It is a miracle to see AC Milan feature in the UEFA Champions League final this after all the club has gone through this season, but what would be more remarkable is that they if they manage to overcome the nightmare of losing to Liverpool and manage to win the trophy that eluded them in 2005. Two years ago in Istanbul, a much stronger Milan side surrendered a three-goal lead in the first half and went on to lose to Liverpool on penalties after both fulltime and extra time ended 3-3. Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti and Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez found it hard to talk about Wednesday's clash without referring to what happened in Turkey. "We experienced how good Milan were in the first half in Istanbul, but we are also progressing and we have more experience than we did two years ago," said Benitez. "We still approach the game in the same way. They have a good team, we have a good team - but I still have my notes from Istanbul - not as a souvenir but because I will use them again for sure. "If we win, people might still be talking about it in a hundred years," the Spaniard added. Ancelotti, on the other hand, insisted that vengeance is not Milan's motive against Liverpool, noting that the true achievement was that his team actually managed to make it to Athens. "It's a story that has ended," said Ancelotti. "Revenge is not our motivation, it doesn't enter into it. Just being here is all the motivation we need. "This is a different adventure, and we hope there's a happier ending," added the 47-year-old. "Two years ago we were a bit tired but we are in better shape coming into this year's final," Ancelotti added. "In 2005 we expected to reach the final, or at least come close to it. This year, getting to the final is an extraordinary achievement given all the problems we have had." But a lot has changed for the two teams in the past couple of years and both Benitez and Ancelotti believe that experience will play a big role in Wednesday's clash.
Benitez confident Liverpool can cause another upset in Athens "In a game like this, experience counts," said Ancelotti. "The way in which players handle the pressure, especially on the eve of the match is very important. But we have plenty of players who are used to this kind of pressure, players who have won in Europe and who have won the World Cup." Benitez echoed the Italian's sentiments, saying: "They (Milan) will use their experience in this game but it is also the same situation for us. We have more experience now than two years ago too. From my point of view, the two teams are in a similar situation." Milan's experience lies mainly in their defense, which includes the likes of Massimo Oddo, Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini, and Marek Jankulovski. But captain Maldini remains doubtful for the game. In midfield, Ancelotti is banking on a more mature Kaka to lead the way and add to his tally of 10 goals in the Champions League this season, with the help of midfield architects Clarence Seedorf and Andrea Pirlo. "We cannot just worry about Kaka. Milan are a very good team, in defense, in midfield. But we must concentrate on our own game. Up front, Ancelotti is yet to decide on whom to field with Filipo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino battling for a place in the start line-up. As for Liverpool, it is hard to determine where the threat will come from, since Benitez is notorious for moving his squad around, but the one and definite fact is tat captain Steven Gerrard will play a big role, just as he did in Istanbul. "Gerrard has a lot of quality," said Ancelotti. "He is charismatic but you cannot just focus on one player. "Our rival is Liverpool not Gerrard." Expected Lineups: Liverpool: 25-Pepe Reina; 3-Steve Finnan, 5-Daniel Agger, 23-Jamie Carragher, 6-John-Arne Riise; 8-Steven Gerrard, 20-Javier Maschera
