We got chatting about our memories of Istanbul on the way home from Fulham last week. Lots of memories never to be forgotten were taken away with me that night.
The night really began with YNWA at HT and Rafa's wonderful introduction of Didi Hamann.
Ryan Giggs can shove his league titles as the sight of Steve Gerrard willing his team on after that first goal will stick with me forever. Would Stevie swap that night for a title medal? I'd think not.
I still love Milan Baros for getting out of the way of Vlad's shot and Vlad's subsequent celebration was epic. It Reminded me of Tardelli's goal celebration in the 1982 World Cup final. I knew then we were going to win the cup. I Just knew it.
Alonso then giving us the fright of our lives was not good for the heart.
For me, Jerzy Dudek etched his name in the Liverpool legends roll of honour that night. I still don't know how he saved Shevchenkos shot in extra time and neither does he I suspect. Dudek and Carra were a perfect double act that night. The sorcerer and his apprentice.
Carra, already a Liverpool legend bared his whole body and soul for all to see on 25th May and gave one of the greatest performances in a Liverpool shirt I have ever seen. Although a massive team effort in that 2nd half, if not for that massive display of world class defending and leadership, I don't think we would not have won that game.
I remember sitting on one if the many buses laid on to take us from the Ataturk. A packed bus full of emotionally drained Liverpool fans sat in an almost stunned silence reflecting on what we had just witnessed. Looking back it was very surreal. I remember buying a can of warm Effes from a little Turkish kid running alongside of the bus. I paid about a fiver for it but the lad was welcome to it
I went to every game home and away during that 2005 CL campaign and am still suffering financially for it now. But every day I take a quick look at my framed Match ticket still in one whole piece and match-day programme hanging proudly in the Hall and know that what we saw on 25th May 2005 was an honour and privilege to be part of.