 The 2005 final was the sixth time Liverpool had reached the final and it was their first appearance since the 1985 European Cup Final , when they lost 1 – 0 to Juventus and were subsequently banned from European competition for an indefinite period due to the Heysel Stadium disaster . They had previously won the European Cup on four occasions in 1977 , 1978 , 1981 and 1984 . The match was Milan 's tenth appearance in the final . They had won on six occasions ( 1963 , 1969 , 1989 , 1990 , 1994 , 2003 ) , and lost three times ( 1958 , 1993 , 1995 ) . In total the teams had participated in 14 finals between them . Prior to the game , Milan were assured of entering the Champions League next season after finishing second in Serie A. Liverpool meanwhile had failed to finish in the top four in the Premier League , and had to win the final to enter the competition the following season . Even if they did win the match , they were not assured of a place after UEFA failed to confirm whether they would allow Liverpool to defend the championship . The Football Association supported Liverpool , stating , " We have already submitted a written request to have an additional place , should they win the Champions League " . Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti had his own view on the situation : " I think a team that wins should have the right to defend it but we may just do the English federation a favour and solve this " . 
