On This Day In 1973: Liverpool Win The UEFA Cup

After a 3-0 win at Anfield two weeks earlier, Liverpool went into the second leg of the UEFA Cup final favourites to win the trophy. At the time, Liverpool did not have the European pedigree that they now have and the 1973 UEFA Cup was the club’s chance to win their first piece of European silverware. Liverpool showed up to the Bokelberg stadium with a stellar line-up that included Ray Clemence, captain Tommy Smith, Kevin Keegan, Steve Heighway, John Toshack and Ian Callaghan and faced a Borussia Moenchengladbach; the side they would also beat in the 1977 Champions League final. Two goals from Jupp Heynckes in the 31^st and 40^th minute reminded Liverpool the quality of opposition they were up against and the teams went into half-time with just one goal separating them; however Shankly’s Liverpool held firm to secure their first piece of silverware in Europe. The UEFA Cup would be Bill Shankly’s only success in Europe but his legacy left Liverpool in the position to dominate Europe under Bob Paisley. They would secure a second UEFA Cup in 1976, win the UEFA Super Cup in 1977 and win three European Cups between 1977 and 1981; adding a fourth in 1984 under Joe Fagan. 2001 would bring another UEFA Cup and Super Cup as Liverpool secured a League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup treble and you don’t need me to tell you about what happened in 2005. With Liverpool in another Champions League final in Kiev, could number 6 be on its way? Article by Louis Connor Twitter: @Loui_Connor For more Redmen TV content including podcasts, subscriber exclusives and three new shows every week subscribe now and get your first month for FREE bit.ly/RMTVjoin