2004–05 Liverpool F.C. season

English football club season February 2015 February 2015 Liverpool 2004–05 Rafael Benitez David Moores Anfield Premier League 5th FA Cup Third round League Cup Runners-up UEFA Champions League Winners Milan Baroš (9) Milan BarošLuis GarcíaSteven Gerrard(13 each) 42,586https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/Statistics/104 A collection of statistics for the 2004–2005 season LFC History 24 April 2020 _liverpool0405h _liverpool0405h _liverpool0405h _liverpool0405h FF0000 FF0000 FF0000 FF0000 FF0000 _liverpool0405a _liverpool0405A _liverpool0405a _liverpool0405A _liverpool0405a FFDD00 FFDD00 FFDD00 000000 FFDD00 _liverpool0304A _liverpool0304A _liverpool0304A _liverpool0304a _liverpool0304A FFFFFF CCCCCC FFFFFF 000000 FFFFFF 2003–04 2005–06 CL parade Lpool.jpg Liverpool players during their UEFA Champions League victory parade, 2005 250px The 2004–05 season was Liverpool Football Club's 113th season in existence and their 43rd consecutive season in the top-flight of English football. The season began on 1 July 2004 and concluded on 30 June 2005, with competitive matches played between August and May. Liverpool finished in fifth place, 37 points behind eventual winners Chelsea with a record of 17 wins, 7 draws and 14 defeats. This was not an improvement on the previous Premier League season when they finished fourth. Liverpool fared better in cup competitions. Although they were eliminated by Burnley in the third round of the FA Cup, they reached the final of the League Cup, which they lost 3–2 to Chelsea. Despite their lack of success domestically, Liverpool were successful in the UEFA Champions League. They won the competition for the fifth time, defeating Italian team AC Milan in the final. After six years in charge, Gérard Houllier was replaced as manager by Rafael Benítez, who had led Valencia to victory in La Liga and the UEFA Cup the previous season. Liverpool acquired eight players in the transfer market, including Djibril Cissé, Xabi Alonso and Luis García. They were supplemented by the arrival of Mauricio Pellegrino, Fernando Morientes and Scott Carson during the January transfer window. A total of four players departed including Markus Babbel, Danny Murphy and Michael Owen, who were all transferred in the summer transfer window. Stéphane Henchoz left the club during the winter transfer window. Thirty-two different players represented the club in four competitions, and there were 17 different goalscorers. Liverpool's top goalscorers were Milan Baroš, Steven Gerrard and García with 13 goals each. Defender John Arne Riise made the most appearances during the season with 57. Background thumb|Xabi Alonso (pictured in July 2005) joined the club from Real Sociedad for £10.7 million. Liverpool did not win any trophies in the 2003–04 season. The team finished fourth in the Premier League, securing a return to the UEFA Champions League, but finished 30 points behind eventual winners Arsenal.https://lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/LeagueTable/46 The league table for the 2003–2004 season LFC History 6 August 2023 They fared little better in the cup competitions, exiting the FA Cup in the fifth round losing 1–0 to Portsmouth in a replay after the original tie finished 1–1.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/3478991.stm Liverpool 1–1 Portsmouth BBC Sport 15 February 2004 14 May 2022 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/3496757.stm Portsmouth 1–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 22 February 2004 14 May 2022 A 3–2 defeat to Bolton Wanderers resulted in Liverpool's exit from the League Cup in the fourth round.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/3247008.stm Bolton stun Liverpool BBC Sport 3 December 2003 14 May 2022 Liverpool reached the same round of the UEFA Cup before they were eliminated by Marseille 3–2 on aggregate.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3563941.stm Ten-man Liverpool crash out BBC Sport 25 March 2004 14 May 2022 Following the end of the season, manager Gérard Houllier was replaced by Rafael Benítez after six years in charge. It was felt that Houllier had taken the club as far as he could and that his reign had peaked in the 2000–01 season, when the club won the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup.Balagué 2005 1–2 Benítez had won La Liga and the UEFA Cup with Valencia during the 2003–04 season.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3776857.stm Liverpool appoint Benitez BBC Sport 16 June 2004 14 May 2022 The performance of Benítez's team against Liverpool during the 2002–03 UEFA Champions League, when Valencia won both games in the group stage, were important factors influencing the Liverpool board to appoint him as manager.Balagué 2005 2–3 Several new players were brought in as well as Benítez. A deal for striker Djibril Cissé was secured before Houllier left,https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3735279.stm BBC Sport Liverpool tie up Cisse deal 26 May 2004 9 July 2023 while Benítez's first signing as manager was defender Josemi from Málaga.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3923633.stm BBC News Liverpool seal Josemi deal 28 July 2004 9 July 2023 Antonio Núñez, who joined as part of Owen's transfer to Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso and Luis García were the remaining transfers made in the summer transfer window.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3573210.stm BBC Sport Liverpool seal Nunez deal 17 August 2004 9 July 2023https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3552128.stm Real Sociedad drop Alonso BBC Sport 9 July 2023 11 August 2004https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3582406.stm Liverpool grab Garcia BBC Sport 9 July 2023 20 August 2004 Liverpool's first match of the pre-season was against Wrexham at their home stadium, the Racecourse Ground. Two goals from Anthony Le Tallec secured a 2–1 victory.https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/FriendlyGame/8617 Wrexham 1–2 Liverpool LFC History 20 August 2023 The remainder of their games were in the ChampionsWorld Series held in America. Liverpool beat Celtic 5–1 in the first game, lost 1–0 to Porto in the second and beat Roma 2–1 in the final game with Owen and Cissé scoring.https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/FriendlyGame/8618 Celtic 1–5 Liverpool LFC History 20 August 2023 https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/FriendlyGame/8620 Roma 1–2 Liverpool LFC History 20 August 2023 https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/FriendlyGame/8619 Porto 1–0 Liverpool LFC History 20 August 2023 Several players left Liverpool during the season. Defender Markus Babbel joined VfB Stuttgart on a free transfer after his contract had expired.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3899133.stm BBC Sport Babbel joins Stuttgart 16 July 2004 9 July 2023 Midfielder Danny Murphy joined Charlton Athletic for £2.5 million.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/charlton_athletic/3552070.stm BBC Sport Charlton secure Murphy deal 10 August 2004 9 July 2023 Forward Michael Owen joined Real Madrid for £8.5 million with Núñez moving to Liverpool after talks stalled on a new contract. Benítez stated he was happy for Owen to stay but contract issues made that difficult: "I was very happy with Michael and I wanted him to stay. The problem was he only had a year left on his contract."