No. 14 – Liverpool 3 – 0 Borussia Mönchengladbach
On May 10, 1973 in front of 41,169 spectators, Liverpool produced a stunning performance which left them favourites to add the 1973 UEFA Cup to their League title after beating Borrussia Mönchengladbach 3-0 in a dramatic first leg final at Anfield.
Borrussia Mönchengladbach lined up with a very strong starting line-up with a number of well known internationals including Vogts, Bonhof, Jensen and Netzer. The first leg began in torrential rain, Brian Hall had been recalled back into the side replacing John Toshack, however, with the German side looking comfortable after 27 minutes, the match was abandoned after a torrential rain storm.
The game was rescheduled for the following night, however, this time Shankly observing Borrusia’s tactics and a lack of height in their defence decided to reintroduce John Toshack replacing Hall, a tactic that worked to Liverpools favour. After missing a penalty, Kevin Keegan snatched two brilliant goals and goalkeeper Ray Clemence robbed Borussia Mönchengladbach with a penalty save that won the cheers of the 41,169 crowd.
Toshacks height was a constant problem for the Germans all night and it was Toshacks height that gave Liverpool the advantage. Liverpool took the lead in the 21st minute, Toshack headed down a Chris Lawler cross for Kevin Keegan to score.
Just four minutes later, Alex Lindsay crossed another high ball into the area to Toshack, this time Bonhof’s efforts to clear his line resulted in him clearing the ball with his hand, Keegan stepped up to take the spot kick only to see goalkeeper Kleff parry it away.
However, Keegan made amends for his miss eight minutes later. Emlyn Hughes headed the ball into Borrussia’s six yard box to Toshack, who inturn headed the ball down to Keegan who smashed the ball past Kleff and into the net.
Liverpool then made it 3-0 just after the hour mark after Larry Lloyd headed in a Keegan corner sending the densely packed terrace into raptures and ending a thrilling night for the Reds – a night fans would never ever forget…..
Liverpools Team :Ray Clemence, Chris Lawler, Alec Lindsay, Tommy Smith, Larry Lloyd, Emlyn Hughes, Kevin Keegan, Peter Cormack, John Toshack, Steve Heighway, Ian Callaghan
Liverpool then travelled to Bökelberg for the return leg only to find another night of torrential rain! But the game went ahead and Mönchengladbach won 2-0 in a thrilling, tense and exhilarating second leg as Liverpool held on to their 3-2 aggregate lead to clinch the cup.
Bill Shanklys Liverpool became the first Football League Club to pick up a European trophy and the League title in the same year….
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