Liverpool and AC Milan are two of the most successful clubs in European football history, sharing 13 Champions League titles between them. Their competitive relationship is defined by two iconic finals in 2005 and 2007, often cited as the pinnacle of continental drama. Historically, Liverpool holds a slight edge in head-to-head competitive victories, winning four out of their five major UEFA meetings, including their most recent 3-1 triumph at the San Siro in September 2024.
In this comprehensive guide, you will explore every facet of this historic rivalry. We cover the tactical shifts from the Rafa Benítez and Carlo Ancelotti era to the modern strategies of Arne Slot and Paulo Fonseca. You will find detailed breakdowns of the “Miracle of Istanbul,” Milan’s revenge in Athens, and the recent group stage encounters that have revitalized this fixture for a new generation of football fans.
Historical Head-to-Head Record
Liverpool and AC Milan have faced each other in five major competitive matches, all within the UEFA Champions League. As of early 2026, Liverpool has won four of these encounters, while AC Milan has secured one victory, with no matches ending in a draw during regulation or extra time.
The goal tally across these fixtures reflects the high-octane nature of the matchup, with Liverpool scoring 12 goals compared to Milan’s 8. Their first meeting occurred in the 2005 final, followed by a rematch in the 2007 final, and subsequent home-and-away fixtures in the 2021/22 and 2024/25 seasons.
The Miracle of Istanbul 2005
The 2005 UEFA Champions League Final in Istanbul is widely regarded as the greatest comeback in the tournament’s history. AC Milan took a commanding 3-0 lead in the first half with goals from Paolo Maldini and a brace from Hernán Crespo, seemingly ending the contest by the interval.
In a stunning six-minute window during the second half, Liverpool leveled the score 3-3 through Steven Gerrard, Vladimír Šmicer, and Xabi Alonso. The match eventually went to a penalty shootout, where Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek’s heroics secured the club’s fifth European Cup title.
Milan’s Revenge in Athens 2007
Two years after the heartbreak in Istanbul, the two giants met again in the 2007 final held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens. AC Milan, led by an inspired Filippo Inzaghi, managed to neutralize Liverpool’s tactical setup and secure a 2-1 victory.
Inzaghi scored twice, once late in the first half and again in the 82nd minute, to put the Italian side firmly in control. Despite a late 89th-minute header from Dirk Kuyt, Liverpool could not find a second equalizer, allowing Milan to claim their seventh European title.
Recent Champions League Encounters
After a long hiatus from facing one another, the clubs were drawn together in the 2021/22 Champions League group stage. Liverpool won both legs, securing a 3-2 victory at Anfield and a 2-1 win at the San Siro, showcasing their dominance under then-manager Jürgen Klopp.
In the 2024/25 season, the rivalry continued under new leadership as Arne Slot’s Liverpool faced Paulo Fonseca’s Milan. Liverpool once again emerged victorious with a 3-1 win in Italy on September 18, 2024, with goals from Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Comparing Club Trophy Rooms
Liverpool and AC Milan represent the royalty of European football, with trophy cabinets that few clubs worldwide can match. AC Milan remains the second most successful club in Champions League history with 7 titles, while Liverpool sits in joint-third place with 6.
Domestically, both clubs have storied histories of dominance in their respective leagues, the Premier League and Serie A. Liverpool has 19 English league titles and 8 FA Cups, whereas AC Milan boasts 19 Scudettos and 5 Coppa Italia trophies, highlighting their consistent excellence over decades.
Legendary Players and Managers
The managers who have led these teams are among the most respected in the sport’s history. Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical brilliance at Milan and Rafa Benítez’s meticulous planning at Liverpool defined the mid-2000s, while names like Arrigo Sacchi and Bill Shankly built the foundations of these clubs.
On the pitch, icons such as Paolo Maldini, Kaká, and Andrea Pirlo for Milan have faced off against Liverpool legends like Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, and Mohamed Salah. These players have produced moments of individual brilliance that remain etched in the memories of millions of supporters globally.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans planning to attend a future match between these two giants, here is the essential information for visiting their iconic stadiums.
- Venues: Anfield (Liverpool, England) and San Siro (Milan, Italy).
- Match Dates: Typically scheduled during the UEFA Champions League season (September to May).
- Ticket Prices: Range from £50 to £200+ for standard seating, depending on the competition stage and demand.
- Transport to Anfield: Accessible via bus from Liverpool City Centre or a 30-minute walk from Kirkdale Station.
- Transport to San Siro: Easily reached via the M5 (Purple) Metro line, exiting at the San Siro Stadio stop.
- What to Expect: Intense atmospheres, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” at Anfield, and the vibrant choreography of the Milan ultras at the Curva Sud.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Liverpool played Milan?
The two clubs have met in 5 major competitive matches as of January 2026. Liverpool has won 4 times, while AC Milan has won once.
Who won the 2005 Champions League Final?
Liverpool won the 2005 final in Istanbul. After trailing 3-0 at halftime, they drew 3-3 and won 3-2 on penalties.
How many Champions League titles does Milan have?
AC Milan has won the UEFA Champions League (formerly the European Cup) 7 times. Their most recent title came in 2007.
How many Champions League titles does Liverpool have?
Liverpool has won the UEFA Champions League 6 times. Their most recent victory was in the 2018/19 season.
Who scored the fastest goal in a Champions League final?
Paolo Maldini scored the fastest goal in a final for AC Milan against Liverpool in 2005, finding the net in just 50 seconds.
When was the last time Liverpool played AC Milan?
Their most recent competitive meeting was on September 18, 2024, in the Champions League league phase, which Liverpool won 3-1.
Who has scored the most goals in this fixture?
Several players share the lead in modern encounters, including Hernán Crespo, Filippo Inzaghi, and Mohamed Salah, all with 2 goals each.
Where did the 2007 final take place?
The 2007 UEFA Champions League Final was held at the Olympic Stadium in Athens, Greece.
Which manager has won the most titles for these clubs?
Bob Paisley won 3 European Cups for Liverpool, while Nereo Rocco and Carlo Ancelotti each won 2 for AC Milan.
Can I visit the museums at both stadiums?
Yes, both Anfield and the San Siro offer daily stadium tours and museum access, featuring trophies and memorabilia from their European successes.
Is the San Siro being demolished?
While there have been various plans for a new stadium, the San Siro remains the current home of AC Milan and is still hosting matches as of 2026.
Final Thoughts
The rivalry between Liverpool and AC Milan is more than just a series of football matches; it is a storied chapter in the history of the beautiful game. Defined by the extremes of the “Miracle of Istanbul” and the tactical retribution in Athens, this fixture encapsulates the unpredictable nature of the Champions League. While Liverpool has enjoyed a more dominant run in their 21st-century encounters—winning four of the five major meetings as of 2026—both clubs remain the gold standard for continental success in their respective nations.
As football enters a new era of expanded formats and evolving tactical philosophies under managers like Arne Slot and Paulo Fonseca, the weight of this history continues to inspire. Whether it is the echoes of Steven Gerrard’s headers or the precision of Filippo Inzaghi’s strikes, the Liverpool vs. Milan saga remains a timeless reminder that in European football, giants never truly sleep. Their next meeting will undoubtedly add another layer to a timeline already rich with drama, respect, and unparalleled prestige.
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