Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani insists he will not buckle under the pressure of the pursuit of a domestic-European-domestic cup Treble.
Liverpool head into their final game of the season at home against Wigan with a two points lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League, but the Anfield outfit need a juts a point at the weekend to secure their first ever Premier League title.
The Red Devils are also preparing for a UEFA Champions League final meeting with Inter Milan on 26th May followed by FA Cup final meeting with Chelsea on 30th May, but Aquilani is confident ahead of a tense finale.
Aquilani does not expect Liverpool - who defeated Fulham last weekend - to struggle against Wigan at Anfield, despite Wigan recording an impressive draw over second placed Arsenal.
"We are full of confidence," Aquilani added. "We were always confident we'd beat Fulham. Wigan did themselves and us a favour by drawing at home against Arsenal so this game doesn't mean a lot for them, but for us it means everything.
"As long as we play our football we will win. Wigan are a good side, physical with good players up front. If we don't do things properly it could be difficult."
Meanwhile, defender Philip Degen - who has made only four first-team appearance this season due to injury and poor form - has told manager Jose Mourinho that he is ready if required. "It has been a frustrating season for me but that will all be lifted if we win the title, the Fa Cup and the Champions League," said Degen.
Alberto Aquilani's 77th-minute header proved enough to secure Liverpool's 19th League title and their first ever Premier League crown, despite a nervy display.
Liverpool were heading for a second place finish, as title rivals Arsenal were winning against Manchester City at the Emirates, until Aquilani's strike. The Reds created little else in the match but when Aquilani rose to power in Steven Gerrard's free-kick, their fans in the Anfield stadium celebrated wildly. Liverpool had never won the Premier League and for long spells it looked like even this season they would not win it.
Liverpool started the day knowing that their future was in their own hands - a draw would see them becoming the Champions of England, barring Arsenal win by a three goal margin against Manchester City at the Emirates.
It should have seen them play with drive, determination and desire but instead they seemed paralysed by nerves. They were faced by Wigan players who had two incentives - to conitune their impressive recent form of three wins in the last four matches. But the visitors appeared unwilling to break a sweat, which should have played into Liverpool's hands, yet they could find no rhythm or penetration.
Gerrard attempted to spray the ball around, but with little movement from his team-mates it was not proving easy. In the Wigan midfield Michael Brown - making his return to the starting line-up - was struggling to assert himself.
Dirk Kuyt's early shot was the only effort on goal that Liverpool managed in the first half, even though they must have realised result at the Emirates were not going their way. At that point the title rivals Arsenal were winning their match by a three goal margin and the Reds were staring the second place in the face.
And it might have been worse for them had Sinclair been up with play to turn in a Charles N'Zogbia cross mid-way through the first half, or if Jason Koumas had kept his stabbed shot under the bar after being played in by Mario Melchiot.
Soon after the break, Liverpool got their second sight of goal but Aquilani's header was comfortably saved. But the hosts knew that if they continued to defend well they had a lifeline.
However, their toothless attack without the rest Fernando Torres was a cause for concern. And as Liverpool continued to look jittery, Ignacio Camacho tried a speculative long-range shot which left boss Jose Mourinho clearly displeased by his player's decision and the execution.
As the hots tried to build up momentum there was a passage of head tennis after a corner but Latics managed to clear. Another set of corners saw Wigan scrambling to get the ball away, but again Liverpool could not break through. And then it came. A free-kick from the right was superbly delivered by skipper Steven Gerrard and an unmarked Aquilani nodded the ball into the corner.
It sparked scenes of jubilation in the stands, although Mourinho looked unmoved. The Liverpool boss must have been concerned about the 13 minutes his side needed to hold on. Liverpool's resolute defending towards the end, plus four goals in the second half by Manchester City at the Emirates, sparked scenes of wild celebrations among the home fans who will now focus on the European Cup final in Madrid.
Liverpool boss Jose Mourinho: "Its fantastic and great to win the Premier League. We played brilliantly throughout the season, and by far we were the most consistent and the best team in the League this season and we deserved to win the League. We will celebrate today and from tomorrow we will concentrate on the Champions League final, as we want to win it also."
