Ten Matches That Make Liverpool FC: Part One

Liverpool FC is probably most famous for its illustrious history, unrivalled success, great players and great matches. 

Over the next few weeks I will be looking at ten of the most memorable games in Liverpool FC history, starting with the 1977 European Cup Quarter Final second leg against St Etienne.

16th March 1977, European Cup Quarter Final Second Leg

Liverpool 3-1 St Etienne

This match was played a good ten years before I was born, but when I hear fellow supporters talk about their most memorable European games, St Etienne always crops up.

In 1977, Bob Paisley was masterminding another Liverpool revolution after the resignation of Bill Shankly, and many thought the quiet Paisley would not be able to take the club any further. Little did they know he would become Liverpool's most successful manager.

This game was a pivotal point in Paisley's managerial career, as it inspired his team to go on and win the European Cup for the first time.

The first leg was played at St Etienne, who were probably one of the best sides in Europe. They managed a 1-0 victory over The Reds, who lost John Toshack and Kevin Keegan through injury during the game.

And so to the second leg at Anfield, where Bob Paisley's men had the odds stacked against them. The noise from the Kop was deafening and the whole stadium erupted when Kevin Keegan struck after just two minutes to put the home side level on aggregate.

The hopes of the home supporters were dashed though when Barthenay of St Etienne smashed a superb shot past Ray Clemence into the top left-hand corner. The Frenchmen looked to be favourites once more.

After an hour's play Liverpool's influential midfielder Ray Kennedy scored to send Anfield into raptures again. The score was 2-2 on aggregate, and Paisley made what turned out to be a momentous decision when he brought on 'super-sub' David Fairclough.

Just six minutes from time, Fairclough latched onto a hopeful long ball.  He ran 20 yards, displaying sheer determination, strength and skill to hold off the French defenders.  As the Kop heaved with anticipation the fiery-haired Liverpudlian coolly dispatched the ball into the bottom corner of the net, handing victory to The Reds. The fans roared with joy, and Fairclough ran over to the manager to celebrate, knowing he had just written himself into Liverpool folklore.

In the semi final The Reds eased past FC Zurich, winning 6-1 on aggregate, before recording an emphatic 3-1 victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach in the final, to bring the European Cup to Anfield for the very first time.

Team vs St Etienne:

Clemence, Neal, Jones, Smith, Kennedy, Hughes, Keegan, Case, Heighway, Toshack (Fairclough), Callaghan.

Attendance: 55,043