WRAPUP 1-Soccer-Inzaghi double leads Milan to European Cup win

By Mike Collett

ATHENS, May 23 (Reuters) - AC Milan beat Liverpool 2-1 with two goals from Filippo Inzaghi to win the European Cup for the seventh time on Wednesday and avenge their defeat on penalties by the English team in the final two years ago.

Liverpool, who looked down and out, pulled a goal back in the 89th minute with a Dirk Kuyt header but could not repeat their famous Istanbul fight-back when they recovered from 3-0 down at halftime to force a 3-3 draw and win the trophy.

Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has now guided Milan to two victories as coach after winning the European Cup with them as a player, said: "This is the greatest victory we have ever had.

"Few people thought we could do it and I think it is an extraordinary thing. It has been described as a Utopia and it shows that sometimes Utopia can become real."

The Italians took the lead against the run of play just before halftime when Inzaghi got in the way of Andrea Pirlo's free kick to divert the ball past helpless keeper Pepe Reina.

He added the second in the 82nd minute when he rounded Reina and squeezed the ball home under his body after being played in by Kaka. It was his 42nd goal in 69 Champions League appearances.

Dutchman Kuyt gave Liverpool some hope just before the end with a powerful header into the net after Daniel Agger had headed the ball across the area from a corner.

Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez said: "We almost controlled everything, we were nearly there. We had chances in the first half but you need to take your chances and score goals.