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3560542.stm Owen unveiled by Real BBC Sport 9 July 2023 14 August 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20090618160312/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3560542.stm 18 June 2009 live Arsenal and Chelsea were considered the pre-season favourites, with Arsenal looking to retain their title after their unbeaten season in the 2003–04 Premier League.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3535816.stm Alan Hansen's title verdict BBC Sport 9 August 2004 7 May 2023 Alan Hansen It was felt that Liverpool would push the top three teams with BBC Sport's Mark Lawrenson stating: "My immediate thoughts are that Liverpool will finish fourth, pushing to break into the top three."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3897591.stm Lawrenson runs the rule BBC Sport 11 August 2004 7 May 2023 Mark Lawrenson Transfers In +Players transferred inhttps://www.lfchistory.net/Transfers/BySeason/104 Transfers for the 2004–2005 season LFC History 28 August 2022 No.PositionPlayerTransferred fromFeeDateRef9FWDjibril CisséAuxerre£14,500,0001 July 200417DFJosemiMálaga£2,000,00028 July 200418MFAntonio NúñezReal Madrid£1,500,00017 August 200414MFXabi AlonsoReal Sociedad£10,700,00020 August 200410MFLuis GarcíaBarcelona£6,000,00020 August 200412DFMauricio PellegrinoValenciaFree5 January 200519FWFernando MorientesReal Madrid£6,300,00013 January 200520GKScott CarsonLeeds United£1,000,00021 January 2005 Out +Players transferred outNo.PositionPlayerTransferred toFeeDateRef6DFMarkus BabbelVfB StuttgartFree16 July 200413MFDanny MurphyCharlton Athletic£2,500,00010 August 200410FWMichael OwenReal Madrid£8,000,000 + Antonio Núñez14 August 20042DFStéphane HenchozCelticFree28 January 2005 Transfer summary +Summary of transfer activity during the seasonPeriodSpendingIncomeNet expenditureSummer £34,700,000 £10,250,000 £24,450,000Winter £7,300,000 £0 £7,300,000Total £42,000,000 £10,250,000 £31,750,000 Pre-season matches +2004–05 Pre-season matcheshttps://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/Games/104 Games for the 2004–05 season LFC History 25 April 2020DateOpponentsVenueResultScoreScorersAttendance21 July 2004WrexhamAW2–1Le Tallec (2) 24', 78'14,97827 July 2004CelticNW5–1Riise 5', Owen 36', Cissé (2) 62', 76', Henchoz 69'24,27131 July 2004PortoNL0–140,0783 August 2004RomaNW2–1Cissé 30', Owen 85'25,028 Competitions Overall record 4 Premier League 14 August 2004 15 May 2005 Matchday 1 5th 17 7 14 52 41 FA Cup 18 January 2005 Third round Third round 0 0 1 0 1 League Cup 26 October 2004 27 February 2005 Third round 2 Runners-up 4 1 1 10 4 UEFA Champions League 10 August 2004 25 May 2005 Third qualifying round Winners 8 4 3 20 10 Soccerway Premier League 2004–05 FA Premier League A total of 20 teams competed in the Premier League in the 2004–05 season. Each team played 38 matches; two against every other team and one match at each club's stadium. Three points were awarded for each win, one point per draw, and none for defeats. At the end of the season the top two teams qualified for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League; teams in third and fourth needed to play a qualifier.http://www.premierleague.com/fapl.rac?command=setSelectedId&nextPage=enSpecFeatures&id=3304&type=com.fapl.website.features.SpecialFeature&categoryCode=CompetitionExplained&breadcrumb= Rules of the Barclays Premiership competition Premier League 31 July 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20060511145346/http://www.premierleague.com/fapl.rac?command=setSelectedId&nextPage=enSpecFeatures&id=3304&type=com.fapl.website.features.SpecialFeature&categoryCode=CompetitionExplained&breadcrumb= 11 May 2006 The provisional fixture list was released on 24 June 2004, but was subject to change in the event of clashes with other competitions, international football, inclement weather, or matches being selected for television coverage.Chelsea face Man Utd https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3835401.stm BBC Sport 24 June 2004 25 April 2020 August–October upright|thumb|Liverpool supporters during a match at Anfield in the season Liverpool travelled to Tottenham Hotspur on the opening weekend of the season. Djibril Cissé scored on his league debut to give Liverpool the lead in the first half but an equaliser from Jermain Defoe in the second half meant the match finished 1–1.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3553178.stm Spurs 1–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 14 August 2004 22 December 2021 The following weekend, Liverpool hosted Manchester City at Anfield. City took the lead at the end of the first half when former Liverpool striker, Nicolas Anelka scored. However, a goal three minutes into the second half from Milan Baroš and another from Steven Gerrard in the 75th minute meant Liverpool won the match 2–1.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3564564.stm Liverpool 2–1 Man City BBC Sport 21 August 2004 22 December 2021 A trip to the Reebok Stadium to face Bolton Wanderers was next for Liverpool. Luis García, making his debut, had a goal disallowed for offside before Kevin Davies 38th-minute goal secured a 1–0 win for Bolton.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3586112.stm Bolton 1–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 29 August 2004 22 December 2021 Due to international fixtures, Liverpool did not play another game for two weeks. When domestic football resumed, Liverpool faced West Bromwich at Anfield in their next match. Goals from Gerrard, Steve Finnan and García helped Liverpool to a 3–0 win.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3599092.stm Liverpool 3–0 West Brom BBC Sport 11 September 2004 18 January 2022 Manager Rafael Benítez was encouraged by his side's performance: "It was perhaps the best performance so far because we scored three goals and had many possibilities, I'm a little closer to finding the balance, but I need more time. I cannot say how long, it's impossible to know, what we've seen is a better team. It's a small step, we need to do more."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3644340.stm Benitez encouraged by Reds BBC Sport 11 September 2004 18 January 2022 Liverpool's following match was against rivals Manchester United at their home ground, Old Trafford. Mikaël Silvestre opened the scoring for United in the 20th minute but an own goal by defender John O'Shea levelled the score 14 minutes later. Captain Gerrard went off with an injury after 40 minutes and Liverpool struggled to create more chances, and a further goal from Silvestre delivered a 2–1 win for United.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/sep/21/match.sport Silvestre sinks Liverpool The Guardian 21 September 2004 18 January 2022 Kevin McCarra A home match against Norwich City was next for Liverpool. Goals from Baroš, García and Cissé resulted in a 3–0 win.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3661804.stm Liverpool 3–0 Norwich BBC Sport 25 September 2004 18 January 2022 Liverpool's subsequent match was away to Chelsea at their home ground, Stamford Bridge. A tight game was settled by a goal from Joe Cole in the 64th minute to give Chelsea a 1–0 victory.