The game is considered one of Anand's greatest masterpieces; Chess.com staff ranked it as the third best chess game of all time, behind Kasparov's Immortal and the Opera Game.[2]
White should have played 14. h3!, which gives an unclear position after 14...Bh2+ 15. Kh1 Qh4.[4]
14...cxd4 15. exd4 Bc5!
The first of a series of sacrifices to come. If white accepts the sacrifice, Black will capture back on c5, followed by a quick invasion with Qd4+ and Nf2. [3][4]
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Position after 16. Be2
16. Be2 Nde5!!
Black is still trying to clear the way for Qxd4+ and Nf2 and doesn't mind giving up a knight to do so.
17. Bxg4 Bxd4+ 18. Kh1 Nxg4 19. Nxf8
If white plays 19. Ng5, black would continue similar to the game with f5, followed by either Rf6-h6 or Qh4.
19...f5!
Black cuts off white's chances of defense against the black queen.[5]
20. Ng6 Qf6 21. h3 Qxg6 22. Qe2
White cannot take the knight on g4 as there would be Qh6#.[4]
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The final position
22...Qh5 23. Qd3 Be3! 0-1
Interfering white's defense against Qxh3+ (the g-pawn is pinned). Aronian sees no way out and finally resigns.[4]