UEFA Champions League: Top 5 star-studded teams fielded in the final (2000-2017)

# 1. AC Milan - 2005 (vs Liverpool)

Milan were in the lead at half-time against Liverpool in the 2005 final

Placing this team as No.1, was the easiest choice all day. However, AC Milan is the only team which appears on the list having lost the final. One does not need to argue the idea behind it.

You would look at this side and think, "How will any attack get that past that defence of Cafu, Stam and Nesta? Oh! Maldini too?" Assuming that you've the answer, how would that lead be protected against the likes of Kaka, Crespo and Shevcheko? Well, Liverpool did it all in the 2005 final in Istanbul.

AC Milan started with the aforesaid back-line and formed a midfield diamond of Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso, Clarence Seedorf and Kaka. At the top were, Hernan Crespo and Andriy Shevchenko. The Italian side were tipped to be the favorites. AC Milan started with intent and scored in the opening minute. Crespo doubled and tripled Milan's lead with five minutes before half time whistle.

While the Liverpool fans felt the heartbreak, little did anyone know what they were about to witness. Liverpool smashed Milan's lead 14 minutes into the second half. The match was taken to the added time and then penalties.

Smicer netted the fourth Liverpool penalty and Milan had to score the next to stay in the match. To everyone's shock, Shevchenko failed to convert the penalty and Liverpool went onto lift their fifth European title, in what is said to be "The Greatest Match of All Time."