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3689210.stm Chelsea 1–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 3 October 2004 21 April 2022 Liverpool travelled to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in their subsequent match. They were 2–0 down at halftime due to two goals from Luís Boa Morte, but an own goal by Zat Knight and goals from Baroš, Xabi Alonso and Igor Bišćan secured a 4–2 victory for Liverpool.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3724106.stm Fulham 2–4 Liverpool BBC Sport 16 October 2004 21 April 2022 Goals from John Arne Riise and García were enough to secure a 2–0 win in the following match against Charlton Athletic at Anfield, which moved Liverpool up to fifth place.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3727546.stm Liverpool 2–0 Charlton 23 October 2004 21 April 2022 Liverpool's next opposition were Blackburn Rovers. They took the lead in the seventh minute when Riise scored, but Jay Bothroyd scored in the 16th minute to level the scores. Liverpool suffered a setback in the 30th minute when Cissé was forced off with a broken leg after a challenge with Jay McEveley. Blackburn took the lead on the stroke of halftime when Brett Emerton scored after the Liverpool defence failed to clear the ball, but Liverpool levelled the scores in the 54th minute when Baroš scored from a pass by García.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3947393.stm Blackburn 2–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 30 October 2004 21 April 2004 Benítez was disappointed his side did not win the match: "I'm disappointed as we began the game with a high tempo like we did at the start of the second half."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3964491.stm Benitez 'disappointed' after draw BBC Sport 30 October 2004 21 April 2022 November–December The following weekend, Liverpool faced Birmingham City at Anfield. Liverpool had the majority of the chances but failed to score and a Darren Anderton goal for Birmingham in the 77th minute gave them a 1–0 win.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/3967917.stm Liverpool 0–1 Birmingham BBC Sport 6 November 2004 8 October 2022 Liverpool rebounded the following week as they beat Crystal Palace 3–2, courtesy of a hat-trick by Baroš, which included a last-minute penalty.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3988121.stm Liverpool 3–2 Crystal Palace BBC Sport 13 November 2004 8 October 2022 Middlesbrough were the opponents the next weekend. A first-half goal from Chris Riggott and a goal in the second-half from Boudewijn Zenden resulted in a 2–0 defeat for Liverpool.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4009057.stm Middlesbrough 2–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 20 November 2004 8 October 2022 Liverpool faced defending champions Arsenal at Anfield the following weekend. They took the lead in the 37th minute when Alonso scored. Arsenal equalised in the 57th minute through a goal by Patrick Vieira, but with the match heading for a draw, a goal by Neil Mellor from 25 yd m secured a 2–1 victory for Liverpool.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4028103.stm Liverpool 2–1 Arsenal BBC Sport 28 November 2004 8 October 2022 Benítez was delighted with the result and hailed his team's performance: "We worked very hard against a very good team and it's fantastic, I think we were almost perfect in the first half—with and without the ball. In the second half, we were a little tired and they played very well. We knew it would be difficult not to concede a goal but at the end of the game, I think it was a fair result."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4045995.stm Benitez hails 'deserved victory' BBC Sport 28 November 2004 8 October 2022 Liverpool faced Aston Villa next at their home ground, Villa Park. A Harry Kewell goal in the 16th minute gave Liverpool the lead but Nolberto Solano scored just before half-time to level the scores, and with no further goals, the match finished 1–1.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4047621.stm Aston Villa 1–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 4 December 2004 15 October 2022 Local rivals Everton were the opposition the following weekend at their home ground, Goodison Park in the 200th Merseyside derby. A goal from Lee Carsley in the 68th minute earned victory for Everton.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4072033.stm Everton 1–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 11 December 2004 15 October 2022 Benítez was disappointed with the result and bemoaned the finishing of his side: "This has been a bad end to a fine week for us. It has taken the shine off the win over Olympiakos, I felt we had enough chances to be ahead at the break, but in tight games like this you have to score them. They scored and we didn't—that was the difference. We're thinking about this game—and need to learn from it."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4084523.stm Benitez rues Reds' poor finishing BBC Sport 11 December 2004 15 October 2022 Liverpool faced Portsmouth three days later at Anfield. Benítez made six changes to the starting lineup from the defeat against Everton and with a Gerrard free-kick giving Liverpool the lead in the 70th minute, his changes looked to have worked. However, a goal from Lomana LuaLua in injury time after goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek misjudged a cross, meant the match finished 1–1.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4087769.stm Liverpool 1–1 Portsmouth BBC Sport 14 December 2004 15 October 2022 Newcastle United were the opposition in the subsequent match held at Anfield. They took the lead in the 32nd minute when Patrick Kluivert scored. But an own goal by Titus Bramble and goals from Mellor and Baroš secured a 3–1 victory for Liverpool.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4088021.stm Liverpool 3–1 Newcastle BBC Sport 19 December 2004 15 October 2022 Liverpool travelled to The Hawthorns on Boxing Day to face West Bromwich Albion. Riise opened the scoring in the 17th minute, and West Bromwich were reduced to ten men when Cosmin Contra was sent off for handling a shot by Antonio Nuñez. Liverpool were awarded a penalty following Contra's handball, but Baroš's penalty was saved. Liverpool scored a further four goals in the second half, courtesy of Florent Sinama Pongolle, Gerrard, Riise and García, to secure a 5–0 win.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4107413.stm West Brom 0–5 Liverpool BBC Sport 26 December 2004 15 October 2022 A goal from Sinama Pongolle secured a 1–0 victory two days later at Anfield against Southampton.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4107829.stm Liverpool 1–0 Southampton BBC Sport 28 December 2004 15 October 2022 Benítez was happy with the win but wanted to play with more authority: "It was hard work. We controlled the game in the first half but in the second half it is difficult. In the end it was important to win three games in a row. We had some chances at the end of the game and the goalkeeper made some good saves, perhaps we need more confidence when we are up 1–0 ahead."