Liverpool have been one of the most popular clubs in the world and their fans have been known for their fanatism. Despite the rise and fall in their history, Champions League is where The Reds belong. Moreover, the European nights in Anfield with more than 53,000 fans inside have always been exciting with the attractive atmosphere at the venue.
The Reds is a place for the legends. They are not only the players on the pitch but also the managers off the pitch. The names of Kevin Keegan, Kenny Daglish, Phil Thompson, Graeme Souness, Terry McDermott, Bruce Grobbelaar, Ian Rush, Steven Gerrard, Jaime Carragher, Xabi Alonso, Jordan Henderson, Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Alisson are side by side with Bob Paisley, Joe Fagan, Rafael Benitez and Jurgen Klopp. They are the true Liverpool’s hero due to their great contribution for the club’s campaign in the Champions League with lifting the trophy at the end of the season.
Top Achievements
The Reds have won six titles since their debut in the continental top flight in 1965. Their golden era began in the late 1970s and ended in early 1980s.Their first title was clinched in 1977 when The Reds trashed Borussia M’Gladbach 3-1. Their glory endured in the following season when Phil Thompson and Co edged out Club Brugge 1-0 in Wembley. Three years later, Liverpool thumped Real Madrid in 1981, plus another win against Roma on penalties in 1984. In 2005, Liverpool won in a dramatic way against AC Milan. They made a stunning comeback win after being three goals behind, while in 2019, they dismantled the UCL final debutant, Tottenham 2-0.
Meanwhile, on three occasions, Liverpool had to suffer a loss in the summit. In 1985, they lost to Juventus. Then, 2007 was practically the repeat of 2005 final and AC Milan took revenge their loss by defeating Steven Gerrard and Co 2-1. In 2018, Jurgen Klopp’s side was losing to Real Madrid 1-3.
Iconic Moments
Livepool surely have had Iconic Moments in the Champions League. Their most thrilling one was the 2005 final. Rafael Benitez’s men were not the favourite against AC Milan led by Andry Shevchenko and Andrea Pirlo. At the first half, their title seems to going to Milan as they had three-goal lead by Hernan Crespo’s brace and plus Paolo Maldini’s goal. Yet, the table was turning at the second half, starting from Steven Gerard’s long range strike, followed by Vladimir Smicer’s and Xabi Alonso’s goal. The lady luck eventually smiled at them when Jerzy Dudek’s move in the shootout helped them win. Another moment of glory was a win in Rome in 1984 finals after edging out AS Roma on penalties too.
The most heartbreaking one was the 2018 final. Jurgen Klopp’s men were under criticism after losing terribly in the summit against the dominant Real Madrid. During the final, Mo Salah had to be replaced early due to his arm injury after being involved in a duel against Sergio Ramos and their goalie, Loris Karius made two horrible blunders leading to their two concessions by Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale and the Welsh Wizard’s superb overhead kick goal in between.