Steven Gerrard

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Steven Gerrard's Champions League legacy is defined by two finals against AC Milan. In the 2005 final in Istanbul, Liverpool trailed 3–0 at half-time. Gerrard scored the first goal for his side, a header from a John Arne Riise cross, sparking a six-minute stretch in which Liverpool tied the match 3–3 after extra time. Liverpool won the penalty shootout 3–2, claiming their first Champions League trophy in twenty years. Gerrard was named Man of the Match and later received the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award. In the 2007 final in Rome, Gerrard scored Liverpool's only goal, but Liverpool lost 2–1 to AC Milan. He also scored a crucial 25-yard half volley in the 86th minute of Liverpool's final Champions League group stage match against Olympiacos in December 2004, sending the club through to the knockout round.

In Their Own Story

The ball dropped from Xabi Alonso's free kick, and Steven Gerrard rose to meet it. His header in the 2005 Champions League final against AC Milan was not just a goal — it was the moment that reframed the entire match. Trailing 3–0 at half-time, Liverpool were, by every rational measure, finished. Gerrard's header made it 3–1, and within six minutes the score was level. He did not participate in the penalty shootout — he was the designated fifth penalty taker — but Liverpool won 3–2. Dubbed the Miracle of Istanbul, the match is widely regarded as one of the greatest finals in the competition's history, and Gerrard was lauded as the catalyst for the second half comeback.

Reader's Guide

Steven Gerrard's Champions League story is concentrated in two finals, both against AC Milan. In 2005, he scored the header that began the comeback from 3–0 down, was named Man of the Match, and won the trophy. In 2007, he scored Liverpool's only goal in a 2–1 defeat. He also scored a vital 86th-minute goal against Olympiacos in the 2004–05 group stage to send Liverpool through. Gerrard won one UEFA Champions League title (2005) and appeared in two finals (2005, 2007).

Did You Know?

• Gerrard scored the first goal in Liverpool's 3–3 comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.
• He was named Man of the Match in the 2005 Champions League final.
• Gerrard received the UEFA Club Footballer of the Year award in 2005.
• He scored a crucial 86th-minute goal against Olympiacos in December 2004 to send Liverpool through to the knockout round.
• Gerrard did not participate in the penalty shootout in the 2005 final because he was the designated fifth penalty taker.