"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 47-year-old tactician said after the game.

Filipo Inzaghi scored a goal in each half to help Milan avenge their dramatic defeat in Istanbul final two years ago while Dutchman Dirk Kuyt scored the consolation for Liverpool in the dying minutes of the game.

Milan, who won their appeal to participate in the Champions League this year following the Italian match-fixing scandal, had to overcome a series of hurdles to reach the final in Athens.

"When I think back to December, we had to overcome so many hurdles so that makes it a very special victory,” said Ancelotti.

But the Milan boss did admit his team was not at their best on Wednesday night.

"Liverpool didn't allow us to play at our best and for us it has been difficult," he said.

"Anyway, I think it was our destiny to win this match and this cup for what happened two years ago and what happened this year."

Rafael Benitez offered his congratulations to the Rossoneri but insisted that Inzaghi’s “lucky” first-goal dealt his team a strong blow.

"First of all, congratulations to Milan, they're a very good team," he said. "You could see the quality they had, and we need to start thinking how we can improve our team."

"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.

"We controlled the game for most of the first half and it was a bad goal to concede -- a deflection at the end of the half. We were doing well until then," added the Spaniard.