---
title: "OTD: Liverpool squeeze past star-studded Barcelona"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/otd-liverpool-squeeze-past-star-studded-barcelona/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Dan Clubbe"
section: "Articles"
published: "2021-04-19T13:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-04-19T13:00:00Z"
---

# OTD: Liverpool squeeze past star-studded Barcelona

On this day (April 19) in 2001, [Liverpool](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2021/04/19/graeme-souness-claims-liverpool-players-can-be-annoyed-with-gini-wijnaldum/) edged past Barcelona in the UEFA Cup semi-finals at Anfield [1-0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mQpM_ppkYY), thanks to a penalty from Scottish midfielder Gary McAllister.

On the day the game as we know it heads into turmoil following the [proposed European Super League](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56795811)taking steps towards its inception, two decades ago the Reds were [conquering Europe’s elite](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/2016-tour/222863-april-19-2001-liverpool-1-0-barcelona-anfield) on the biggest stage yet again.

Gerard Houllier’s side overcame what was a [Barcelona side brimming with star quality](https://www.lfchistory.net/SeasonArchive/Game/2314), such as Rivaldo, Marc Overmars, Carles Puyol and current Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

In what was a cagey affair, Liverpool were [awarded a penalty](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2001/apr/19/minutebyminute.sport) on the stroke of half time when Patrick Kluivert handled following a McAllister corner.

The popular Scotsman stepped up and converted the resulting spot-kick and with it sent the Reds to [Dortmund for the final](https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/news/025e-0f99c9000468-de442df38cc1-1000--classics-liverpool-5-4-alaves/) after a goalless first-leg, where they would take on lesser-known Spanish side Alaves.

What followed was a tumultuous showpiece [when a 4-4 draw in 90 minutes](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNqFuw6YQZQ) took the game into extra time before Delfi Geli scored an own goal to hand Houllier’s men the trophy.

### READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT

Given the[uncertainty](https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2021/apr/19/european-super-league-latest-reaction-to-breakaway-football-competition-live) surrounding the current circumstances, let’s all hope nights like this aren’t a thing of the past, nor are they a thing of every fortnight.