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4127547.stm Benitez wants ruthless Reds edge BBC Sport 28 December 2004 15 October 2022 January–February thumb|left|Fernando Morientes (pictured in August 2005) joined Liverpool during the January transfer window. Liverpool signed a further three players in the January transfer window with defender Mauricio Pellegrino, striker Fernando Morientes and goalkeeper Scott Carson joining the club.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4144837.stm BBC Sport Liverpool seal Pellegrino signing 5 January 2005 9 July 2023https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4127559.stm Morientes completes Reds switch BBC Sport 9 July 2023 13 January 2005https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4183677.stm BBC Sport Carson seals switch to Liverpool 21 January 2005 9 July 2023 While Defender Stéphane Henchoz was sold to Celtic.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/4144899.stm BBC Sport Henchoz completes Celtic switch 29 January 2005 9 July 2023 On 1 January 2005, Liverpool faced Chelsea at Anfield. A close match saw Liverpool denied a penalty in the first half when Tiago handled the ball before Joe Cole scored in the 80th minute to give Chelsea a 1–0 victory.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4114653.stm Liverpool 0–1 Chelsea BBC Sport 1 January 2005 5 November 2022 Liverpool midfielder Alonso suffered a broken leg after a challenge with Frank Lampard that meant he would be out for three months.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4139747.stm Alonso sidelined for three months BBC Sport 5 January 2005 5 November 2022 Two days later, Liverpool faced Norwich at Carrow Road. Goals from García and Riise before a late Norwich goal courtesy of Ryan Jarvis were enough to secure a 2–1 victory and move Liverpool up to fifth place.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4130149.stm Norwich 1–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 3 January 2005 5 November 2022 Liverpool's next opponents were rivals Manchester United. The match marked the debut of recent signing Fernando Morientes but he could not influence proceedings as United won 1–0. Despite being reduced to ten men when Wes Brown was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 64th minute, United won 1–0 thanks to a Wayne Rooney goal from 25 yd m which slipped past Dudek.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4150631.stm Liverpool 0–1 Manchester United BBC Sport 15 January 2005 5 November 2022 Liverpool suffered another defeat in their next match against Southampton. Goals from David Prutton and Peter Crouch secured a 2–0 for the home side at St Mary's Stadium.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4177037.stm Southampton 2–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 22 January 2005 5 November 2022 Benítez bemoaned the two early goals his side conceded in an interview after the match: "If you concede two goals early, it's never easy to get back. We conceded too soon and they tried to play the long ball. We needed to go forward more. We had chances but it's difficult when you're losing and time's against you."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4194391.stm Benitez looks for quick recovery BBC Sport 22 January 2005 5 November 2022 Liverpool travelled to The Valley for their following match against Charlton. They went behind in the 20th minute when Shaun Bartlett scored but goals in the second half from Morientes and Riise scored a 2–1 victory.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4221109.stm Charlton 1–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 1 February 2005 13 November 2022 Fulham were Liverpool's next opponents at Anfield. Morientes gave Liverpool the lead in the eighth minute but an Andy Cole goal eight minutes later levelled the scores at 1–1. Two goals in the second half courtesy of Sami Hyypiä and Baroš gave Liverpool a 3–1 victory.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4218231.stm Liverpool 3–1 Fulham BBC Sport 5 February 2005 13 November 2022 Liverpool went into their next match against Birmingham City at St Andrew's looking to win to the close the gap to Everton in fourth place to two points. However, they were unable to do so as they lost 2–0.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4238805.stm Birmingham 2-0 Liverpool BBC Sport 12 February 2005 13 November 2022 March–May Newcastle were the next opposition as Liverpool travelled to St James' Park. Liverpool went into the match without Morientes, Djimi Traore, Kewell and Hamann and were "injury hit" according to BBC Sport. They were unable to score and a Laurent Robert goal in the 70th minute secured victory for Newcastle.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4300431.stm Newcastle 1–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 5 March 2005 19 November 2022 Liverpool faced Blackburn Rovers in their next match at Anfield and were looking for a win to keep their hopes of finishing in the top four and securing a place in the Champions League alive. However, they were unable to defeat Blackburn with the match finishing 0–0 and the gap to Everton in fourth place was seven points.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4343197.stm Liverpool 0–0 Blackburn BBC Sport 19 November 2005 19 November 2022 The next match was against Everton at Anfield and a win would see Liverpool reduce the gap to their rivals to four points with eight games left. Liverpool took the lead in the 27th minute from a free-kick 20 yd m from goal. García doubled the lead five minutes after a Morientes shot was pushed onto the crossbar by Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn and fell to him. Baroš was sent off for a high tackle on Alan Stubbs in the 77th minute, and despite a goal from Tim Cahill five minutes later, Liverpool held on to win 2–1.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4343223.stm Liverpool 2–1 Everton BBC Sport 20 March 2005 19 November 2022 Benítez was pleased with the win but was concerned about the injuries his side were suffering from as Stephen Warnock, Hamann and Morientes all picked up injuries during the match: "We need to see how the injuries settle down now, maybe they will all be out for two or three weeks. It's hard to say at this stage but clearly we have a lot of problems at the moment. I am so proud of the players for the way they coped with the situation. It was a very difficult game and this is such a good win for us. We played with a high tempo in the first half and definitely deserved our victory."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/4365951.stm Liverpool hit by striker crisis BBC Sport 21 March 2005 19 November 2022 Liverpool's following match was against Bolton at Anfield. A goal from Bišćan clinched a 1–0 victory which moved them to within a point of Everton in fourth place.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4384119.stm Liverpool 1–0 Bolton BBC Sport 2 April 2005 12 March 2023 A week later, Liverpool travelled to the City of Manchester Stadium to face Manchester City. A win would have taken Liverpool to fourth place but they conceded a goal in the 90th minute when Kiki Musampa scored from the edge of the penalty area to give City a 1–0 win. Benítez was disappointed with the result and felt a draw would have been a good result: "I am very disappointed. Sometimes when you cannot win a draw is a good result. We were in the last minute, we had a throw-in, then we give the ball away. They counter and we lose a goal. If we play to the level we can, we can make fourth but it will be difficult if we do not improve our mental attitude."