In the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final between Liverpool and AC Milan, the referee’s decisions did play a role in the dynamics of the match, but the final score was largely influenced by the teams’ performances, especially Liverpool’s remarkable second-half comeback. However, there were a few key decisions that are worth analyzing in the context of how they affected the flow of the game.

1. The Early Penalty for AC Milan (1st Minute)

• Incident: The match kicked off with an early penalty awarded to AC Milan in the first minute. Milan’s Paolo Maldini scored from the penalty spot after Liverpool’s defender Djimi Traoré handled the ball in the box. It was a controversial decision, as some argued that the handball was unintentional and not enough to warrant a penalty. The ball seemed to come off Traoré’s chest before hitting his hand, and some felt that the contact was not deliberate.
• Impact on the Game:
  • Milan’s Early Lead: This penalty gave Milan a quick 1-0 lead and seemed to set the tone for the game. Early goals often impact a team’s mentality and strategy, especially when they come so quickly. Milan’s dominance during the first half, with two additional goals, was partially influenced by their early lead and confidence.
  • Liverpool’s Reaction: Despite the early setback, Liverpool responded with resilience. While the penalty may have deflated them temporarily, it did not cause a significant long-term effect on the outcome. They regrouped in the second half after some tactical changes.

2. Milan’s Goal Scoring in the First Half

• Incident: Milan scored two more goals in the first half. The second goal from Alessandro Nesta (an excellent header from a corner) and the third from Filippo Inzaghi (a close-range finish) were both well-executed, and no significant referee errors were involved in their validity.
• Impact on the Game: While the referee didn’t make any controversial decisions regarding these goals, the first-half dominance by Milan left Liverpool with a lot to overcome. Refereeing decisions weren’t a factor here; Milan’s skillful attacking and defensive play were more of a decisive factor.

3. Potential Penalty for Liverpool in the Second Half

• Incident: One of the moments that garnered some controversy in the second half was Liverpool’s appeal for a penalty when Milan’s Alessandro Nesta seemed to challenge Steven Gerrard inside the penalty box. Gerrard went down after a challenge from Nesta, but the referee did not award a penalty.
• Impact on the Game:
  • Some fans and commentators felt that it was a clear penalty and that the referee’s decision could have had a significant impact if it had been given, especially as Liverpool was mounting a comeback.
  • Had the penalty been awarded and converted, it could have made the scoreline 4-3 in favor of Liverpool, further intensifying the game.

4. Milan’s Disallowed Goal (Second Half)

• Incident: Another incident that could be seen as impacting the match occurred during Milan’s second-half attack. Filippo Inzaghi scored what he thought was a second goal for Milan, but the goal was ruled out for offside by the referee’s assistant.
• Impact on the Game:
  • Correct Decision: The offside decision appeared correct, but it was a pivotal moment. Had the goal been allowed, Milan would have had a 4-1 lead, which would have likely ended the game with a victory for the Italians.
  • Liverpool’s Counterattack: Instead, the disallowed goal allowed Liverpool to continue to build momentum and get back into the game. Had the goal been allowed, the psychological effect on Liverpool might have been devastating, as they would have been further behind.

5. Liverpool’s Penalty Shootout

• Incident: In the penalty shootout, both teams converted their early penalties. Jerzy Dudek made a couple of crucial saves and mind games to deny Milan’s shooters, especially Andriy Shevchenko, who missed the final penalty that would have won the game for Milan.
• Impact on the Game:
  • The referee’s role in the shootout is generally minimal, with the focus on the execution of the penalties and the goalkeeper’s conduct.
  • While Dudek’s antics, like dancing on the line, were a bit controversial, the referee did not intervene. The shootout ultimately went in favor of Liverpool after Dudek saved Shevchenko’s penalty, securing the win.