Ajaxs 1995 Champions League win remains one of the most memorable triumphs in modern football history.
Louis van Gaals young, largely homegrown side looked to be the perfect modern template for success, combining Dutch flair and technical ability with physicality. Many predicted that years of European dominance would follow, but instead this would be the high-water mark of the team, as the newly-established Bosman ruling would soon rip apart the side.
Key to that sides success was young Finnish playmaker Jari Litmanen, who found a home at the club after trying his luck in the Premier League.
Jari Litmanen on Ajaxs Champions League success
Its hard to believe its already 30 years ago, Litmanen recalls to FourFourTwo when asked about that landmark campaign. Only two of us actually had any real European Cup experience Frank Rijkaard and I. When the draw came Milan, AEK Athens and Casino Salzburg we were excited.
The first game was at home against Milan and we felt no pressure because everyone just expected us to lose. Four months earlier, theyd beaten Barcelona 4-0 in the Champions League final, but we won 2-0. That was a huge step for us from that moment, everything changed.
The second game against Milan was played in Trieste [after crowd trouble at a previous Milan game at San Siro]. I remember the talk in Italy they werent going to underestimate Ajax a second time. I scored early to make it 1-0, then we added a second to win again. Even the Milan fans applauded us. From that point, we were sure we could go far in the competition.
Ajaxs semi-final second leg was a particularly memorable night for Litmanen, who netted twice in a 5-2 win over Bayern Munich.
The first leg in Munich finished 0-0, then in the second leg I scored to make it 1-0, but Bayern equalised, Litmanen adds. At that point, with the away goal, we were out. We told ourselves, No problem, look around, the stadium is full, the crowd is behind us. We scored again to make it 2-1, then 3-1 and I made it 4-1.
It was an unbelievable feeling to reach the final against Milan. Wed beaten them twice, so we felt ready, though they had more experience in those kinds of games.
Litmanens place in the final was in doubt however, with Finn suffering from a grass allergy in the build-up to the game.
That started a week before the final, he continues. I couldnt sleep and was only getting a few hours of rest during the day. My eyes were red, my throat was sore and I didnt feel right.
On the Monday, Van Gaal asked me if he could count on me to play in the final on Wednesday. Of course, I said yes. In the game, I wasnt at my best and when you face Marcel Desailly, you need to be 100 per cent, so it was really tough.
It was the worst of the three games we played against Milan that season, but we won. Patrick Kluivert came on for me and scored the winning goal I joke with him that it was an ugly goal, but it doesnt matter. We won the Champions League.
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