The Tense Road to Istanbul

Champion's League semifinals 2nd leg matches:
Liverpool 1 - Chelsea 0 (Liverpool 1-0 on aggregate)
PSV 3 - AC Milan 1 (AC Milan 3-3, goes through on away goal)

I was in some disbelief last week when Liverpool clinched a spot in the final of the Champions League. The last 10 minutes of regular time were incredibly tense, and the referee added on 6 minutes that seemed interminably long. It wasn't pretty football, unlike the other semi-final, but the atmosphere was unparalleled. The scenes of the Liverpool fans waving their red and white scarves were fantastic and as stirring a sight as anything in English soccer.

Frankly, I didn't think Liverpool would be able to pull it off. But here they are, making it through 3 knock-out stages and into the biggest final of European club football.

It will be a big occasion. I think AC Milan will be strong favourites, and deservingly so. After their less than stellar league performances, Liverpool will be happy to be there and will hopefully make a commendable showing,