermaine Pennant, Gabriel Paletta and Fabio Aurelio.
Like his Liverpool counterpart, the Milan coach has had mixed success in the transfer market. Ricardo Oliveira has failed to fill Andriy Shevchenko's sizeable boots, but the £5million spent on Ronaldo - who is cup-tied for the final - looks a shrewd piece of business.
MAN-MANAGEMENT
Former Valencia boss Benitez may enjoy the full support of the Anfield dressing room but his relationship with his players is by no means close. He was criticised by Steven Gerrard in his autobiography for his muted reaction after the miraculous comeback against Milan in Istanbul in 2005.
Any coach who lasts more than five years at a club of Milan's size must have the backing of his players. His pragmatism has extended the shelf life of classy defensive stalwarts like Cafu (36), Alessandro Costacurta (41) and the eternally youthful Paolo Maldini (38).
TACTICS
It is difficult to find a better tactician than Benitez. He took a year out to study coaching methods in Italy and England in the 1999-2000 season and pays meticulous attention to detail using groundbreaking methods. Masterminded Liverpool's turnaround in 2005, bringing on goalscorer Vladimir Smicer and Dietmar Hamann at half-time and will closely study Manchester United's semi-final failings.
Initially criticised for his defensive tendencies by owner Silvio Berlusconi, Ancelotti has adapted his approach to make Milan Italy's most flamboyant force.
STRENGTHS
The shrewd Spaniard has outwitted the best of Europe's coaches on a regular basis and has an excellent record in both European and domestic cup competition.
One of only five individuals to win the Champions League as a player and manager, Ancelotti brings a wealth of European experience. His habit of pulling results out of the hat when his neck is on the line deserves recognition.
WEAKNESSES
Brought in primarily to end the club's title drought, the Reds under Benitez are no closer to winning a first Premier League title than when Gerard Houllier departed in 2004.
Ultimately, Ancelotti has delivered just one Scudetto and a Champions League trophy in almost six years, leading to the re-emergence of the 'nearly man' tag he was tarnished with during an unsuccessful stint at Juventus.
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