FROM the depths of despair to almost indescribable levels of ecstasy, Liverpool put their fans through the emotional wringer at Turkey's Olympic stadium. At half time many fans were contemplating a crushing defeat at the hands of AC Milan. Some openly wept, such was the depth of emotion at seeing dreams of their heroes land a fifth European Cup seemingly evaporate. Little over 90 minutes later those very same fans, and many more, were again shedding tears - only this time out of previously unimaginable joy. It is often said that penalty kicks are no way to decide a match of such magnitude - try telling that to the estimated 45,000 Liverpool supporters who turned the Turkish national stadium into Anfield on the Bosphorus for one night only. If the match had been decided on the performance of those who pay to follow their team around Europe the referee would have been forced to stop the contest a long time before penalties became an issue, such was the overwhelming dominance of the red hordes over their Milanese counterparts. Three sides of the huge ground were almost exclusively Liverpool's. Only at one goal end could you find a sizeable number of Italians. In the build up to kick off this dominance was clear for everyone to see and hear as the Liverpool supporters totally out- sung the Rossoneri. All the usual flags were on show - from the traditional banners showing past victories to new ones telling Jose Mourinho that it was Liverpool and not moneybags Chelsea competing But with just 50 seconds gone all the joviality disappeared with one dramatic swing of Paolo Maldini's right foot. Maldini is expected to retire from football shortly and if he ever needs any careers advice he could do a lot worse than become a professional party pooper, such was the deflating effect he had on Liverpool's previously buoyant fans. With goals number two and three arriving shortly after there was noone among the travelling Kop who could claim they still fancied their team to win. One of Liverpool's most successful ploys during their glory years of the past was their ability to silence opposition fans in even the most hostile of arenas. But on this occasion their first half performance and the brilliance of Milan combined to bring a hush to those wearing red in the North, East and West stands. It didn't last long. While some fans sought a few lonely moments of contemplation at half-time, the bulk of the Liverpool supporters launched into a defiant chorus of You'll Never Walk Alone, just as they had in the Champions League group stages against Olympiakos back in December. On that occasion, the Reds managed to overcome the odds stacked up against them and secure an historic victory that put them well and truly on the road to Istanbul. But surely, lightning couldn't strike twice. After all, no team had ever before overturned a three goal deficit in the European Cup final. | 