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4403613.stm Man City 1–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 9 April 2005 12 March 2023 A 2–2 draw in their next match against Tottenham at Anfield meant Liverpool were three points behind Everton in fourth place who also had a game in hand.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4427545.stm Liverpool 2–2 Tottenham BBC Sport 16 April 2005 12 March 2023 Portsmouth were the opposition in Liverpool's next match at Fratton Park. Morientes scored in the fourth minute to give Liverpool the lead. Portsmouth equalised in the 34th minute when Diomansy Kamara scored after a header by Arjan de Zeeuw was blocked by Finnan. Liverpool restored their lead in the 45th minute with García heading in from Riise's cross, which was enough to secure a 2–1 victory.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4451329.stm Portsmouth 1–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 20 April 2005 12 March 2023 Liverpool faced Crystal Palace in their subsequent match at Selhurst Park, which ended in disappointment as a 1–0 defeat meant they were four points behind Everton in fourth place.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4451351.stm C Palace 1–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 23 April 2005 12 March 2023 With three games left, Middlesbrough were the next opponents for Liverpool at Anfield. The match started poorly for Liverpool as they conceded within the first four minutes when Szilárd Németh scored. Liverpool equalised in the 52nd minute when Gerrard scored from 35 yd m from Middlesbrough's goal, but they were unable to find a second goal. The result meant Liverpool were three points behind Everton in fourth place after they lost 2–0 to Fulham.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4476067.stm Liverpool 1–1 Middlesbrough BBC Sport 30 April 2005 12 March 2023 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4476065.stm Fulham 2–0 Everton BBC Sport 30 April 2005 12 March 2023 A 3–1 defeat to Arsenal a week later at Highbury meant that Liverpool were unable to finish in fourth place above rivals Everton.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4501105.stm Arsenal 3–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 8 May 2005 12 March 2023 Aston Villa were the opponents for Liverpool's final game of the season at Anfield. Two goals from Cisse secured a 2–1 victory which meant Liverpool finished the season in fifth place with 58 points, three points behind rivals Everton.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4525105.stm Liverpool 2–1 Aston Villa BBC Sport 15 May 2005 12 March 2023 League table 2004–05 Premier League#League table LIV Results summary 12 4 3 31 15 5 3 11 21 26 https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/LeagueTable/104 The league table for the 2004-2005 season LFC History 20 August 2023 April 2020 Matches +2004–05 Premier League matchesDateOpponentsVenueResultScoreScorersAttendancePositionRef14 August 2004Tottenham HotspurAD1–1Cissé 38'35,105721 August 2004Manchester CityHW2–1Baroš 48', Gerrard 75'42,831529 August 2004Bolton WanderersAL0–127,880511 September 2004West Bromwich AlbionHW3–0Gerrard 16', Finnan 42', García 60'42,9471020 September 2004Manchester UnitedAL1–2O'Shea 34' o.g.67,857724 September 2004Norwich CityHW3–0Baroš 23', García 26', Cissé 64'43,15293 October 2004ChelseaAL0–142,028616 October 2004FulhamAW4–2Knight 50' o.g., Baroš 71', Alonso 79', Bišćan 90'21,884823 October 2004Charlton AthleticHW2–0Riise 52', García 74'41,625530 October 2004Blackburn RoversAD2–2Riise 7', Baroš 54'21,88456 November 2004Birmingham CityHL0–142,669513 November 2004Crystal PalaceHW3–2Baroš 23' (pen.), 45', 90' (pen.)42,862620 November 2004MiddlesbroughAL0–234,751628 November 2004ArsenalHW2–1Alonso 37', Mellor 90+2'43,73084 December 2004Aston VillaAD1–1Kewell 16'42,593611 December 2004EvertonAL0–140,552614 December 2004PortsmouthHD1–1Gerrard 70'35,064619 December 2004Newcastle UnitedHW3–1Bramble 35' o.g., Mellor 38', Baroš 61'43,856626 December 2004West Bromwich AlbionAW5–0Riise 17', 82', Sinama Pongolle 51', Gerrard 55', García 89'27,533628 December 2004SouthamptonHW1–0Sinama Pongolle 44'42,38261 January 2005ChelseaHL0–143,88663 January 2005Norwich CityAW2–1García 58', Riise 66'24,503515 January 2005Manchester UnitedHL0–144,183522 January 2005SouthamptonAL0–232,01751 February 2005Charlton AthleticAW2–1Morientes 61', Riise 79'27,10255 February 2005FulhamHW3–1Morientes 8', Hyypiä 63', Baroš 77'43,534512 February 2005Birmingham CityAL0–229,31855 March 2005Newcastle UnitedAL0–152,323516 March 2005Blackburn RoversAD0–037,765520 March 2005EvertonHW2–1Gerrard 27', García 32'44,22452 April 2005Bolton WanderersHW1–0Bišćan 82'43,75559 April 2005Manchester CityAL0–147,303516 April 2005Tottenham HotspurHD2–2García 44', Hyypiä 63'44,029520 April 2005PortsmouthAW2–1Morientes 4', García 45'20,205523 April 2005Crystal PalaceAL0–126,043530 April 2005MiddlesbroughHD1–1Gerrard 52'43,25058 May 2005ArsenalAL1–3Gerrard 51'38,119515 May 2005Aston VillaHW2–1Cissé 20' (pen.), 27'43,4065 FA Cup 2004–05 FA Cup Liverpool entered the competition in the third round, as a result of their Premier League status. Their opponents in the third round were Burnley. The match was played at Burnley's home ground, Turf Moor, with Liverpool resting several regular first-team players and opting to field "a collection of reserve and youth team players" according to The Guardian.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/jan/19/match.burnley Traoré blunder sinks Liverpool The Guardian London 19 January 2005 25 April 2020 Dominic Fifield The decision was unsuccessful. Burnley won the match 1–0 due to an own goal by defender Djimi Traoré in the second half.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/4174885.stm Burnley 1–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 18 January 2005 24 April 2020 Matches +2004–05 FA Cup matchesRoundDateOpponentsVenueResultScoreScorersAttendanceRefThird round18 January 2005BurnleyAL0–119,033 League Cup 2004–05 Football League Cup upright|thumb|John Arne Riise scored the opening goal in the Football League Cup final, which Liverpool lost 3–2. Liverpool entered the League Cup in the third round due to them qualifying for European competition. Their opponents were Millwall. A "second-string Liverpool", according to BBC Sport, won 3–0 courtesy of a goal from Salif Diao in the first half and two from Milan Baroš in the second.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/3947041.stm Millwall 0–3 Liverpool BBC Sport 26 October 2004 25 April 2020 They were drawn against fellow Premier League team Middlesbrough in the fourth round. Two goals from Neil Mellor secured a 2–0 win for Liverpool to progress to the quarter-finals.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/3988401.stm Liverpool 2–0 Middlesbrough BBC Sport 10 November 2004 25 April 2020 Benítez opted to field a reserve side again against Tottenham Hotspur, in a match which went to extra time after a goalless first 90 minutes. Tottenham opened the scoring in the 108th minute when Jermain Defoe scored from a Frederic Kanoute cross. Three minutes before the end, Liverpool were awarded a penalty kick after Kanoute handled the ball in the Tottenham penalty area. Florent Sinama-Pongolle scored from the penalty spot to level the match at 1–1 and set up a penalty shoot-out, which Liverpool won 4–3.