LFC vs AC Milan, not in Istanbul, but at Kai Tak this time

I think most football fans would remember what happened the night at Istanbul on 25 MAY 2005. The Italian football team led three goals by the halftime; most people thought that was the end of the game — AC Milan would be holding the UEFA Champions League Trophy by the end of the night.

But no game says LFC spirit like this Final. Trailing 3-0 at halftime against a Milan side featuring Maldini, Pirlo, and Shevchenko, the Reds staged an unthinkable comeback. Gerrard’s header, Smicer’s strike, and Alonso’s rebound penalty forced extra time before Dudek’s iconic "spaghetti legs" saves sealed victory in the shootout. It wasn’t just a win — it was a resurrection, forever etching this rivalry into football folklore.

The Liverpool vs AC Milan pre-season friendly at Kai Tak Sports Park in Hong Kong became an instant sell-out phenomenon for several key reasons: blending footballing legacy, fan culture, and smart event marketing.

The 2005 & 2007 UCL finals between these clubs are iconic: older fans relive the drama, while younger ones want to witness legends like Salah face Milan’s new stars. Pre-season or not, LFC vs Milan is a marquee matchup with emotional weight.

The Kai Tak Sports Park ONLY has 50,000 capacity (smaller than European stadiums) made tickets scarce from the start. Hong Kong has a massive, passionate football culture, with EPL and UCL fandom at fever pitch. Local supporters, expats, and mainland Chinese fans all competed for seats.

Media buzz framed it as "the must-see event of the summer" — not just a friendly, but a cultural moment. With the hot EPL Champion coming to Hong Kong after many years (last one was 2017), with the celebration atmosphere of LFC fans, it is not just a game, it is a celebration of football fandom.