On this day (May 16) in 2001, Liverpool completed the third leg of a historic treble as Gerard Houllier’s side clinched the UEFA Cup in dramatic circumstances.
Having already lifted aloft the domestic cup double, the Reds headed to Borussia Dortmund’s home the Westfalenstadion to face Spanish side Alaves in what turned out to be an extraordinary showpiece.
German defender Markus Babbel and a fresh-faced Steven Gerrard put Liverpool 2-0 up after a quarter of an hour before Ivan Alonso pulled one back for the Spaniards.
Gary McAllister restored the two-goal advantage from the penalty spot prior to half-time, but the action was far from over.
Former Spain international Javi Moreno netted twice in quick succession to level the final at 3-3 before Robbie Fowler put the Reds in front yet again.
There was seemingly heartbreak for Houllier’s men late on when ex-Manchester United winger and son of a footballing legend, Jordi Cruyff, equalised to send the tie into extra time at four apiece.
With Alaves down to nine men and all of 26 minutes into the final 30 before the dreaded penalties would decide the fate – McAllister delivered a dangerous cross that was inadvertently headed in by defender Delfi Geli – the golden goal and the glory was to Liverpool.
Some 20 years on this night lives fondly in the memories of Kopites everywhere.
Not only for the glory, the drama and completing a memorable treble – that went on to become five trophies all told – but also to remember the late, great, Gerard Houllier.