Wigan boss Roberto Martinez: "I am happy with the way we played today. We made Liverpool nervous but we weren't able to take our chances. We could have done Arsenal a favour but at the end they(Arsenal) lost. Liverpool were brilliant this season and they deserved this success. Hopefully they could bring the Champions League title back in England."
Congrats to Liverpool and the Special One does it again. Arsenal City game was a cracker it looks like but what happened there did not matter anyways in the end.
Steven Gerrard has been named PFA Player of the Year. The Liverpool skipper and midfielder has enjoyed an outstanding campaign having scored 22 goals and has setup 16 goals in all competitions for the Premier League champions.
The 29-year-old beat off competition from his own team mate Fernando Torres, Cesc Fabregas, Wayne Rooney, Anderson and Gabriel Agbonlahor to land the prize. Manchester United midfielder Anderson was named Young Player of the Year - an award which Gerrard won in 2001 - at a star-studded ceremony at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
Gerrard did not attend the event in person but was shown on screen accepting his trophy from Liverpool manager Jose Mourinho at the club's Melwood training ground. Liverpool are currently preparing for their UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan on Wednesday in Spain.
Gerrard said: "I feel very happy. When you work all season to play good, to do something for the team, to do your contribution for the team and then at the end of the season the PFA give you this award, it is a great moment, it is an honour, a pleasure.
"It is a great motivation to carry on like that, to work more and get better. I feel very good but it is not just my award, my team-mates have helped me a lot this season. They give me good passes to score goals - and I score - but it is a good moment for me.''
Steven Gerrard came Second in the FIFA World Player of the Year poll and he is looking forward to achieving even more success, individually and collectively, with Liverpool in future. The English star added: "I am sure I am better player than four or five years ago. I have improved a lot. This is my ambition to learn more and play better and I think I am in the right place."
Gerrard admits his own vote for the top award went to his team mate and Spain striker Torres, the Spain international who has netted 26 this term. He said: "I voted for Torres because I think he has had a great season as well and he played a huge part in winning us our first Premier League title. But you have many players who have had a good season - Rooney, Fabregas, many players."
The Brazil international and Manchester United midfielder Anderson was voted as the Young Player of Year ahead of Marek Hamsik. Samir Nasri, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Fabregas and Johnny Evans had been the other nominees.
"I'm very proud. It's a very prestigious trophy," said Anderson. "Football is a team game and you prefer to win trophies with team-mates but it's always nice to have this type of award. I dedicate it to my team-mates and the support staff because without them I would not have won it.
Fernando Torres was given the Golden Shoe award as he ended as the top scorer of the Premier League netting in 19 goals ahead of his own team mate Steven Gerrard and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney.
Daniel Agger celebrates his goal in a Premier League match
Liverpool defender Daniel Agger is ready to give his all as he realises a dream by playing in the UEFA Champions League final.
The Reds go head-to-head with Serie A champions Inter Milan at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Wednesday, live on Sky Sports 1. Liverpool edged title rivals Arsenal by five points on the last day of the season to win the Premier Leageue title for the first time.
And Agger is fully prepared to do battle as he looks to continue his impressive defensive partnership with Jamie Carragher at the heart of Liverpool's defence. "Every player dreams of playing in a final like this and I am no different," he said.
"I have been struggling a little bit with injuries but will be ready for the Inter game, physically and mentally. We know how they play and I don't think there will be many surprises in the game. I am looking forward to it and I will give my best for Liverpool as I always do."
The Denmark international also tipped forward Fernando Torres to play a decisive role in Moscow. "We have confidence in our forwards. Fernando is a man who wants to get better every day and improve himself on the pitch," Agger continued. "Small things will decide who wins the final and we have some good players who can score goals. That is what will be needed."
Robbie Fowler in action for North Queensland Fury
Former Liverpool forward Robbie Folwer believes the UEFA Champions League final is too close to call. Liverpool take on Inter Milan in Madrid on Wednesday on the back of Liverpool's Premier League win on the final day of the season.
