25th May 1977 Liverpool 3 Borussia Moenchengladbach 1
(European Cup final)
Bob Paisley MBE
In arguably the greatest night in Liverpool's history, the European Cup was won with a fine victory over a strong German side. The victory in Rome completed the quest that had been started by Bill Shankly thirteen years earlier and made up for the heartbreak of losing the FA Cup final the previous Saturday. Although all the players were undoubted heroes, a special mention has to be reserved for Tommy Smith, who was so elated at the success that he decided to postpone his retirement for one more year.
Liverpool's European adventure began in Iceland in August 1964 and the Reds so nearly reached the final in that first season, going out to Inter Milan in controversial fashion in the semi finals. Shankly's two further attempts at European Cup glory both ended in the 2nd round, but his trusted assistant Bob Paisley learned the lessons of earlier campaigns. Having won the UEFA Cup in 1976, Paisley had every reason to believe that the ultimate success could be achieved in his first crack at the big one in 1977.
Liverpool found themselves chasing a treble that year but although they secured the league title they were cruelly beaten by Manchester United in the FA Cup final some four days before the trip to Rome. Many a side would have cracked but after the heartbreak of losing at Wembley, the Reds players were determined to win in the Eternal City. They had been led to believe that around 8,000 Reds fans would be present, but when they went out onto the pitch before the game and saw that 25,000+ were there, they told themselves they could not possibly lose this game.
Liverpool started with the side that had finished the cup final, meaning Ian Callaghan started instead of David Johnson. Tommy Smith, who had been out of favour for much of the season and was set to leave the club in the summer, retained his place for the game due to an injury to Phil Thompson. An Achilles injury to John Toshack meant that there was a place amongst the substitutes for Alan Waddle, who hadn't scored for the Reds for over three years.
The first chance of the game fell to Bonhof, who hit the post with a low shot, but Liverpool then took control and went ahead on 28 minutes. Ian Callaghan robbed Bonhof and put Heighway through on the right, who found Terry McDermott. The curly haired midfielder then coolly slotted the ball past the keeper to put the Reds in the lead and the score remained that way until half time.
Liverpool came under the cosh for the early part of the second half and it was just six minutes old when Allan Simonsen scored after he latched on to a poor backpass from Case. Ten minutes later, Ray Clemence was forced to make a brilliant diving save at the feet of Stieleke as the German side threatened to overpower the Reds in a machine like way.
This brilliant save from Clemence was Liverpool's wake up call as they then regained their composure and on 64 minutes Tommy Smith stole in unnoticed to head home Heighway's corner. There was no way back for the Germans now and Liverpool were rampant. Victory was secured on 82 minutes when Bertie Vogts brought down Keegan in the area and Phil Neal stepped up to score the resultant penalty.
After the match there were huge celebrations back in Liverpool, while many of the fans in Rome sought out the team's hotel and gatecrashed the buffet. Bob Paisley didn't touch a drop of alcohol all night, wishing to be able to remember every single moment of the party. In her silver jubilee year, Queen Elizabeth II sent a telegram of congratulations and there was an OBE for Bob Paisley. Winning goal scorer Tommy Smith received an MBE and decided to stay at Liverpool after all, turning down the chance to manage Wigan Athletic in the process.
Oh happy days!
p.s were any members of this forum there?
I was able to watch it in next door neighbours on my own on a little Black and White portable , still screamed the place down and remember it like it was yesterday (Wish it was !!! )
