Alonso primed for night of drama

Xabi Alonso will not feel short-changed by another shoot-out win if Wednesday's UEFA Champions League final ends up being a repeat of Liverpool FC's 2005 triumph over AC Milan.

Famous night
The Spain midfielder was one of the heroes of Istanbul two years ago, as Liverpool came from 3-0 down to hold their Italian opponents to a 3-3 draw before prevailing 3-2 on penalties. As he prepares to meet Milan again in this season's final at the Athens Olympic Stadium, the 25-year-old would be happy for lightning to strike twice. "We would love to go to penalties if they finish the same way," he said. "It is quite stressful for the heart, but that's Liverpool. I remember watching the 2001 UEFA Cup final against [Deportivo] Alavés and that was quite exciting [with Liverpool winning 5-4 courtesy of a golden goal]. If it finished that way I would be more than happy to be under pressure for the whole game."

Goalkeeping heroes
Jerzy Dudek saved spot-kicks from Andrea Pirlo and Andriy Shevchenko in 2005 to bring the UEFA Champions League trophy to Anfield. Alonso is confident the Reds' current custodian, Pepe Reina, will be ready for another shoot-out having starred in the one that accounted for Chelsea FC in the semi-finals. "It is always important to have good keepers," said Alonso. "Two years ago Jerzy was a key player and Pepe Reina is really good at penalties. He trains a lot, he prepares very well - as do the players who take the spot-kicks. If we have penalties at the end, we'll feel confident. Reina studies and analyses how opponents take penalties with the goalkeeping coach - they do a great job."

Calm approach
The Istanbul final has left its mark on all those involved, with Alonso saying: "It is good to have that experience." And while Milan may be on a revenge mission, Rafael Benítez's men are keeping cool. "We want to think of it as a final and not a grudge match for them," said the former Real Sociedad de Fútbol player. "It is a very good chance for us to lift another cup." Indeed, the No14 feels this Liverpool are a better side than the one that denied Milan last time around, though he remains aware of the threat the Italian giants pose - not least through Kaká. "He plays very well - he is strong, quick, very gifted with the ball," Alonso said. "We will have to close him down and not give him space."

Global focus
He added: "We feel really privileged because we have the chance to be among the 22 players that start the game and all around the world a lot of people are going to be watching." As for what those viewers can expect, Alonso is at a loss. "You never know what will happen," he said. "I remember two years ago everybody was expecting a final with few goals and it finished 3-3!"