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/4047619.stm Tottenham 1–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 1 December 2004 25 April 2020 Liverpool were drawn against Championship side Watford in the semi-finals. Played over two-legs, Liverpool won the first leg at Anfield 1–0 after Gerrard scored in the 56th minute.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/4157241.stm Liverpool 1–0 Watford BBC Sport 11 January 2005 25 April 2020 The second leg at Watford's home ground, Vicarage Road, was "a game of few chances" according to BBC Sport. A goal from Gerrard in the 77th minute secured a 1–0 victory, and a 2–0 win on aggregate to secure Liverpool's place in the final.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/4197547.stm Watford 0–1 Liverpool BBC Sport 25 January 2005 25 April 2020 Liverpool faced Chelsea in the final, which Benítez felt would favour Liverpool: "There will be more pressure on them, they have spent a lot of money and are the best team in the league, because they are in first position, but they've lost their last two important games. That means they will be under pressure. People will see them as the favourites, I'm sure, so the pressure is on them and not us."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/feb/26/newsstory.carlingcup0405 'The pressure is on them' claims Benítez The Guardian London 26 February 2005 29 November 2020 Dominic Fifield The final was held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Liverpool took the lead within a minute of the kick-off. A cross from Fernando Morientes was met by John Arne Riise, who volleyed the ball past Petr Čech in the Chelsea goal. It was the fastest goal scored in a League Cup final.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/feb/27/minutebyminute.carlingcup0405 Chelsea 3 Liverpool 2 The Guardian London 27 February 2005 29 November 2020 Paul Doyle The score remained 1–0 until the 79th minute when Gerrard scored an own goal, after he headed a Chelsea free-kick into his own goal. The match finished 1–1 after 90 minutes and went to extra-time. Chelsea took the lead in the 97th minute when Didier Drogba scored and they extended their lead further six minutes later following a Mateja Kežman goal. Liverpool scored through Antonio Núñez a minute later, but they were unable to score another goal and Chelsea won the match 3–2 to win the League Cup.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/4279679.stm Liverpool 2–3 Chelsea BBC Sport 27 February 2005 25 April 2020 Matches +2004–05 League Cup matchesRoundDateOpponentsVenueResultScoreScorersAttendanceRefThird round26 October 2004MillwallAW3–0Diao 18', Baroš 70', 80'17,655Fourth round10 November 2004MiddlesbroughHW2–0Mellor 83', 89'28,176Quarter-final1 December 2004Tottenham HotspurAW1–14–3 (pen.)Sinama Pongolle 117' pen.46,100Semi-final11 January 2005WatfordHW1–0Gerrard 56'35,739Semi-final25 January 2005WatfordAW1–0Gerrard 77'19,797Final27 February 2005ChelseaNL2–3 Riise 1', Núñez 113'78,000 UEFA Champions League 2004–05 UEFA Champions League thumb|right|alt=A stand of people standing up holding a mosaic which spells out Amicizia|Fans in the Kop hold a mosaic during the match with Juventus. it Amicizia means "friendship" in Italian. As Liverpool had finished fourth in the league the previous season, they needed to play in the qualifying round against Grazer AK to reach the group stages. Liverpool won the first leg 2–0 courtesy of two goals from Gerrard.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3548350.stm Graz AK 0–2 Liverpool BBC Sport 10 August 2004 25 April 2020 They lost the second leg 1–0 at Anfield, a Mario Tokić goal securing victory for Grazer, but they progressed 2–1 on aggregate.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3590576.stm Liverpool 0–1 AK Graz BBC Sport 24 August 2004 25 April 2020 Liverpool were drawn in Group A along with Deportivo La Coruña, Monaco and Olympiacos.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3600392.stm Chelsea face Porto BBC Sport 26 August 2004 31 January 2021 Liverpool won their first match against Monaco at Anfield 2–0, courtesy of goals from Cissé and Baroš.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3654776.stm Liverpool 2–0 Monaco BBC Sport 15 September 2004 25 April 2020 A 1–0 loss against Olympiacos at the Karaiskakis Stadium followed and this was the first time Liverpool had lost to Greek opposition.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/3677138.stm Olympiakos 1–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 28 September 2004 25 April 2020 Deportivo La Coruña were the opposition in Liverpool's third group game at Anfield. The match ended 0–0 with Liverpool dominating the game and lacking a 'cutting edge' according to BBC Sport.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/3749470.stm Liverpool 0–0 Deportivo BBC Sport 19 October 2004 25 April 2020 Liverpool won the reverse fixture at the Estadio Riazor 1–0 thanks to an own goal by Deportivo defender Jorge Andrade.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/3967343.stm Liverpool 0–0 Deportivo BBC Sport 3 November 2004 25 April 2020 A 1–0 defeat to Monaco at the Stade Louis II meant Liverpool needed to win their final match against Olympiacos at Anfield by two clear goals to progress to the knockout stages.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/nov/24/newsstory.championsleague200405 Angry Liverpool close to busting The Guardian 24 November 2004 24 April 2021 Dominic Fifieldhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4033145.stm Monaco 1–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 23 November 2004 25 April 2020 Liverpool started the game well but went behind to a free-kick from Rivaldo. This meant they needed to score three goals to progress to the next round. Sinama-Pongolle levelled the scores in the 47th minute after coming on as a substitute at half-time. Mellor scored a second in the 81st minute to put Liverpool ahead. In the 86th minute, Gerrard's "stunning half-volley, speared majestically from the edge of the area," according to The Guardian to earn a 3–1 victory and Liverpool's place in the round of 16.https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5969286/2024/12/09/steven-gerrard-liverpool-olympiacos-20-years/ Steven Gerrard’s Olympiacos goal, 20 years on: ‘What a hit, son! What a hit!’ The Athletic The New York Times 9 December 2024 11 December 2024 James Pearce Gregg Evans Gerrard was delighted with the result after it looked like Liverpool might exit the competition after falling a goal behind in the first half: "I'd be a liar if I didn't say I thought we were down and out at the break. They were spoiling the game and were strong defensively, so there was a mountain to climb at half-time."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/dec/09/championsleague200405.championsleague Gerrard finishes 'massive night' on a high The Guardian 9 December 2004 24 April 2021 Dominic Fifieldhttps://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4068163.stm Liverpool 3–1 Olympiakos BBC Sport 8 December 2004 25 April 2020 Liverpool were drawn against Bayer Leverkusen of Germany in the round of 16.