Liverpool’s 5 Champions League victories: Looking back at glory
By Kris Whelan
1984- Liverpool 1-1 Rome (4-2 on Penalties)
This would be the last success Liverpool would have in the European Cup for over two decades, something that would have seemed laughable at the time. The dominance that Liverpool displayed in the 1970’s/80’s was unprecedented for an English team, and it was unthinkable that the good times were going to come to an end.
The stadium chosen for the final was significant for both teams, most notably for Rome as it was their home ground. Uefa decided that the final would go ahead in the stadium despite Rome making it to the final, as such it was pretty much a home game for the Italians. A good omen for Liverpool however, was the fact that they won their first European Cup in the stadium back in 1977.
Liverpool took an early lead through defender Phil Neal in the 13th minute, but the Italians earned an equalizer through Roberto Pruzzo a few minutes before the half time break. Rome were the better side in the second half, but they failed to break down the Liverpool defense and the game was destined for extra time.
Extra time was less than eventful to say the least, and the final would be decided in the cruelest way, on penalties. Things started out poorly as Liverpool missed their first penalty through substitute Steve Nicol. Thankfully for the travelling Liverpool fans, Rome missed two and the Reds put their remaining four away.
Incredibly it was Alan Kennedy who scored the decisive kick, his second winning goal in a European final.
Liverpool line up: Substitutes:
GK- Bruce Grobbelaar GK- Bob Bolder
RB- Phil Neal DF- Steve Nicol
CB- Alan Hansen DF- Gary Gilespie
CB- Mark Lawrensen (C) FW- Michael Robinson
LB- Alan Kennedy FW- David Hodgson
RM- Craig Johnston
CM- Graeme Souness (C)
CM- Sammy Lee
LM- Ronnie Whelan
CF- Kenny Dalglish
CF- Ian Rush
Next: 2005: Incredible Istanbul