‘F***ing hell Jerzy, how DID you make that save?’: Former Liverpool goalkeeper Dudek reveals what Andriy Shevchenko said to him after THAT sensational stop during epic Champions League final in Istanbul on this day 15 years ago
- Jerzy Dudek made a stunning double save in the 2005 Champions League final
- The game went to extra-time after Liverpool came back from three goals down
- Andriy Shevchenko had the chance to win it but Dudek kept out his header
- The ‘keeper then saved the rebound as the Reds claimed victory on penalties
Jerzy Dudek became a Liverpool hero on this day 15 years ago as the Reds produced a historic comeback to beat AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final.
The goalkeeper was the hero in the eventual penalty shoot-out but he is also remembered for an astonishing double save that kept his side in the game during extra-time.
After Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer and Xabi Alonso clawed back a three-goal deficit in 90 minutes, Milan had a chance to win it before penalties.
Jerzy Dudek became a Liverpool hero 15 years ago as Liverpool won the Champions League
The goalkeeper produced a stunning double save to keep out AC Milan’s Andriy Shevchenko
The save was crucial as the Reds went on to win on penalties where he was also the hero
A cross came in from Serginho on the left wing and picked out Andriy Shevchenko in the box. Dudek produced a great save to keep out the Ukrainian’s header but made an even better stop to prevent him converting the rebound.
The ‘keeper spoke to Goal about his memories from the match and how the striker could not believe he did not end up being the match-winner.
‘It took Andriy Shevchenko two years to pluck up the courage and ask me,’ he said.
The Polish international admitted the striker was shocked at how he managed to make the save
‘We were in Cardiff, working together as part of the joint bid of Poland and Ukraine to host Euro 2012. We had got to know each other quite well during the campaign, and that day Sheva finally popped the question.
‘I smiled at him. “Don’t worry, mate,” I told him. “You had your five minutes against Juventus in 2003, and I had my five minutes in Istanbul!”
‘The truth is, I can’t explain how I saved it. It is one of those split-second things, where you rely on instinct, reflexes and, of course, a little bit of luck as well.
‘Do you know, for a long time after the final I thought that the initial header was from Jon Dahl Tomasson? I knew there had been two Milan players free in the box, but after that it was just a blur.
The shot-stopper said he used his instincts and had a bit of luck to make the second stop
‘When I watched it back, I saw that Sheva had headed the first ball and then the rebound, and I think that was what gave me the chance to save it.
‘He wanted to put all the power into it, and I was able just to get my hands in the way. I never saw a ball fly so high in the air, and when it landed on the roof of the net, I said to myself, “F*ck me, we needed that!”‘
The Polish international went on to cause more heartbreak for Shevchenko when he claimed victory for Rafa Benitez’s side by saving his penalty in the shoot-out.
Dudek went on to make more heartbreak for Shevchenko by saving his penalty in the shoot-out