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2004/dec/17/championsleague200405.championsleague Savage draw for British teams The Guardian 17 December 2004 24 April 2021 Paul Doyle Liverpool took the lead in the first leg at Anfield when García scored in the 15th minute. Riise scored from a free-kick in the 35th minute to make it 2–0 and Hamman added a third in the second half. An error in the last minute by goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek saw França score for Leverkusen to make the score 3–1 at full-time.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4281707.stm Liverpool 3–1 B Leverkusen BBC Sport 22 February 2005 25 April 2020 The second leg at Leverkusen's home ground, the BayArena finished with the same scoreline. Two goals in quick succession in the first half by García, were followed by a goal from Baroš in the second half. Jacek Krzynówek scored late in the match, but Liverpool's 3–1 victory meant they won 6–2 on aggregate to progress to the quarter-finals.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4321531.stm B Leverkusen 1–3 Liverpool BBC Sport 9 March 2005 25 April 2020 Liverpool were drawn against Juventus. This was the first time the clubs had met since the Heysel Stadium disaster at the 1985 European Cup Final, where 39 people, many of them Juventus supporters, died.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/mar/19/newsstory.championsleague200405 Liverpool deal with the tie no one wanted The Guardian 19 March 2005 14 May 2021 Kevin McCarra Liverpool took the lead in the first leg at Anfield in the tenth minute when Sami Hyypiä scored and García added a second fifteen minutes later. Juventus replied in the second half, when Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson allowed a Fabio Cannavaro header to slip through his fingers. But they were unable to score a second goal and the match finished 2–1.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4407891.stm Liverpool 2–1 Juventus BBC Sport 5 April 2005 25 April 2020 Benítez was pleased with the result and optimistic about their prospects in the second leg: "I was delighted with the first half, unfortunately the first half and second half were very different. They pressed us back after the break and made it difficult for us to keep the ball. The blow was conceding a goal in the second half." Gerrard was adamant Liverpool would not play for a draw in the second leg: "I'm sure Scott will be disappointed with it but to be fair to him he stopped one in the first half and it was one of the best saves I've seen all season. It means we've got to keep a clean sheet over there, but we won't play for a 0–0 in the second leg. We've got the ability to nick a goal so that will be our game plan and if we keep a clean sheet we're into the last four."https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/apr/06/newsstory.championsleague200405 Benítez backs goalkeeper despite costly error The Guardian 6 April 2005 14 May 2005 Daniel Taylor Liverpool progressed to the semi-finals after a 0–0 draw in a game of few chances at Juventus' home ground, the Stadio Delle Alpi.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4431795.stm Juventus 0–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 13 April 2005 25 April 2020 thumb|left|upright|Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek (pictured in 2006), whose save from Shevchenko in the penalty-shootout secured a fifth European Cup victory for Liverpool Liverpool faced Chelsea in the semi-finals, who were the favourites as they had already beaten Liverpool three times during the season.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/apr/27/minutebyminute.sport Chelsea 0–0 Liverpool The Guardian 27 April 2005 10 October 2021 Barry Glendinning The first leg was a close match with both sides close to scoring in the early stages. Riise and Baroš missed chances for Liverpool, while Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard had chances to put Chelsea in the lead too. The second half was a 'sterile affair' according to BBC Sport with neither side able to score as the match finished 0–0.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4484739.stm Chelsea 0–0 Liverpool BBC Sport 27 April 2005 25 April 2020 Despite failing to score an away goal, Benítez was confident Liverpool would progress following the second leg at Anfield: "It is a good situation. We have very good supporters, they will be with us at Anfield and we need to win, we always have confidence and we need to believe in ourselves. We played a good game. The team worked hard and controlled the game, they had chances but a draw is a good result."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4484849.stm Benitez delighted after Euro draw BBC Sport 28 April 2005 10 October 2021 Liverpool took the lead within the first four minutes at Anfield, when Baroš beat Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Čech to the ball and García tapped the ball into Chelsea goal, despite the protestations of Chelsea players who claimed the ball had not gone over the line. For the remainder of the match, Liverpool withstood Chelsea's attacks, whose best chance came in the final minute when Eiður Guðjohnsen's volley went just wide of the Liverpool goal. A 1–0 victory meant Liverpool progressed to their first European Cup final since 1985.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4501277.stm Liverpool 1–0 Chelsea BBC Sport 3 May 2005 25 April 2020 Chelsea manager José Mourinho was critical of the officials following over the Liverpool goal: "The linesman scored the goal. No one knows if that shot went over the line and you must be 100%, but they are in the final and from my heart I hope they win it. The night belongs to them and I don't want to criticise them."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/4505867.stm Mourinho queries Liverpool goal BBC Sport 4 May 2005 10 October 2021 Goalscorer García was adamant the ball was over the line when he scored and was delighted to have reached a final in his first season at the club: "I hooked the ball towards the goal, I felt it went in and I am very happy now. When I arrived here last summer I was intent on winning some trophies, but I did not expect to get to the Champions League final in my first season in England. For us to get to the final is beyond all our dreams, and for me to score the goal is a special moment too."https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4505845.stm Reds manager hails famous victory BBC Sport 4 May 2005 10 October 2021 Liverpool faced Milan in the final at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey. Milan were considered to be the favourites and took the lead in the first minute when Paolo Maldini scored.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4572231.stm Wenger backs Reds for Euro glory BBC Sport 23 May 2005 9 July 2023 https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4573159.stm AC Milan 3–3 Liverpool (aet) BBC Sport 25 May 2005 9 July 2023 Milan added two more goals towards the end of the first half through Hernán Crespo to take a 3–0 lead into half-time.