A fascinating insight into one of the most memorable nights in soccer history, ahead of the release of Netflix's 'Miracle of Istanbul' documentary about Liverpool's most famous victory
08:15, 13 May 2026
Djimi Traore was almost substituted during the 2005 Champions League final
Djimi Traore was almost substituted during the 2005 Champions League final(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool cult figure Djimi Traore was left "devastated" when manager Rafa Benitez substituted him off at half-time during the club's legendary 2005 Champions League final victory against AC Milan — before the boss changed his mind.
This revelation comes from fresh insight featured in 'Untold: Liverpool's Miracle of Istanbul,' due for release next Tuesday (May 19).
After a woeful first half in the Turkish capital, the Reds found themselves staring down the barrel at 3-0 on one of the most iconic nights in European soccer history. Traore had been particularly culpable during the opening period, giving away the free-kick that led to Milan's first goal and almost gifting another to Andriy Shevchenko.
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Several key figures from that title-winning side, Traore among them, contributed their recollections of Istanbul for the forthcoming Netflix documentary. Those who played a part in the greatest comeback ever witnessed recalled Benitez's dramatic decision to send his left-back to the dressing room early, only to be forced into a rapid change of heart.
Traore, 46, admitted he "felt ashamed" of both his own display and that of the side as a whole. Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher both described the "commotion" that quickly ensued, with various players pointing the finger at one another.
"There was fighting and like, 'You're not doing this,'" recalled Carragher. "Rafa tells Djimi Traore that he is going off. He says, 'Traore, shower.' He [Traore] is devastated, he has just been brought off in the biggest game of his life.
"Djimi goes for his shower, and Didi Hamann goes out to warm up because he is coming on at half-time.
Liverpool completed a famous comeback to win
Liverpool completed a famous comeback to win(Image: Getty Images)
Hamann then commented on how he felt helpless in his bid to impact the scoreline as he added: "My first reaction was, 'What am I meant to do now?'
"We were 3-0 down against a world XI, the chances of coming back are next to nothing. I went outside to start warming up, and the next thing I see is Djimi taking his kit off and walking naked to the shower."
However, it transpired that Traore's night wasn't over just yet. Dejected, unclothed and certain his shot at European success had vanished before it truly started, the defender was abruptly instructed to get dressed again.
Carragher continued: "After Djimi goes for his shower. The physio tells Rafa that Steve Finnan, one of our defenders, is injured and couldn't continue.
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"I just remember a little pause from Rafa, and he just said, 'Finnan, shower.' And then there is another pause from Rafa, 'Traore, out of the shower.' Djimi comes back out again and has to put all of his kit back on. Didi Hamman comes back in. Oh, it was chaotic."
Traore ultimately vindicated himself after the interval. Liverpool struck three times in six breathtaking minutes to draw level against all odds, and it was Traore who prevented Milan from retaking the lead in the 70th minute, hooking a Shevchenko effort off the line.
Hamann also proved pivotal, as his penalty set the tone for the rest of the shootout. Djibril Cisse and Vladimir Smicer also converted their spot-kicks, while Jerzy Dudek produced his legendary heroics to keep Milan at bay, saving two penalties. The result saw Traore immortalized in folklore alongside the rest of a squad that had been written off at half-time.