 The teams qualified for the championship by winning their continent 's primary cup competition . São Paulo won the 2005 Copa Libertadores , defeating Brazilian team Atlético Paranaense 5 – 1 . Liverpool won the 2004 – 05 UEFA Champions League , defeating Italian team Milan 3 – 2 in a penalty shootout after the match had finished 3 – 3 . Both teams played one match in the championship en route to the final . São Paulo beat 2005 AFC Champions League winners Al @-@ Ittihad 3 – 2 , while Liverpool beat 2005 CONCACAF Champions ' Cup winners Deportivo Saprissa 3 – 0 . 
