Athens, May 24:

AC Milan made sure there was no Liverpool comeback this time. Filippo Inzaghi scored two goals and Milan did it by the book to win European soccer’s biggest prize for the seventh

time on Wednesday, beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Champions League final.

It was a repeat meeting of their 2005 final when Milan tossed away a 3-0 lead to lose on penalties after a 3-3 draw that become one of the greatest finals in the competition’s 52-year history.

This one didn’t really get out of second gear. Inzaghi deflected in a free kick by Andrea Pirlo in the final minute of the first half and ran clear to shoot past Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the 82nd. Although Dirk Kuyt’s header replied for Liverpool with a minute to go, this time there was to be no extra time.

Inzaghi didn’t play in Istanbul two years ago so these were his first goals in a final. “These are the evenings that remain with you for all your life,” the striker said. “I’ve scored quite a few times in Europe but scoring in the Champions League final is something special.”

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti now has two winners medals as a coach to go with the ones he won as a Milan player in 1989 and 1990. Milan moved within two of Real Madrid’s all-time record of nine European Cup triumphs while Liverpool stays with five.

“I thought we started well,” Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard said. “We were in control just how we like to be but when you do that you’ve got to score. They got the first goal, with a bit of luck, but it was a big lift for them.” Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said his team was unlucky to conceded Inzaghi’s deflected goal.

But it was an amazing end to a half that had few chances, Milan goalkeeper Dida blocking a shot from Jermaine Pennant in the 10th minute and Kaka forcing Reina to make a low diving stop in the 17th.

Playing in a more attacking role than usual, Gerrard should have equalized in the 61st when Gattuso gave the ball away 25 yards from his own goal and the Liverpool captain ran clear. He didn’t get any power on his shot, however, and Dida raced off his line to make a blocking save.