Liverpool’s 5 Champions League victories: Looking back at glory
By Kris Whelan
1978: Liverpool 1-0 Clubbe Brugge
Liverpool defied the odds by defending their first European title successfully, beating Belgian side Clubbe Bruge in the final by a single goal. Some key recruitments by manager Bob Paisley is seen as the key to his continued success, most notably giving Phil Thompson, Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish key roles in the side.
The defending champions were given a bye in to the second round, which of course would not happen in today’s European format. Liverpool then went on to beat Dynamo Dresden (Germany), Benfica (Portugal) and the previous year’s finalists Borussia Monchengladbach in the semi final.
The only goal scored in the final came from Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish in the 64th minute. It was the Scottish forward’s first season with the club, and this was the cream on top of the cake that started the love affair with Liverpool fans.
By all accounts it was a boring match with few chances. Liverpool were made hold on until the very end however, with future Liverpool captain Phil Thompson making a goal line clearance to make sure the game finished 1-0.
Liverpool line up: Substitutes:
GK- Ray Clemence GK- Steve Ogrizovic
RB- Phil Neal DF- Joey Jones
CB- AlanHansen DF- Colin Irwin
CB- Phil Thomspn MF- Ian Callaghan
LB- Emlyn Hughes (C) MF- Steve Highway
RM- Jimmy Case
CM- Graeme Souness
CM- Terry McDermot
LM- Ray Kennedy
CF- Kenny Dalglish
CF- David Fairclough
Next: 1981: Late drama in Paris