Liverpool An extraordinary Champions League final was won on penalties last night, inspired by an extraordinary footballer, Steven Gerrard. With Liverpool facing the deepest of embarrassments at half-time, being completely out-passed and outclassed by Milan, Gerrard decided to attempt what everyone else believed was a mission impossible.

Making light of those goals from Paolo Maldini and a brace from Hernan Crespo, Gerrard tore into the Italians from the first whistle of the second half, scoring, creating the space for Vladimir Smicer to add a second and then winning the penalty for Xabi Alonso to eventually drive Liverpool level. It was Gerrard's determination, his refusal to countenance defeat even when it rose like a giant shadow, that kept his team alive, propelling them into the additional half-hour.

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An extraordinary, switch-back evening had begun badly for Liverpool, seeing them three behind at the break, when their fans were chanting: "We're gonna win 4-3." Such defiance was soon coursing through their players, who fought back to 3-3 to set up the most compelling of finales.

If Gerrard dominated the second half, released forward by Didi Hamann's timely arrival, the marvellous Kaka had graced the opening period. Within seconds, the young Brazilian drew a foul from Djimi Traore. Andrea Pirlo bent in the free kick, no one reacted to Maldini's delayed run and the distinguished Italian beat Jerzy Dudek with a right-footed half-volley.

For 45 minutes, Liverpool simply could not handle Milan's midfield. With Pirlo sitting deep and dictating the tempo, Gennaro Gattuso and Clarence Seedorf shuttled back and forth, repossessing the ball, redistributing, always keeping things ticking over while Kaka played the magician in the middle, a central feeding station towards Crespo and Shevchenko. No wonder Benitez elected to introduce Hamann at the interval to stiffen the midfield.

For 45 minutes Gerrard's natural instincts had been tempered. Benitez's gamble had failed, particularly as Harry Kewell soon limped from the fray.

Smicer darted on and was involved in the half's most contentious moment, his pass catching Alessandro Nesta's elbow. As Liverpool screamed for handball Milan went through the gears, working the ball from Maldini forward towards Seedorf, Pirlo and, inevitably, Kaka. The Brazilian's through pass was perfect, directed past Traore for Shevchenko to chase. The Ukrainian's cross was turned in arrogantly by Crespo.

Liverpool were on the rack and there was still time for Crespo, the Argentine hit-man watched by Diego Maradona and Mario Kempes, to poach a second before the turnaround. Again Kaka proved the catalyst, dashing through the middle, before releasing Crespo, who beat Dudek with the most clinical of dinked finishes.

Humiliation was engulfing Liverpool. Here was a time for them to show their character, to respond to Benitez's dressing-room exhortations, to remember their club's proud traditions and take the game to Milan and their mocking fans.

Running into the Fossa Dei Leoni, the Lions' Den, Liverpool delivered one of the most famous 15-minute spells of football imaginable.

This was football from the Gods, all guts and glory, bringing the faithful hordes to their feet, and songs flowing ceaselessly from Liverpool lips.

Gerrard, inevitably, led the charge, meeting John Arne Riise's cross with a strong and well-directed header that flew past Dida. Liverpool's captain was unmarked but he still had to rise high to meet the ball, still needed to twist his body to inject the requisite power. Dida stood no chance. Not with Gerrard in this mood, the adrenalin pumping.

Liverpool's resistance movement was up and running. The great escape looked possible two minutes later when Liverpool struck again, memorably so. Hamann's presence was immediately being felt, not simply in allowing Gerrard to roam forward, but in providing simple passes to team-mates. One such lay-off invited Smicer to let fly from range, the ball deceiving Dida and crashing in. Amazing.

As the Kop's celebrated anthem swirled around the ground, their idols in red were more than walking on with hope in their hearts. They were running, chasing every loose ball, every lost cause. Gerrard was everywhere; this most passionate of footballing performers so loves the Champions League that he was not going to be shoved unceremoniously off the greatest stage of all.

And so, as the clock showed the hour mark, Gerrard sprinted into the box, pursuing Baros's clever touch, racing through on goal until brought down by Gattuso. Clear penalty. Milan complained, pleaded with the Spanish referee to reconsider but the linesman had already taken his station ready for the penalty. Alonso stepped up confidently, hit the ball well enough with that trusty right foot but Dida had guessed correctly and parried well. Alonso, though, was following up and, as Nesta dived in, rammed the ball left-footed into the roof of the net.

Parity felt like paradise for Liverpool, their fans hugging each other with delight and doubtless disbelief. Milan were stunned, rocked by this 15-minute whirlwind.

Liverpool had the initiative now, although Traore still needed to be alert to clear a Shevchenko rocket off the line.

Milan still threatened on the counter, and here Carragher confirmed what an immense season he is having. Three times, the Merseysider dived into rescue situations that appeared lost, embodying his team's never-say-die commitment and so helping the inimitable Gerrard send this remarkable game into extra time.