Fowler enjoyed a successful decade with Liverpool including being part of the 2001 side that won the UEFA Cup and the FA Cup as well as picking up 26 caps for the England throughout his career.
Now the 34-year-old North Queensland Fury striker hopes his former club can make history again in clinching Europe's top club trophy and is hoping Wednesday's game lives up to expectation.
"It's too tight to call it really is," Fowler told skysports.com. "You would think Liverpool will win it because they've won the Premier League. I suppose it will give them a lot of confidence, but then again Inter Milan won the Serie A. They're form has been really good and they have been a difficult side to beat in Italy and across Europe. Hopefully its not a game where both sides play some tired football."
Liverpool's title win secured them their first Premier League title but Fowler is urging Jose Mourinho to be cautious in continuing their success. "They're a young team and they've got one or two breaking through," added Fowler.
"Alexis Sanchez looks a real good major find. I'm sure they'll find players this season to add to it because you have to improve. They have to get better because everyone else is. I think this side has the potential to take off."
Liverpool and Inter Milan meet in Madrid on Wednesday to contest the UEFA Champions League final and the opportunity to be crowned the best club side in Europe.
Kick-off: Wednesday, May 26 2010, 19:45 GMT. Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid.
The English and Italian domestic title holders are undoubtedly the best teams in their respective countries and their attention has now turned to continental conquests in what promises to be an epic encounter in Spain's capital.
Liverpool boss Jose Mourinho believes a clash between his men and his former team Inter Milan - which he left at the start of the season for Liverpool after guiding them to their fourth consecutive Serie A title - is a game which shows the real story of football and many pundits have been purring over the possibilities of two champions of their own country, supplying an evocative classic.
To add to that, Liverpool are bidding to become the second side after Manchester United in the history of English football to complete the English treble having won the Premier League and are also in the finals of the FA Cup. While on the other hand Guiseppe Baresi is hoping to mark his first season as a manager by guiding Inter to an unprecedented Italian Treble, having already secured the Serie A and the Italian Cup.
Santiago Bernabeu which belongs as the home ground to the champions of Spain, is the scene for a contest that, if potential is fulfilled promises to live long in the memory as the likes of Liverpool stars Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard test their craft against Inter's Samuel Eto'o and Mancini.
FORM GUIDE
Inter Milan
May 22 Livorno 0-1 Inter(Serie A)
May 19 Inter 0-0 Palermo (Serie A)
May 16 Juventus 1-1 Inter (Serie A)
May 12 Inter 2-1 Juventus (Italian Cup Final)
May 09 Napoli 1-1 Inter (Serie A)
Liverpool
May 23 Liverpool 1-0 Wigan (Premier League)
May 15 Fulham 0-1 Liverpool (Premier League)
May 12 Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
May 08 Liverpool 1-0 Aston Villa (Premier League)
May 04 Liverpool 1-1 Bayern Munich (Champions League)
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool would be without right back David Degen who is ineligible for any European games this season, but the major concern for Liverpool would be the doubt over fitness of striker Alexis Sanchez who injured his leg during the last match of the season.
For Inter Marco Materazzi and Lucho Gonzalez both are ineligible for any European games this season. Along with them Inter would be without skipper Javier Zanetti(strained knee ligaments) and former Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari(torn groin muscle).
THREE KEY BATTLES
Jamie Carragher v Samuel Eto'o
If Jamie Carragher is fully fit then Liverpool's chances of success are vastly improved with his strength, pace and reading of the game more than a match for the direct goal threat that Eto'o poses. Twenty-one goals in 32 league matches in Italy this season tells you all you need to know about the Cameroonian’s scoring instinct but Carragher will relish the challenge.
Glen Johnson v Mancini
Inter are anything other than a one-man team but in Mancini they possess inform and probably the best winger in the Serie A. The Brazilian who has scored fifteen goals this season for the Italian champions will be playing on the left, but prone to cut inside onto his favoured right foot as he dribbles or looks for some short passing movements, so Johnson would need to be on his game for the full 90 minutes to shackle him.
