UEFA relief at avoiding all-English final
There was relief at UEFA after AC Milan's victory over Manchester United avoided an all-English Champions League final - and president Michel Platini is convinced the climax of the European season will pass off in Athens on May 23 without any crowd trouble.
The fact Liverpool and AC Milan met in the Champions League final only two seasons ago will help security preparations, while a potential flashpoint between rival sets of English fans has been avoided.
UEFA are also pleased Milan's victory means they are not faced with overwhelming dominance of Premier League sides in Europe's top club competition.
One senior UEFA executive told PA Sport: 'I think many of us at UEFA are relieved it is not a Liverpool v Manchester United final - not just from a security point of view but because this is meant to be a pan-European competition, and it is much better if it is not two clubs from the same country in the final.
'It should also make preparations that much easier - the logistics would be much more complicated with two clubs from the same country, and in security terms we are experienced in dealing with a Liverpool v AC Milan final.'
Platini, who was elected UEFA president earlier this year, praised the players and fans of all four semi-finalists.
He told the UEFA website: 'I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and praise the fans who have attended the semi-finals for creating such a wonderful atmosphere at the matches.
'They have contributed in a positive manner to making the semi-finals such an exciting spectacle.
'I am convinced that both Liverpool and Milan fans will contribute to making the Athens final a landmark in festive behaviour.'
Platini said the prospect of a re-match between the 2005 finalists was mouth-watering.
He added: 'They are two clubs who have won the trophy 11 times between them will meet for the second time in two years.
'On the last occasion in Istanbul in 2005, Liverpool and Milan produced a match that occupies a special place in European football history.
'I am sure that the two teams will be striving to make this year's final an equally memorable occasion at the splendid Athens Olympic Stadium.'