A lot had been said about Milan's ageing squad of players, but the blend of experienced stars and the sublime skills of Kaka produced one of the finest performances by a team in the Champions League for years.

Milan were deadly in attack and broke up the Manchester United play so well that Sir Alex Ferguson's men never really entered this contest. And by the end were probably lucky that Milan's irresistible football only produced three goals.

Sir Alex must be scratching his head wondering where it all went wrong. United are a much better team than their performance in Milan suggests and some might say that Ferguson, whose measly haul of just one European Cup for a team that has dominated the Premiership for so long, got his tactics wrong. But I don't think the answer lies there.

During the game he tried all that he could. He moved his players around and changed formations, but whatever he did, the flow of the game remained the same, so it really has to be blamed on the players - and especially the big-name players who just did not show up.

Wayne Rooney was a spectator for much of the game, while the much-talked-about battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka never materialised. The Brazilian showing that he is a true contender for the title of Best Footballer on the Planet. Milan surely had one eye on the Final and who their opponents would be - and used this as motivation in overcoming United.

In the eyes of all Liverpool fans, that night in Istanbul in 2005 is viewed as the greatest comeback of all time. But Milan must view it as the greatest capitulation in their club's proud history. I cannot imagine how it must feel to be 3-0 up in the final of the greatest club competition of them all and then see it all fall apart so spectacularly. It must have been one of the most shocking and utterly disappointing moments in sport for players and fans alike. And the ultimate way to exact revenge would be to beat the team that caused their nightmare in a re-match at the same stage of the competition.

In Carlo Ancelotti, Milan have one of the top managers in the game today. He's been there, done it and got the T-shirt, so expect a very well prepared and fired-up Milan for the encounter in Athens.This will be the game of their lives for many of the Milan players, such was the hurt two years ago in Istanbul.

But Liverpool are not to be taken lightly, either. This competition has become their speciality, and overcoming the odds has become another. Rafa Benitez has some key advantages over Milan. Liverpool have a greater variety to their attack with John Arne Riise and Jermaine Pennant down the wings and Xabi Alonso or Steven Gerrard through midfield. Then there's the thing that Milan hate and fear so much - the ball over the top to Peter Crouch, by-passing their formidable midfield.

However, central midfield is where this battle is going to be won or lost. Against United, Gennaro Gattuso was able to dominate the midfield. But against Liverpool it will be a totally different proposition.The Anfield outfit have the passion and drive of Gerrard, the killer incisive passes of Alonso, Momo Sissoko's tenacity and non-stop snapping at the heels of any opposing player - and the man I hope will be chosen to partner Gerrard in the middle, Javier Mascherano.

The Argentinian combines the talents of both Alonso and Sissoko and is a perfect foil for Gerrard. Benitez has some very tough decisions to make but he can put out a team that can beat Milan. And remember, this Milan team, despite their great performance against United, are not as good as the team that lost two years ago. But this is a much improved Liverpool team who truly believe they can beat any team in the world.

Will Liverpool do it again - or will Milan turn the tables? Add your comment or write an article giving your opinion.