Fernando Torres v Lucio and Walter Samuel
The Spaniard who has been the leading goal scorer for the Reds this season will be up against Inter Milan's two centre defenders Lucio and Walter Samuel who have conceded only 20 goals between them in the 41 matches they have played together this season. But they both are in their 30s and they would have to be on their toes if they want to stop the Premier League's best striker from scoring.
POSSIBLE LINEUPS
Inter: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Chivu, Vieira, Cambiasso, Sneijder, Pandev, Mancini, Eto'o.
QUOTES
"Inter haven't tested European glory for many years now and I hope we today play our best football and defeat Liverpool. They are a very good side and are in some good form. They have recently won the Premier League, but even we have won the Serie A and the Italian Cup. We want to add this Champions League to it which would make our season more better." Guiseppe Baresi, Inter Milan manager.
"I am very excited about this match. Its against my old club and I want to defeat them and lift the Champions League. Its going to be a very close final as they are the Champions of Italy and we are the Champions of England. Hopefully we are up for the game and give our best on the field." Jose Mourinho, Liverpool manager.
ODDS
Liverpool 13-8, Inter 6-4, Draw N/A
REF
Tom Henning Ovrebo will officiate this game. He has taken in charge of 8 games this season in the Champions League so far, handling out 33 yellow cards and 3 red cards.
1312: "2-0 to the Inter. Eto'o and Mancini to score. Inter to complete the Italian treble" Via text to 81111
1428: "I think both the teams will try to cancel out each other with some defensive football. The first goal will crucial and will also be the winner." MrRedBurns, via 606
1505: "Tense atmosphere in the Merseyside at the moment but also a quiet sense of confidence. I predict a 2-1 win to Liverpool." Alan James, Liverpool, via text to 81111
1545: "Nervous anticipation in the office. A huge night ahead. 2-0 Inter, Samuel Eto'o to get brace." Via text to 81111
"We know we have the ability to beat them, we just have to do it now on the pitch. We are certainly up for it, and this seems to be our season." Liverpool winger Ryan Babel
"I will play against Liverpool for revenge for what happened a couple seasons ago in the quarter finals. They are very strong, especially in the Champions League." Inter midfielder Patrick Vieira
1616: "It all depends on the first 15 minutes. If Liverpool can contain Inter, then I think they can win this match - still nervous though."
Andy Smith, Liverpool, via text to 81111
1622: Chelsea go into tonight's final without the ineligible Lucho Gonzalez and Marco Materazzi. While Javier Zanetti and Sulley Ali Munatri are injured. They also have a doubt over Ricardo Quaresma.
1650: Liverpool took an almost fully-fit squad to Santiago Bernabeu after Alexis Sanchez shook off a knee injury. But Whom will Jose play on the wings? Two of Alexis Sanchez, Ryan Babel, Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera? or will be Dirk Kuyt or Alexis Sanchez as a striker along with Fernando Torres?
1700: "The Liverpool team coach has just arrived in front of a small gathering of fans all trying to get autographs. The Inter players looked focused as they got off and Fernando Torres was the only player to stop - posing briefly for a photo. That's as good as it got for the fans." BBC Sport's Sameer Bose at Santiago Bernabeu
1729: "It's my 25th wedding anniversary today. Plans for tonight? The match of course. This is bigger than 25 years of marriage, just please don't tell the wife!" Chris Edwards, Liverpool, via text on 81111
1750: "Bumped into Giacinto Facchetti outside the ground. Tried to get him to give a prediction, but he wasn't too keen. 'Inter Milan to edge it over on penalties', was all I managed to get out of him." BBC Sport's Sameer Bose at Santiago Bernabeu
1830: "Referee Tom Henning Ovrebo is just having a wander round the pitch, which looks immaculate as the sprinklers give it a last-minute touch up. All the Liverpool seats have a flag on, for the fans to wave." BBC Sport's Sameer Bose at Santiago Bernabeu
1845: The build-up has been covered and thanks for all your messages, and now its time to shift our attention to the huge match at the Santiago Bernabeu. Our very own chief football writer Phil McNulty will be in the thick of it.
