Kuyt (extreme right) scores Liverpool's goal in Athens, but it was too little and too late.

AC Milan were to be the Greek gods again, as they were 13 years ago when they defeated Barcelona 4-0 in Athens.

 AC Milan and Liverpool are almost two of a kind.  While, on occasion, they showed glimpses of brilliance in their respective leagues they've failed to mount a serious title challenge, yet it could be justifiably argued that these two have been the most deadly teams in European competition since the turn of the century.  In addition, they both pride themselves on a powerful defence and midfield.  It was only fitting that a nation boasting an impressive civilisation would host a final between two clubs boasting an impressive history.  On Wednesday night, Athens was strictly a place for the crème-de-la-crème.  Man Utd and Chelsea need not apply.  After the boring Champions' League 3rd place play-off last Saturday at the new Wembley, it was now time for the real deal.

There was nothing about Milan that should have scared us.  They're only a club of which 10 of their players have been part of World Cup-winning squads before (Cafu, Dida, Oddo, Nesta, Kaka, Gattuso, Pirlo, Inzaghi, Gilardino, and Ronaldo) and were now out to exact revenge for the most heartbreaking defeat in footballing history.  Nothing to worry about really.  Sarcasm aside, this Milan team personnel-wise wasn't too much different to the one we played two years ago, although there was never a doubt that this time they would be more focused.

I was looking forward to some interesting battles: Kaka vs Mascherano (Brazil vs Argentina!), Gerrard vs Gattuso, Pirlo vs Alonso.  An orgy of midfield talent.  People were expecting Milan to crush us after their second-leg performance against Man Utd.  Taking nothing away from Milan, their midfield was always going to look the business when facing inferiors such as Fletcher and Carrick, and a defence like ours would never have ended up in a mess like United's for each of the three goals scored that night.  But deep down, I am sure that the Milan players would have been the first to realise that.

As for the match itself, it certainly didn't disappoint.  Our fans produced a carnival atmosphere and the team produced a performance for us all to be proud of, despite the heartbreak of the result.  I honestly believe that every member of the team played well, but particular praise must be awarded for Dirk Kuyt and, especially, Jermaine Pennant.  It's funny how a year goes by in football.  Twelve months ago, Pennant was coming to terms with relegation.  Last night, on such a big stage I thought that he might crack under the pressure, but instead he gave a stunning man-of-the-match display.  I've always believed that he would become a good player, though.  I remember when he had just turned 16 and was playing for England schoolboys and in one particular match he was dribbling past six or seven players down the right wing with real speed and I remember feeling petrified because he had not long signed for Arsenal.  I sincerely hope he can keep it up.

For the rest of the team, Mascherano made a sterling effort to keep Kaka relatively quiet, and Carragher and Gerrard put in their usual courageous displays.  Zenden was hard-working and professional, but it was clear to see that he no longer has the ability to play at the highest level.  Alonso gave a good performance technically, but he gave away too many free kicks with one proving costly.  For last night's match, our style of play was screaming for a quick, tall striker that could feed off through-balls from Gerrard and Alonso and crosses from Pennant.  Could Eto'o or even Bent be the answer?  Kuyt was great, but he doesn't have the attributes to be a lone striker, despite his amazing work rate.

Rafa always tells his players about "little details" changing the game, and it was a little detail that turned a comfortable first half into a mountain to climb.  An unlucky deflection from a free kick suddenly gave us plenty to think about.  Even though we lost, not many teams can say that they dominated a team that had Kaka, Seedorf, Pirlo, Gattuso etc. but we certainly can.  All we have to do is transform our superiority into goals in the Premiership next season and perhaps we could see number 19 sooner than we expect.  Even when the match had finished, our fans were still the louder ones as "You'll Never Walk Alone" echoed around Athens.

Looking ahead, I can't see there being many world-class players not wishing to join us.  2 European Cup finals in 3 years would even turn the heads of seemingly untouchable players, such as Henry (ironically, Henry has often voiced his appreciation of our fans).  If there is one positive thing to emerge from this defeat, it's that next season the players will be even more fired up to bring success to our club.  You could see it in the eyes of Carragher and Gerrard when they were interviewed that they will mean business next year.  And I can't wait

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