Liverpool's army of fans had crossed the continent by plane, train and automobile, by hook and by crook, to cheer on Rafa Benitez's men. They made for an extraordinary sight. As one banner read, echoing Shankly: Even Chairman Mao has never seen a greater show of Red strength. Liverpol had dominated the streets, bars and squares of Istanbul for the last few days, and the terraces again last night - Milan sold just 18,000 of their 20,000 allocation of tickets. The party was to go on long into the night after fans slowly made their way back to Taksim Square, to celebrate with their Turkish hosts who had lined the streets to wave their good wishes after fans made their way to the stadium. Liverpool not only won a trophy here this week, but many hearts and minds as well. Turkey seems a world away from its "welcome to hell" days. The journey to the match had been an experience in itself, a fleet of coaches and taxis carrying the red army taking more than two hours to make their way along the single winding and mountainous road which led to the stadium. The only highlight of the journey for many was the passing of the local Efes Brewery which allowed much-needed liquid refreshment for many. The company can rarely have enjoyed such a lucrative week. Earlier the atmosphere in the city centre - which had been building up since the start of the week - reached fever pitch as thousands of fans gathered in Taksim and its adjacent park to soak up the sunshine and freely imbibe. Club colours from down the decades were worn with pride, famous anthems old and new were given rousing renditions and banners were displayed from every vantage point, however precarious. It was if this huge Merseyside crusade was, by its collective will, trying to ensure that long-awaited fifth European Cup would be travelling back across the width of the continent with them. Both at Anfield against Chelsea and here again last night, this football match was won as much on the terraces as on the pitch. "We want our trophy back," they had sung, in the heat of the afternoon and just a few hours later, as the night descended, their wish was wonderfully, brilliantly, and unforgettably granted. | 