"I hope that the two of them, Steven Gerrard and Wesley Sniejder, can give us a final we will never forget tonight. In terms of invention, of doing something out of absolutely nothing, they are unrivalled." Inter-based journalist Allan Thorpe
"I think you'll see Liverpool play very cagey, sit deep and play on the counter-attack. Inter only play one way these days and they will dominate possession. I can see Mancini being the key if Inter are going to get behind Liverpool's defence." Chris Waddle on BBC 5 Live
"You are talking about two teams loaded with top-class players, all of them capable of deciding the outcome with a single move. They are the two of the most entertaining teams in the world and let's hope that the final will be entertaining too." England coach Fabio Capello
1850: Stevo's Predo: Liverpool 1-0 Inter Milan (aet)
"I might flick and see the score at half-time or full-time. If I don't watch it then I'll probably bath my kids and have an early night I think. But I hope Jose ends up victorious" Chelsea captain John Terry on BBC Radio 5 Live
"Been camping out in the pub for an hour already! Hands shaking so much we're finding it difficult to hold our pints. Food has been served and the screen has just been rolled down! Come on Liverpool!" From Martin and his boys in Liverpool, via text on 81111
1852: Early team news filtering through. Albert Riera starts ahead of Ryan Babel and there no Alexis Sanchez even on the bench for Liverpool. Wesley Sneijder is fit for Inter and he is starting.
"Everyone is expecting a goalfest but I think 1-0 Liverpool, goal inside 10 mins, scored by Mascherano or Johnson then Liverpool will shut up shop" From Kelly in Huddersfield, via text on 81111
1859: Not even an hour to go now. Not even an hour. I am beyond excitement.
"Liverpool are first to emerge for the pre-match warm-up - to a deafening reception from both sets of supporters and the playing of You Will Never Walk Alone over the loudspeakers. Great joy for Albert Riera, on whom the manager has shown confidence. Liverpool are swiftly followed by Inter and one thing is already evident: this will not be a quiet night." BBC Sport's Phil McNulty in Madrid
1917: The Inter Milan players have a huddle after completing their warm-up on the pitch. Sounds like a cracking atmosphere in Madrid.
"Liverpool are first out and last in for the warm-up. Jose Mourinho's side are out on the Santiago Bernabeu pitch for considerably longer than Inter Milan. They are presumably getting used to the surface that is causing so much interest for Inter coach Guiseppe Baresi - and with England coach Fabio Capello looking on." BBC Sport's Phil McNulty in Madrid
"Uefa president Michel Platini is swiftly made aware that he is not the most popular man in England when he is roundly jeered by Liverpool fans as his face flashes on the giant screens as he greets dignitaries, including Football Association President Prince William and FA chairman Lord Triesman." BBC Sport's Phil McNulty in Madrid.
1939: What an cracking opening ceremony for the final we had at the Bernabeu stadium, but can't describe in words.
1940: The two teams are in the tunnel and Steven Gerrard looks a bit nervous even after playing in two Champions League finals already against a side from Milan. Inter Milan players are late to arrive in the tunnel and now the players make their way to the pitch.
1942: The players pass the Champions League trophy which is up for the grabs today and traipse all the way across the turf, arcing around the circular Champions League emblem in the centre circle. The ground is full and the atmosphere is energetic.
1943: Handshakes all round. Norwegian referee Tom Ovrebo looks a smiley chap. Jose Mourinho less so as he sits chewing gum on the bench. Albert Riera looks as if he dunked his head under a shower before walking out.
1944: Skippers Steven Gerrard and Esteban Cambiasso swap pennants in the centre circle, as our referee Tom Ovrebo looks on.
1945: Liverpool kick off the 2010 Champions League final.
This forum needs to get popular like cricket stories. It should be encouraging for writers if readers do comeback with feedback. Though I understand footy only little, I get impressed with this effort and am sure it will impress the readers who knows footy well which is majority of the readers.
This is comfortably the best 'other game stories' thread ever made. Almost a whole season completed in no time with top quality updates every time. Even though Planetcricket Awards have just passed this will easily get my vote next time. An outstanding effort Shan!
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Q1. Who will win the Champions League Final?
Q2. What will be the final score in the Champions League Final?
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