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4579949.stm Champions League final clockwatch BBC Sport 25 May 2005 9 July 2023 Liverpool reduced the deficit in the 53rd minute when Gerrard headed in a cross from Riise. They scored a further goal two minutes later when Vladimír Šmicer scored, and equalised to make it 3–3 when Alonso scored from a rebound after his penalty was saved following a foul on Gerrard.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/may/26/match.acmilan Grit, spirit and the ultimate glory The Guardian 26 May 2005 9 July 2023 Kevin McCarra No further goals were scored and the match went into extra time. The extra 30 minutes were cagey with Milan having the best chance to win the match with three minutes left when Andriy Shevchenko had a shot saved by Dudek, who then saved the rebound at point-blank range. With no further goals, the match went to a penalty shoot-out. Milan missed their first two penalties, while Liverpool scored theirs to give them a 2–0 lead. Liverpool missed their next penalty by Riise and Milan scored twice to level the scores at 2–2, but Šmicer scored his penalty to give Liverpool a 3–2 lead. Milan needed to score their next penalty to remain the match but Dudek saved from Shevchenko to secure victory for Liverpool and their fifth European Cup triumph. Group A Group A Group A n LIV Matches +2004–05 UEFA Champions League matchesRoundDateOpponentsVenueResultScoreScorersAttendanceRefThird qualifying round10 August 2004Grazer AKAW2–0Gerrard 23', 79'15,000Third qualifying round24 August 2004Grazer AKHL0–142,590Group stage15 September 2004MonacoHW2–0Cissé 22', Baroš 84'33,517Group stage28 September 2004OlympiacosAL0–133,000Group stage19 October 2004Deportivo La CoruñaHD0–040,236Group stage3 November 2004Deportivo La CoruñaAW1–0Andrade 14' o.g.32,000Group stage23 November 2004MonacoAL0–115,000Group stage8 December 2004OlympiacosHW3–1Sinama Pongolle 47', Mellor 81', Gerrard 86'42,045Round of 1622 February 2005Bayer LeverkusenHW3–1García 15', Riise 35', Hamann 90'40,942Round of 169 March 2005Bayer LeverkusenAW3–1García 28', 32', Baroš 67'23,000Quarter final5 April 2005JuventusHW2–1Hyypiä 10', García 25'41,216Quarter final13 April 2005JuventusAD0–050,000Semi final27 April 2005ChelseaAD0–040,497Semi final3 May 2005ChelseaHW1–0García 4'42,529Final25 May 2005MilanND3–3 3–2 (pen.)Gerrard 54', Šmicer, 56', Alonso 60'65,000https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/4573159.stm AC Milan 3–3 Liverpool (aet) BBC Sport 25 May 2005 25 April 2020 Squad statistics Liverpool used a total of 32 players during the season, with 17 different goalscorers. There were also five squad members who did not make an appearance during the season. Riise featured in 57 matches, the most of any Liverpool player during the campaign. Carragher was the only player to appear in every Premier League match. Baroš, Gerrard and García were topscorers with 13 goals each. Key No. = Squad number Pos = Playing position Nat. = Nationality Apps = Appearances GK = Goalkeeper DF = Defender MF = Midfielder FW = Forward 12px|alt=|Yellow cards = Yellow cards 12px|alt=|Red cards = Red cards Numbers in parentheses denote appearances as substitute. Players marked Left club during playing season left the club during the playing season. +Squad statisticshttps://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/Appearances/104 Appearances for the 2004–05 season LFC History 22 December 2021https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/Goalscorers/104 Goalscorers for the 2004–05 season LFC History 22 December 2021No.Pos.Nat.NamePremier LeagueFA CupLeague CupChampions LeagueTotalDisciplineAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals13px|Booked|alt=A yellow rectangular card13px|Sent off|alt=A red rectangular card11 GKPOLJerzy Dudek24010601004101022 DFSUIStéphane HenchozLeft club during playing season00003010400032 DFIRLSteve Finnan29 (4)1004 (1)012 (2)05215042 DFFINSami Hyypiä32210101514934054 FWCZEMilan Baroš22 (4)90 (1)01 (3)213 (1)245137162 DFNORJohn Arne Riise34 (3)6003 (2)11515782073 FWAUSHarry Kewell15 (3)100107 (5)03110083 MFENGSteven Gerrard28 (2)7003210443135094 FWFRA 1974Djibril Cissé10 (6)400004 (5)125500103 MFESPLuis García Luis García (footballer, born 1978)26 (3)8002 (1)0125441360113 MFCZEVladimír Šmicer2 (8)000300 (6)119110122 DFARGMauricio Pellegrino11 (1)000100013010133 MFFRA 1974Anthony Le Tallec2 (2)000001 (2)07000143 MFESPXabi Alonso20 (4)200007 (1)132340153 MFSENSalif Diao4 (4)000311 (2)014130163 MFGERDietmar Hamann23 (7)000308 (2)1431110172 DFESPJosemi13 (2)000105 (2)023051183 MFESPAntonio Núñez Antonio Núñez Tena8 (10)0002 (1)12 (3)026121194 FWESPFernando Morientes12 (1)3002 (1)10015310201 GKENGScott Carson400000105000212 DFMLIDjimi Traoré18 (8)0105010042030221 GKENGChris Kirkland10000004014000232 DFENGJamie Carragher380003015056080244 FWFRA 1974Florent Sinama Pongolle6 (10)2104 (1)10 (4)126410253 MFCROIgor Bišćan8 (11)2104 (2)08 (1)035220282 DFENGStephen Warnock11 (8)0103 (1)02 (4)030030312 DFENGDavid Raven David Raven (footballer)0 (1)01010003010322 MFENGJohn Welsh John Welsh (English footballer)2 (1)0100 (2)00 (1)07010332 FWENGNeil Mellor6 (3)20 (1)0421 (1)116520343 MFIRLDarren Potter0 (2)0103 (1)01 (2)010000372 DFUSAZak Whitbread001030004000413 MFENGMark Smyth00000 (1)0001000 Aftermath Liverpool celebrated their Champions League victory with a parade around the city in an open-top double-decker bus. Over 100,000 people were estimated to have shown up to the parade.https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-champions-league-victory-parade-14672510 Pictures of Liverpool's Champions League victory parade from 2005 which will get every fan excited Liverpool Echo 1 June 2019 19 September 2023 Jenny Kirkham Despite victory in the final, Liverpool were not guaranteed a place in the 2005–06 UEFA Champions League as they had finished out of the top four qualifying positions in the Premier League. On 10 June, UEFA decided to grant Liverpool special dispensation to defend their title, however, they would enter the Champions League in the first qualifying round and receive no country protection, which meant they could face an English team at any stage of the competition.Liverpool allowed to defend title http://www.uefa.com/uefa/news/Kind=128/newsId=308644.html UEFA 10 June 2005 30 November 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20070621190250/http://www.uefa.com/uefa/news/Kind%3D128/newsId%3D308644.html 21 June 2007 Liverpool finished the subsequent season in 3rd position in the Premier League, nine points behind eventual winners Chelsea.https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/LeagueTable/115 The league table for the 2005-2006 season LFC History 19 September 2023 It would be another 14 years until Liverpool won another European trophy when they won the European Cup for the sixth time in the 2019 final against Tottenham.https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jun/01/tottenham-liverpool-champions-league-final-match-report Liverpool win Champions League final after Salah and Origi sink Tottenham The Guardian 1 June 2019 19 September 2023 Daniel Taylor References Bibliography Balagué Guillem Guillem Balagué A Season on the Brink: A Portrait of Rafael Benitez's Liverpool Orion Publishing London 2005 978-0-7528-7936-9 External links 2004–05 Season at LFC History 2004-05 Category:2004–05 FA Premier League by team 2004-05