Liverpool 1-1 AS Roma (aet, Liverpool won 4-2 on penalties)
1984 European Cup final
Liverpool faced Roma on the Italians' home turf at the Stadio Olimpico in search of their fourth European title and the third and final part of a unique triumvirate – the First Division Championship, League Cup and European Cup.
Phil Neal (13)
Roberto Pruzzo (42)
European Cup final,
May 30, 1984
Stadio Olimpico,
Referee: Erik Fredriksson,
Att: 69,693
Although Liverpool received a hostile reception, home advantage proved a double-edged sword as Roma wilted under the pressure. Phil Neal edged Liverpool in front on 13 minutes, but Roberto Pruzzo equalised just before half-time, and after a goalless period of extra-time, the game went to penalties. Steve Nicol missed Liverpool’s first spot-kick but Bruno Conti returned the favour. Francesco Graziani also missed with his effort – thanks largely to some Bruce Grobbelaar's mind games – leaving Alan Kennedy to convert the winner.
Key Figures
Bruce Grobbelaar
Ever the showman, Grobbelaar produced a wobbly-kneed, 'spaghetti-legs' welcome to Graziani as he prepared to take his penalty. The distracted Italian sent his spot-kick sailing high over the bar.
Phil Neal
As well as scoring in the nerve-jangling penalty shoot-out, Neal also netted Liverpool's goal in normal time. A Craig Johnston cross was fumbled by Roma's goalkeeper and Neal slid the ball into the net.
Alan Kennedy
With a happy habit of grabbing goals in big matches, Kennedy became the first British player to score winning goals in two European Cup finals. His strike against Real Madrid was enough to take the trophy back to Anfield three years previously and he repeated the feat with the decisive penalty in Rome.
Did You Know...?
Roma had not conceded a single goal at home during their European Cup campaign.
The Stadio Olimpico was also the site of Liverpool's first ever European Cup triumph, against Borussia Moenchengladbach in 1977.
Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek recreated Grobbelaar's 'spaghetti legs' antics in the 2005 Champions League final win over AC Milan.
What Happened Next
The following season, Liverpool lost their league title to Everton but their return to the European Cup final was overshadowed by the Heysel disaster in Brussels. Thirty-nine people died before the final after Liverpool fans charged Juventus supporters. A wall collapsed crushing hundreds. UEFA banned all English teams from European competition until 1990.
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